Apr 1999 PM217: Project Management (Question 2) - Sample student's solutions

April 1999
PM217: PROJECT MANAGEMENT

QUESTION 2

Total Marks: 20 Marks

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GRADE A
Sample student's solutions are indicated in green.
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(a)	Successful management of human resources is a vital element in project management
	(i) Explain why it is important to make a team as tangible as possible.	[2]
	It is important because a changing team can lead to lack of cohesion and commitment. A tangible team shows identity and focus on activities.
	(ii) Explain, with the aid of illustrative examples, four ways in which this can be achieved.	[8]
	Hold productive meetings The purpose of meeting is to convey information and to reinforce identity. Group all the team members to sit in the same meeting, so that they can see each other in flesh. Create a team space Give team members a sense of belonging. Locate all the team members at a single location so that they could learn something about each other. Create time efforts The signs advertise aspiration and five motivation. Reinforce identity - examples are T-shits, mugs. Publicize team efforts Solidify the project image so that the team is recognize externally. Example is regularly mention the project in the organization's newsletter.
(b)	(i) Give two advantages of the self-managed team.	[2]
	Team members are responsible for their own decisions. They have greater commitment, improved motivation, improved efficiency and effectiveness. They are close to the work, knows the needs of the job better than high level managers who are far away from daily actions.
	(ii) Explain what steps must be taken by team members and upper management if self-management is to succeed.	[4]
	Upper management must empower team members to make independent decisions. Team members must show leadership and prepare to take responsibilities. Team members must be highly motivated. Team members have to form a cohesion group where members are not taken from other departments.
	(iii) Explain what problems might arise with the self-management team structure.	[4]
	(i) Lack of clearly define leaders (ii) Lack of accountability which leads to delay in decision making (iii) Problems of communications (iv) Needs consensus to avoid group conflicts.