Project Management: Corrective Action and Problem Handling

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of reviewing progress against the plan?

To compare actual performance with planned performance (correct)

To assign blame for project delays

To determine the project's financial viability

To identify opportunities for scope creep

What is a common approach to recovering lost time in a project?

Adding more resources to the project team

Reducing the project scope

Offering incentives for on-time completion (correct)

Extending the project deadline

What is a common budget control method when a project begins to exceed its budget?

Increasing the project timeline

Recouping costs on work yet to be completed (correct)

Obtaining more funding from the client

Reducing the project scope

What is the primary benefit of using a checklist for project completion?

To ensure that all tasks are completed thoroughly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a milestone chart?

To monitor project progress Signup and view all the answers

What is a common corrective action strategy when quality is not according to specification?

Redoing the work to meet specifications Signup and view all the answers

What is the traditional approach to problem-solving?

Clarifying the problem, analyzing causes, identifying alternatives, and choosing one Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of conflict?

A struggle between opposing forces or ideas Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Level 1 conflict?

A disagreement over facts or data Signup and view all the answers

How can Level 3 conflict be resolved?

By working through hard issues and dialogues Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern in Level 2 conflict?

How to get there? Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the traditional approach to problem-solving?

To solve the problem Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of being knowledgeable in problem handling methods?

To reduce the effect of problems on contract running Signup and view all the answers

What is a problem, according to the definition?

An obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal Signup and view all the answers

What does problem solving form part of?

Thinking Signup and view all the answers

What is problem solving dependent on?

The type of problem and the people involved Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of being knowledgeable in problem handling methods in industrial relations?

Improves industrial relations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of agreements in industrial relations?

To prevent union hopping Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Project Review and Corrective Action

Review of progress against plan involves examining deviations from the original plan
Review of problems encountered and how they were handled involves analyzing mistakes and finding solutions
Review of anticipated problems with proposed plans for handling them involves predicting potential issues and preparing for them

Taking Corrective Action

Corrective action is taken when actual progress does not measure up to the plan
When quality is not according to specification, options include redoing the work or finding alternative solutions
When the project begins to fall behind schedule, options include recovered lost time in the next steps, offering an incentive for on-time completion, and deploying more resources
When the project begins to exceed the budget, options include recouping costs on work yet to be completed, narrowing the project scope, and obtaining more funding from the client

Project Completion

Project Completion involves numerous tasks, including:
- Obtaining client acceptance of the project
- Listing changes in specifications to amend the contract
- Writing operation manuals and complete drawings
- Writing a final report and training people
- Reassigning project team members and disposing of surplus equipment, materials, and supplies
A checklist is essential to ensure all tasks are completed

Conflict Management

Definition of Conflict

Conflict is defined as a struggle between opposing forces, opposition between ideas, interests, etc., leading to emotional tension or controversy

Levels of Conflict

Level 1: Facts or Data - conflicts arising from different information, easily resolvable by ensuring both parties have the same information
Level 2: Processes or Methods - conflicts arising from differences in opinion over how things should be done, resolvable by compromise
Level 3: Goals or Purpose - conflicts arising from disagreements over goals, requiring patience, skill, and open dialogue to resolve

Problem and Conflict Handling

Problems and conflicts are inevitable and can affect contract running
Knowledge of methods for defusing problems is essential to reduce their impact
Problem handling involves defining problems, analyzing causes, identifying alternatives, assessing each alternative, choosing one, implementing it, and evaluating whether the problem was solved or not

Problem Handling Definitions

A problem is an obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal, objective, or purpose
A problem exists when an individual becomes aware of a significant difference between what actually is and what is desired
Problem solving is a higher-order cognitive process that requires modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills, involving critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making to overcome obstacles and find effective solutions in complex, real-world situations.