The IT Department case shows the prevalence of projects in settings that are perhaps not as obvious (in this case, a large hospital). The case is designed to get students to understand the ubiquitous nature of project-based work in our modern public and private organizations. It also demonstrates career paths and how successful work on projects is often rewarded with corporate success. Projects are not a distraction or a side-line; they are the principal means by which the IT department’s operations are demonstrated.

Questions

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of starting most new hires at the help desk function?
2. What are the potential problems with requiring project team members to be involved in multiple projects at the same time? What are the potential advantages?
3. What signals does the department send by making “project manager” the highest position in the department?