Project Schedule and Communicating Progress
Project management success is based on the effective execution of the project deliverables over the project life cycle. Project managers must develop a reliable understanding of the work being accomplished in order to plan for and react and respond to specific risks or challenges to ensure appropriate action are taken to keep project performance on track. You will be reviewing the current status of your project schedule and communicating progress to sponsors and stakeholders. Communication is vital during the work execution phase, as everyone involved needs to be updated.
Part I: Update Project Schedule
For this assessment, you will update the project schedule and Gantt chart you created in Unit 5 based on the work completed to date. This should include any task or work, indicating % complete. Your update should include tasks identified as completed, in process, or behind schedule. Use the Project Status Report template (attached) to create a project status update communication that captures changes made. Also, identify potential risk or project uncertainty that may be occurring during the execution phase and complete a risk register log using the Risk Register template (attached).
Reminder: The instructions for the project schedule are located in the A column starting in cell A1 of each worksheet.
- They are written with hidden text.
- Each step guides you through the information in that row.
- Each subsequent step continues in cell A2, A3, and so on, unless otherwise explicitly directed.
- For example, the instruction text might say, "continue to cell A6" for the next step. This hidden text will not print.
The project schedule will be updated a final time in Unit 9 as part of the project closure process.
Part II: Project Communication — Status Update
Based on the results of your project schedule updates, you will create a status update and communication presentation (5–6 slides), reflecting the current state of the project. This communication audience will include sponsors and stakeholders.
Minimum Submission Requirements
- Part I of this assignment is to be completed using provided templates, in addition to the title and reference pages. Part II is to be completed using Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Complete the templates for Part I in a thorough manner, providing specific examples of concepts, topics, definitions, and other elements asked for in the questions. Your submission should be highly organized, logical, and focused.
- Your submission must be written in Standard English and demonstrate exceptional content, organization, style, grammar, and mechanics.
- Your submission should provide a clearly established and sustained viewpoint and purpose.
- Your writing should be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful.
- A separate page at the end of your submission should contain a list of references, in APA format. Use your textbook, the Library, and the internet for research.