Posted: January 2nd, 2014
What do you think about Dawn’s approach to scheduling work and estimating the costs?
Question 2
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 1stoccupancy –
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.
Task 2 (notes; marking scheme- Critical Path and resource allocation)
Table 1 below lists activities for constructing a bridge over an operational railway line.
Table 1 Activities required
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