FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 2[100 MARKS] Read the case study below and answer ALL the questions that follow

SOUTH AFRICA

Project: Recycling Plant

Value: USD 65,732,100

Client: Alpla Group

Website: www.alpla.com

ALPLA Group is building a new recycling plant in the South African coastal town of Ballito, north of Durban. The plant, with an output of 35,000 metric tons per year of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, marks the company's entry into the African recycling market. Construction will start in summer 2023 and completion is planned for autumn 2024.

This 90,000m2 site is the first investment in a food-grade PET recycling facility in South Africa's second largest province by population and a key investment for the region. In future, almost 60,000MT of PET bottles will be recycled per year and 35,000MT of mechanically recycled rPET flakes and pellets will be produced from them, the majority of which ALPLA will process to produce its own bottles.

QUESTION 1(25 Marks) Project Planning and Software Utilization

Given the value, scope, and timeline of the ALPLA Group's recycling plant project in Ballito, South Africa, describe how you would use Microsoft Project 2016 to develop a comprehensive project plan. Include specific references to the software tools you would employ, how you would map the tasks involved, and the process you would follow to do an effective Work Breakdown Structure. Provide a detailed rationale for each of your choices.

QUESTION 2(25 Marks) Reporting and Output Generation

Imagine you are in the mid-phase of the ALPLA Group's recycling plant project. Using Microsoft Project 2016, do a hypothetical progress report that includes dependency relations, milestone lists, and a current project schedule. How would these elements provide insights into the project's status, and what adjustments might you propose based on this report?

QUESTION 3(25 Marks) Time Management and Scheduling

Considering the tight timeline from the summer of 2023 to autumn of 2024 for the completion of the ALPLA Group's recycling plant, how would you utilize Microsoft Project 2016 to do an effective project schedule? Discuss how you would manage time allocation, ensure timely delivery of milestones, and deal with potential scheduling conflicts, providing specific examples from the project.

QUESTION 4(25 Marks) Application of Theoretical Knowledge to a Practical Scenario

Reflect on the recycling plant project's aim to produce 35,000 metric tons of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material annually. How would you apply your theoretical knowledge of project management and practical skills in MS Project to ensure the project not only meets its production goals but also adheres to environmental and sustainability standards?

Discuss the integration of these considerations into your project planning and reporting within MS Project.