For the final paper, select Option A or Option B or Option C. Your paper should be 10 pages (max) typewritten and double spaced. It should be well-organized and concise and should reflect your ability to apply project management techniques from a systems perspective. Initially, describe what you will be discussing and summarize at the end of the paper.
For ALL OPTIONS use the following guidance to demonstrate your insight into project management – it will make the difference in your grade!
(1) Integrate basic project management concepts in your paper. Use course material we studied in class [and other external sources if you wish] to substantiate the discussion. Provide examples that support your points.
(2) Incorporate a systems perspective. Select a framework to organize your thoughts: a) the Management Coordination System Model, b) systems thinking principles from O’Connor & McDermott, Chapter 2 or c) your own framework that will show interrelationships, cause and effects. Using this perspective, describe how leaders’ actions influenced elements inside the project. Incorporate elements such as formal systems including project management tools; informal systems including culture; motivation; internal and external communication; requirements and goal alignment; commitment, trust, empowerment and learning; and others you may identify. Describe effects of the external environment, as well as influences of leaders’ actions on the external environment [incl. customers and other stakeholders]. Discuss risks, risk management and change management.
(3) Describe interactions and cause-effect relationships among the elements listed above. Note unintended consequences and how actions/ interactions relate to performance success or failure. Discuss short and long-term effects and lags between action and effect. Clarify and illustrate your points with examples.
Option A: Analyze project management in the following case, describing pitfalls, failures and areas of success. Provide recommendations and specific actions about how the failures could have been prevented. [Ignore questions at the end of the case.]
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