CIPS L6M5

KCJ Ltd is a public sector organisation which is looking to run 5 projects over the next financial year. Below are details of each project:

Project 1: The budget estimate of this project is calculated using an algorithm. The project lead is the founder of the organisation.

Project 2: The project lead is the Head of Research and Development, who has a PHD in Data Science. He has taken costing and budget information from similar projects conducted previously to decide on a budget for Project 2.

Project 3: The project is being led by a key stakeholder and involves creating a Bill of Materials. Costs will be worked out for each item required to complete the project and totalled together.

Project 4: The Project Leader has worked out the base cost, most likely cost and worst-case scenario for the project. His power comes from his ability to pull the plug on this project at any time.

Project 5: This project is being led by a well-liked member of the Board of Directors. He has selected a team who he gets on well with and has decided the budget based on his own research.

For each project, select the cost estimation method used and the source of power of the Project Leader. Complete the table below, some answers may be used twice: bottom up, 3-point estimate, parametric, analogous, expert judgement, top-down, positional (x2), personal (x2), expert, negative

Which of the following will you put into box 4?

Golden Rainbow Ltd has invested £4m in a new research project which was started three years ago. The CFO has calculated that the average rate of return on the project is -6%. Is this possible?

In a fixed lump sum contract, this pricing mechanism doesn't allow for any changes in price. Is this statement TRUE?

What is the purpose of Cybernetic Control within Project Management?

Below are descriptions of five companies located in the UK:

Company 1: This company has a highly centred authority around the founder. The culture is characterised by strict financial systems and a reward/ bonus scheme for meeting targets.

Company 2: People who work here see themselves as individuals and often bring in their own clients. There is strong branding and corporate identity including the use of a strict colour palette.

Company 3: A person’s salary and job title is decided by a strict hierarchy structure. The organisation is often described as bureaucratic and has stringent rules about who can do what.

Company 4: Employees often work individually or in small teams to complete projects as they arise. There is a strong emphasis on Monday Morning Meetings where each person/ team will describe what they are working on for the upcoming week.

Company 5: Authority is held by a small group of senior people who make all the decisions. There are few rules, and culture is reinforced by people talking about past successes.

For each company, select the type of culture at each as well as the most relevant cultural web influence. Note some answers may be used twice. Power (x2), Role (x2), Person, Task, Symbols, Organisation Structure, Control System, Stories, Ritual, Power Structure.

Which of the following will you put into box 1?