The organization’s PMO

As a project manager, your projects may be allocated the resources needed by the organization’s PMO. You are likely to be most concerned with securing the resources you need for your project, but the PMO is going to be focused on allocating the resources available to the right projects at the right time. When you articulate the project deliverables and the associated tasks and work packages clearly, the scope of the project is well-defined and helps to ensure delivery of the project outcomes successfully and within the project schedule.

In this assignment, you will show your project scoping skills when you prepare a project summary and work breakdown structure (WBS) for PMO review so your project’s resources can be allocated to meet your project schedule. Consider what the PMO needs from you so that your project gets what it needs from the PMO.

Select 1 project from a case study, such as:
o Greyson Corporation using information from the Greyson Corporation Case Study (Kerzner, 2022)
o Crosby Manufacturing Corporation using information from the Crosby Manufacturing Corporation Case Study (Kerzner, 2022)
o The case study you used in PM/570 for your project proposal
o Another case study of your choice

Use the case study you selected and prepare a WBS that you will submit to the PMO.

Summarize or outline the project’s critical factors, including the following:
o Project details:
o Project name
o Project sponsor
o Estimated start date
o Estimated date of completion
o Project scope description, including what is in and out of scope
o List of project deliverables:
o Project acceptance criteria
o Project constraints
o Project assumptions

Consider the key takeaways you learned in your course textbook, The DNA of Strategy Execution. These may help you consider what information a PMO will be looking for. Reference the textbook, as needed.

Prepare a WBS for this project in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or another program of your choice and include a detailed list of major project deliverables, subtasks, and work packages. Additionally:
o Consider the work needed to deliver each major deliverable or phase of the project.
o Include at least 2 phases with main tasks or deliverables that you can break down into subtasks and work packages.

Full Answer Section

     
  • Development of customer support infrastructure for the Greyson Gadget. Out of Scope:
  • Development of future iterations of the Greyson Gadget beyond the initial launch model.
  • Long-term customer relationship management beyond initial product launch support.
Project Deliverables:
  • Functional prototype of the Greyson Gadget.
  • Marketing and sales strategy documents, including target audience analysis, pricing strategy, and marketing campaign plan.
  • Production line setup and initial production run of the Greyson Gadget.
  • Customer support documentation and training materials.
Project Acceptance Criteria:
  • The Greyson Gadget prototype meets all functional specifications outlined in the product design document.
  • The marketing and sales strategy documents are approved by the project sponsor and marketing team.
  • The Greyson Gadget is successfully manufactured and meets quality control standards.
  • Customer support documentation and training materials are complete and approved.
Project Constraints:
  • Budget: $5 million USD
  • Development time: 10 months
  • Manufacturing capacity limitations
Project Assumptions:
  • There are no significant unforeseen technical challenges during development.
  • The marketing and sales team has sufficient resources to execute the launch campaign.
  • The supply chain for manufacturing components is reliable and meets production timelines.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
  1. Project Management * 1.1 Project Kickoff Meeting * 1.2 Develop Project Plan * 1.3 Manage Project Schedule & Budget * 1.4 Manage Risk Register * 1.5 Communication Management Plan * 1.6 Stakeholder Management
  2. Product Development * 2.1 Develop Functional Specifications Document * 2.2 Design and Prototype Development * 2.3 Prototype Testing and Refinement * 2.4 User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
  3. Marketing & Sales * 3.1 Market Research & Target Audience Analysis * 3.2 Develop Marketing Strategy & Campaign Plan * 3.3 Develop Sales Strategy & Pricing Plan * 3.4 Develop Sales & Marketing Materials
  4. Manufacturing * 4.1 Supply Chain Management & Procurement * 4.2 Production Line Setup & Testing * 4.3 Quality Control Procedures & Implementation * 4.4 Initial Production Run
  5. Customer Support * 5.1 Develop Customer Support Documentation * 5.2 Train Customer Support Staff * 5.3 Develop Warranty & Return Policy
  6. Project Closure * 6.1 Project Completion Report * 6.2 Lessons Learned Review * 6.3 Project Handover
Notes:
  • This WBS is a high-level breakdown and can be further divided into more detailed subtasks and work packages as needed.
  • The specific tasks and deliverables may need to be adjusted based on the evolving needs of the project.
This WBS provides a clear breakdown of the project scope into phases, major deliverables, and subtasks. It helps the PMO understand the project's overall structure and resource requirements for each phase. By presenting a well-defined WBS, the project manager increases the chances of securing the necessary resources for successful project execution.  

Sample Answer

     

Project Summary: Greyson Corporation - New Product Launch

Project Name: Greyson Gadget Launch - Project Nova Project Sponsor: John Miller, CEO, Greyson Corporation Estimated Start Date: June 1, 2024 Estimated Completion Date: March 31, 2025

Project Scope Description:

In Scope:

  • Development of the Greyson Gadget, a new high-tech productivity tool.
  • Design and implementation of marketing and sales strategies for the Greyson Gadget.
  • Manufacturing setup and prod