FORMATIVE ACTIVITY 3: PROJECTS IN RELATION TO STRATEGY

Answer all the questions below. US242914 SO2 AC3 [Total: 35]

1. Brainstorm a portfolio and related programmes and projects that you have been involved with in your division (You may use the same project you described in Formative Activity 2). (1)

2. Sketch a diagram that shows the relationship between the strategic objectives, portfolio, and its programmes and projects in the greater provincial environment. (9)

3. Connected to the project / programmes you identified in no. 1: a. Link the project to the strategic objectives of the organisation. (3) b. How will the success of the projects be measured? (5) c. How will the success of the portfolios and programmes be measured? (3)

4. Consider the integration between the stated strategic objectives (or overarching goals) and the objectives that flow from this into the portfolio, programmes and projects (e.g. timeframes, budget, deliverables, quality). (5)

5. Using the framework (adapted from PMBOK, 2013:5) given in your Learner Guide, and the content provided below, create a hierarchical structure of portfolios, programmes and projects for the National Infrastructure Plan 2012. Government will have over the three years 2012/15 invested R827 billion in building new and upgrading existing infrastructure, the minister of finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan, announced in his 2013 budget speech. (5)

6. The new growth path sets a goal of five million new jobs by 2020. The first jobs driver is infrastructure, which will lay the basis for increased economic growth, inclusivity and job creation. Under this plan 18 strategic integrated projects have been developed some of which include:

The Mokolo and Crocodile River (West) Water Augmentation Project

The Dwarsloop-Acornhoek Steel Pipeline (will supply water to nine rural communities in the Bushbuck ridge local municipality)

The Mooi-Mgeni Transfer Scheme (which includes the construction of the Spring Grove Dam as well as a pumping station and pipeline)

The raising of Tzaneen Dam and the construction of the Nwamitwa Dam (both on the Groot Letaba River)

The refurbishment of eight sewage treatment plants and three water treatment plants in the Free State (which will benefit eight municipalities). (South African Government Information, 2013) a. In your opinion, what are the benefits of structuring work according to portfolios, programmes and projects? (3) b. Why is it important for the strategic objective to be stated in clear and measurable terms? What are the consequences of vague strategic objectives? (4)