Forum: PM Case Study 9 - Irresponsible Sponsors

Controlling projects is a necessity so that meaningful and timely information can be obtained to satisfy the needs of the project’s stakeholders. This control process includes measuring resources consumed, measuring status and accomplishments, comparing measurements to projections and standards, and providing effective diagnosis and replanning.

For cost control to be effective, both the scheduling and the estimating systems must be somewhat disciplined in order to prevent arbitrary and inadvertent budget or schedule changes. Changes must be disciplined and result only from a deliberate management action. This includes distribution of allocated funds and redistribution of funds held in reserve.

Instruction:

Read through the case study provided and answer the questions in this forum. You will be graded on by the assessor and your peers on this case study.

Marilise Maree Theron

Irresponsible sponsors

Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 11:03 PM

Question 1

Is it customary for companies to allow executives to have a pet or secret projects that do not follow the normal project approval process.

It is not customary for companies to allow executives pet projects and here's why i say so:

Following the normal project approval process ensures transparency and accountability within the organization. Executives not following the standard approval process can lead to misallocation of resources. Projects should be assessed and prioritized based on their potential benefits and alignment with organizational objectives. By bypassing the standard approval process, the sponsors expose the project to potential risks, which can lead to unforeseen issues.

Bypassing the standard approval process can be seen as unequal treatment within the business/organization.

Question 2

Who got promoted and who got fired? How did the executives save face?

The project managers got promoted as from the first stage of there gate review meeting they were against the project and had very good reasons as to why the project should be canceled and had the company's best interest at heart. The sponsors is the executives/ vice presidents of the business, so no one will get fired, but they did waste $2miilion.

The executive save face as the technical breakthrough was made, but 6mnths later. They will only have 6mnths left to recover half the cost and opportunity to sell into the market.

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