PROJECT MANAGEMENT.
It is suggested that the project you select be manageable in scope and not overly complex. You will assume that the objectives and scope of the project you have selected have been vetted and approved. The next step is to develop a project plan. You will develop a project management plan that will walk through key steps of the project management process. The objective of this Assessment is not a deep dive into the full intricacies of project management. Rather, it is to ensure that as a healthcare administrator or manager you have a solid theory and practical knowledge of key aspects of the project management process.
For Part 1 of this Assessment, you will create a Project Management Plan (3–5 pages) which includes the following:
- Project description, purpose, and objectives: The project description delineates key aspects of a project.
- Project Scope: The project scope defines the scope of the project and how the scope will be managed.
- Roles and Responsibilities: By definition, a project is a unique undertaking with a beginning and an end point. One responsibility of management is to determine who will be a part of the project team (including designation of a project manager). Ask yourself, “Who needs to be on this team to ensure that project goals are successfully met?†Consider, as well, the importance of communication among team members. What communication needs will each individual have? With whom will they communicate and how?
There are many different methodologies for planning and scheduling a project. For this Assessment, you will develop a Gantt chart that depicts key project activities, time allotted for each activity, and when each activity is scheduled to begin. To do so, you will need to consider dependencies. Some activities will be sequential, others may be simultaneous, and some may overlap.
Note: You may create your own Gantt chart using Excel, or download a template offered by Microsoft at https://support.office.com/en-sg/article/Present-your-data-in-a-Gantt-chart-in-Excel-f8910ab4-ceda-4521-8207-f0fb34d9e2b6
- Using a Gantt chart construct a project schedule.
- In two to three paragraphs of your project plan, explain the estimating techniques used to develop your project schedule. Provide rationale for why these techniques will be effective.
A project begins with an approved budget. Too often, however, unless the budget is meticulously managed, budget overruns occur. Healthcare administrators and managers must ensure that the project management process includes careful oversight on spending. In 2–3 pages, describe the project budget key success factors and dynamics including the following:
- Analyze at least three strategies that can be applied for due diligence and maintaining oversight of the project budget.
- Explain at least two challenges each of these strategies might present, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Compare the positive outcomes that might result from each strategy.
Even the most straightforward and well-planned project can be impacted by unexpected circumstances. Anticipating risks is a key part of project management, and one that a healthcare administrator or manager must ensure is taken into consideration by the project team. Additionally, If not carefully monitored, budget and time constraints can take a toll on the quality of a project.
Create a 2- to 4-page risk management and quality management plan, which includes the following:
- Describe how you plan to manage risks for your project.
- Analyze strategies for managing quality within your project.
- Analyze strategies for sustainability of your project.
- Describe at least two tools and/or techniques you plan to use to manage quality, and defend why you chose those tools.