Sample MBA642 Project Initiation, Planning and Execution Report 3

MBA642 Project Initiation, Planning and Execution. Report 3 Sample

Your task

Individually, you are required to prepare an eight-page project management plan for a company based on the assessment instructions below.

Assessment Description

The purpose of this individual assessment is to allow students to create an integrated project management plan that meets industry standards and objectives. In analysing the organisational factors that promote effective project management, students will also consider factors that may lead to ethical compromises.

Assessment Instructions

Presume that you have just been employed by one of the companies listed below to manage the project to deliver the following new setup in Melbourne.

- A standard setup house
- A music festival
- A traditional chocolate shop

For the purposes of this assessment, you are to assume the setup in Melbourne will be an identical model and operations, with the location being entirely sustainable (without goods/services being shared between the two locations).

Within your research, consider the size, location, and requirements of the new setup in Melbourne and make sure you identify the unique operational, management and procurement needs of the company you select. Then, when considering your plan, think about your chosen company’s various operational and logistical requirements to begin operations in Melbourne.

Your final proposal must include the following:

• A one-page executive summary that covers all the significant proposal items (not included in the page limit)

• A one-page overview of the company, its operations and identifying the essential requirements for the move.

• In your own words, outline the project and briefly address the background, context, main objectives and main work packages in the project.

• An outline of the main steps and work packages within the project life cycle, being your baseline for the further identification of risks, project team and requirements.

• Outline the resources (Human, material, services, approvals) required to deliver the project successfully.

• The following original documents as part of your Word document submission (not in pdf or other formats):

o Work Breakdown Structure, highlighting the main tasks and elements of your project.

o A Gantt chart showing the main tasks and overall project schedule (Minimum of 20 tasks and maximum of 40 tasks in different levels), including the define activities process.

o A scheduling flowchart showing the links, dependencies and critical path between your various tasks.

o Risk assessment plan, including identification, classification, categorisation, potential impact (likelihood and severity matrix), and a mitigation and action plan for the most critical ones for your project.

Your plan should detail everything required to have an open, functioning location with the same standards and specifications as the existing location. However, you do not need to consider any elements relating to marketing, communications, or other methods of gaining new customers for this location.
As this is a professional report, it is expected that you will complement your research with matrix diagrams, tables, or other formats to present your findings clearly and concisely that align with best practices in project management. Also, your report must include:

• Title page, table of contents, introduction, context and project objectives.

• The WBS and the Gantt chart. You may include the full Gantt chart in the appendix.

In preparing this proposal, you will need to utilise relevant theories and concepts covered in weeks 1 to 12, use at least 10 sources of information, and reference these following the Kaplan Harvard Referencing Style. These may include websites, government publications, industry reports, census data, journal articles, and newspaper articles. These references should be presented as in-text citations and a reference list at the end of your proposal. Wikipedia and other ‘popular’ sites are not to be used.

Solution

Overview of the company

Hickinbotham Homes is a real estate development and construction company specialising in building and renovating outdoor living spaces. The company has been in operation since 2012 and is based in Australia. The company focuses on creating outdoor living areas that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. For Assignment Help, Hickinbotham Homes' processes involve designing, constructing, and maintaining outdoor living spaces. They are experienced in designing and building outdoor living areas such as decks, patios, pergolas, kitchens, fireplaces, lighting, and entertainment areas. In addition, they offer landscaping services such as lawn care, garden maintenance, and irrigation systems. The essential requirements for implementing Hickinbotham Homes operations include the proper licensing and permits from the local government and the relevant authorities, as well as the necessary certifications and insurance. They must also have a team of experienced and qualified professionals who can carry out the job efficiently and safely. The company must also have a reliable supply of materials and equipment and access to the necessary tools and machinery.

The Project

Hickinbotham is planning to build a new set-up in another part of Melbourne. Since the company mainly deals with construction and building, they are about to start building a new project in Melbourne. The clients from whom this company collects and uses raw materials for building a construction project, such as cement, sand, steel, etc., are very reliable and genuine. This company has the best-experienced employees and designers who give their best and complete any project exceptionally. The Hickinbotham family's mindfulness of the need to further develop building and improvement techniques, safeguard the climate and protect the valuable water asset has seen them acquire numerous extreme advancements with their local area domains.

Background

Being South Australian, Hickinbotham has private information on neighbourhood building conditions and money, plan, land, soil types, and other structural considerations. With South Australia's best scope of the estate, yard, customary and two-story homes, Hickinbotham offers an unparalleled range of more than 300 plans. In many cases, a house and land bundle is the most helpful speculation, particularly for first-time financial backers. It removes the mystery of independently choosing a house plan and a block of land and furnishes a bundle that permits occupants to move in when the house is constructed. Hickinbotham house and land bundles for clever financial backers are accessible across South Australia in prime improvement regions that will probably draw in the best rental returns.

Context

Hickinbotham mainly offers construction consultancy. Recently they have been trying to provide house projects to their clients at the lowest price they can help so that they can grow more in the market of construction consultants. The Hickinbotham record remains solitary, implying clients can relax, realising their fantasy home is good to go. A 25-year primary assurance means something when a family has been doing business for over sixty years. At Hickinbotham, they coordinate the best home plans with pursued blocks of land across South Australia and afterwards bundle these with broad incorporations and additional discretionary items to give a reach to invigorate and move others.

Main objectives

The main objective is to build another new set-up in Melbourne. They are currently attempting to offer house ventures to their clients at the most negligible value they can. So they can fill more in the market of development advisors. The Hickinbotham record stays single, which infers clients can unwind, understanding their dream home is all set. A house and land bundle is a reasonable answer for house buying, where a block of land and another home can be bought in a total bundle. The comfort and reasonableness of a house and land bundle make it the ideal choice for first-homebuyers and first-time financial backers the same.

Main work packages

Initiation- In the initiation of the project it would cost $50000.

Planning- Planning is the second, which is more about innovative ideas and knowledge rather than finance.

Execution- In this stage, labour costs, various equipment costs, and costs of the raw materials are considered, which is $30000.

Closing- It insinuates cleanup of the area, reviewing each ace and cons of the entire construction work and alongside that last documentation and legitimate papers, which nearly costs $20000.

Project Life Cycle

Initiation

The initiation stage is the first stage of the project life cycle, and it is during this stage the idea for the project is established and the project is formally initiated. During this stage, the project sponsor must define the project's scope, set the budget, and identify the stakeholders and resources required to complete the project. The first step in the initiation stage is to define the size of the project. This includes identifying the goals of the project, the timeline for completion, and the resources that will be required. It is also essential to identify the stakeholders involved in the project and determine their roles and responsibilities. Once the project's scope has been defined, the project sponsor will need to set the budget for the project. This includes estimating the cost of materials, labour, and other resources necessary to complete the project. The funding will also need a contingency plan in case of unexpected expenses or delays. It is essential to ensure that the budget is realistic to complete the project within the given timeframe and budget. Once the scope of the project and the budget have been determined, the project sponsor will need to identify the stakeholders involved in the project. This includes subcontractors, suppliers, and other professionals interested in the project. It is essential to ensure that all stakeholders clearly understand their roles and responsibilities and that they have the necessary resources to complete their tasks (Willaret al., 2021).

Planning

The planning stage is the second stage of the project life cycle; during this stage, the project is planned in detail. During this stage, the project team will need to develop a detailed project plan, including the timeline, tasks, resources, and stakeholders. The program should be documented to be easily referenced and updated as the project progresses. The first step in the planning stage is creating a project timeline. This includes identifying the significant milestones that need to be met and the tasks that will be completed to meet those milestones. It is essential to ensure that the timeline is realistic and achievable so that the project can be completed on time. Once the timetable has been established, the project team must create a detailed plan. This includes identifying the tasks that need to be completed, the resources that will be required, and the stakeholders who will be involved. The program should also include risk management plans to mitigate potential risks that may arise during the project (Alnaggar, and Pitt, 2019).

Execution

The execution stage is the third stage of the project life cycle, and it is during this stage that the project is implemented and executed. During this stage, the project team must ensure that all tasks are completed on time and that all resources are utilised effectively. The project team will also need to monitor the progress and make adjustments as needed. The first step in the execution stage is to assign tasks to the appropriate individuals and ensure that all stakeholders have the necessary resources to complete their studies. The project team must ensure that the charges are completed on time and that any problems are addressed promptly. The project team should monitor its progress to ensure it is on track. Once all tasks have been completed, the project team must ensure that all stakeholders know the project's completion. This includes providing feedback to the stakeholders, ensuring that all documentation is complete, and ensuring that all resources have been utilised effectively (Malacarneet al. 2018).

Closing

The closing stage is the fourth stage of the project life cycle, and it is during this stage that the project is formally closed. During this stage, the project team must ensure that all tasks have been completed, that all stakeholders are aware of the project's completion, and that all resources have been utilised effectively. The project team will also need to document the progress and create a final report to be submitted to the project sponsor. The first step in the closing stage is to ensure that all tasks have been completed and that all resources have been utilised effectively. The project team should also ensure that all stakeholders know the project's completion and that all documentation is complete. Once all tasks have been completed, and all stakeholders are aware of the project's completion, the project team will need to create a final report to be submitted to the project sponsor. This report should include a summary of the project's progress, tasks completed, and recommendations for future projects (Kavishe and Chileshe, 2019).

Work Breakdown Structure

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a tool used in project management to break down a project into smaller, more manageable tasks. It typically includes a hierarchical decomposition of the project into levels that represent increasing detail. Each level of the WBS contains tasks that are necessary to complete the project. It is used to organize and define the scope of the project in order to develop an appropriate schedule and cost estimate. Using a WBS helps to ensure that all of the necessary tasks are identified and accounted for in the project plan.

The WBS is divided into five parts and each part is subdivided into different tasks:

Planning and Admin

- Design and Architectural Rendering
- Plans and Drawings
- Specifications
- Permits

Substructure

- Excavation
- Foundations
- Footings

Envelope

- Frame, Beams, Ties, Trusses
- Sub Floor
- Exterior Walls
- Exterior Doors
- Windows
- Siding

Finishes and Finish Carpentry

- Paint
- Tile
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Drywall, Plaster
- Baseboard, Molding

Utilities and Systems

- Electric
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Plumbing
- Gas
- Water
- Internet

Resources

Human

Architecture and Design: An architect or a designer will help plan the layout and design of the house, taking into account your preferences, budget, and local building codes.

Construction: A general contractor will oversee the construction process, hire and manage subcontractors, and ensure that the work is done according to the plans and within budget.

Engineering: Structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers will design and specify the systems that make up your house, such as the foundation, roof, walls, heating and cooling, and plumbing.

Tradespeople: According to Suresh (2020), a team of skilled tradespeople, such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and roofers, will perform the hands-on work of building the house.

Materials suppliers: Companies that supply building materials, such as lumber, roofing, and electrical components, will provide the materials you need to construct the house.

Inspectors: Building inspectors from your local government will periodically inspect the work to ensure that it complies with building codes and standards.

Financial

Purchasing the land to build a standard house is the first step in the set-up process. According to Krajewska, Szopinska, and Sieminska, (2021), land costs can differ significantly depending on the location, size, and other aspects. The materials needed to construct a typical house include lumber, roofing, electrical parts, plumbing fixtures, and more. It's crucial to budget appropriately for these materials because they can be pricey. The price of labour can be high, mainly if you work with experts like architects, engineers, and contractors. The wages of the tradespeople who will perform the actual physical labour of building your house must also be paid. It can be expensive to obtain all the permits and inspections needed to build a house.

Material

The house's walls, floor, and roof are all constructed from lumber. The house is shielded from the elements by roofing materials, which can be made of tiles, metal panels, or asphalt shingles. Windows and doors allow access to the house and natural ventilation and lighting. According to Paraschiv, Paraschiv, and Serban, (2021) insulation lowers energy costs by keeping the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The wiring, outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures that make up an electrical system are necessary for the house to be powered and illuminated. Sinks, toilets, and showers are examples of plumbing fixtures that provide water and waste removal for a home. Carpet, hardwood, or tile are flooring materials that add comfort and style to a home.

Services

The various services needed for setting up a standard house are Architecture and design, site preparation, construction, cleaning and landscaping, financing, legal services and inspections. These services are essential for constructing a new standard house. These services cover all aspects of the project.

Data

Different types of data are needed for building a standard house by a company. The floor plan, cross sections, and material list are important design data. The budget data is also essential to have a clear understanding of funds distribution. The schedule and contractor information together gives the company a good idea regarding the project's timeline.

Project Timeline

Figure: Gantt Chart
Source: (Self-made, 2023)

The project timeline for the construction of a new standard house includes following steps such as acquisition of land, contacting engineers, house design, land clearance, labour, construction materials, foundation and finally construction. These events happen one after another and the overall time required for these events to complete defines the total timeline for the project. The house shall need an approximate value of 15 weeks to be completely usable after it is done with furnishings, interior and other small detailings. The legalities shall be done with the buyers by the company and the timeline acts as an estimate for the company to understand the investment to be made for the project.

Scheduling Flowchart

A scheduling flowchart is a visual representation of the steps involved in a scheduling process. It is typically used to help organize and streamline the scheduling of resources, such as personnel, equipment, or materials. The steps of the scheduling flowchart are as follows:

- Schedule an initial consultation
- Gather information about the space
- Prepare a design plan
- Estimate cost of materials and labor
- Make any changes to the plan
- Order materials and schedule delivery
- Confirm delivery date and begin setup
- Assemble furniture and install fixtures
- Arrange accessories and decor
- Clean and inspect the space
- Finalise the setup and document the process
- Follow up with the client for feedback

Critical Path

Critical path is a project management technique used to identify the sequence of activities that must be completed in order for a project to be completed on time. It is the longest path through all of the tasks that need to be completed in order to finish the project. Identifying and managing the critical path can help project managers ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

Risk Assessment Plan

Risk analysis has been a tool for allowing and supporting determining the level of risks and their impact, which can cause some potential threats. Depending upon the results obtained, the analysis of changes in constructing a house can assess the existing risks and assign the factors with specific weight. To a great extent, the risk assessment plan influences the business continuity management development strategy (Paunescu and Argatu, 2020).

The primary risks are:

- Cost Overrun: Cost overrun is defined as the increased cost of the whole project of the construction than the estimated cost that was calculated during the beginning of the project. Several factors can be responsible for cost overrun, such as significant errors in designs and extra labour costs can be the reasons. Because of the competitive nature, a construction organisation's expectations beyond reality can suffer the project. In some cases, the cost of the projects exceeds due to meeting unrealistic deadlines from the architects and the contractors. This is a common risk factor in the construction industry.

- Incompetent contractors: One of the significant problems in the construction of a house is the incompetency of the labours. Unprofessional contractors can increase troubles in paperwork and with subcontractors. They delay the project, which leads to missed deadlines. Communication with the owner is also a problem. If multiple tasks are happening for the same contractors, possibilities are there that they will need help to perform with a specific speed and concentration.

- Design Errors: Because of the inadequate design of the structure, design errors can arise. The concrete of the house will be under more significant stress. The symptoms of these kinds of errors are due to insufficient design of the structures, which show spalling cracking of concrete. Moreover, high pressure and shear torsion can result in the cracking of concretes. Additionally, the size of the rooms can get distorted due to design errors. Abrupt changes in the design plan can cause stress on the construction, which may result in cracking. For instance, when thin sections are tied rigidly with massive teams as well as replacement concrete which is ununiform in the dimension of the plan.

- Safety hazards: The primary safety hazards in the construction of a house are:

- Vibration syndrome
- Working at height
- Trips, slips and falls
- Noise
- Handling of material by labour and equipment
- Moving of construction objects.

Mitigating strategy for the most critical risk and Action Plan:

Mitigating strategies help to implement mitigation in decision-making (Stehn et al., 2021). Design error is the most critical risk of house construction (Sharma and Gupta, 2019). To identify errors in design that can lead to structural damage, the first inspection should be conducted on the plan of the structure. With the help of petrographic analysis, testing the concrete's strength can be done. And proper communication regarding the design should be conducted.

References