Posted: January 5th, 2014

What do you think about Dawn’s approach to scheduling work and estimating the costs?

Task 1 (notes; marking scheme- WBS and estimation)

Dawn Smith, project manager at Stark Industries, is planning and coordinating the

company’s move to a new building currently under construction. Dawn wants the move

to commence as soon as the building is ready for the estimated June 1st occupancy –

still 2 months away.

The entire move, which will affect 4 departments and 600 people, is to be completed

within 1 week. Because timing is critical, Dawn starts her planning by preparing a Gantt

chart. At the project level, she draws a bar 1 week [7 days] long and then subdivides it

into 3 major categories: (1) pack office supplies, equipment, and furniture [3 days

allotted]; (2) move everything [2 days allotted]; and (3) unpack and arrange it at new

location [2 days]. She then estimates the total number of boxes, equipment, and

furniture that will have to be moved in 2 days, gives the estimate to a moving

contractor, and receives a priced quote. To assist in packing and unpacking boxes and

equipment, Dawn intends to hire temporary workers. She estimates the number of

workers needed, gives it to a temp agency, and receives a priced quote.

Dawn shows the completed plan to you, her manager, and asks for a review of it. The

plan consists of the Gantt chart and a budget that is largely based on the priced quotes

from the moving agency and temp agency.

1. What do you think about Dawn’s approach to scheduling work and estimating

the costs? Do you consider her plan to be comprehensive stating why you have

reached that opinion?

2. Prepare a draft action plan in readiness for a meeting with Dawn that outlines

your guidance points that Dawn will need to adhere to when re-drafting her

plan.