1. Assignment 1: Project Management Process – Initiation
2. Build on the project that you identified in Week 1 Discussion 1 in order to complete this assignment.This assignment consists of two (2) sections:
   • MS Project Exercise
   • A Project Management Process – Initiation Paper

   You must submit both sections as separate files upon the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment for which it is written. Additionally, you may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.Section 1: MS Project Exercise1. Develop a multilevel work breakdown structure (WBS) and create a detailed project schedule in MS Project for the project you identified. Note: The project must consist of at least twenty-five (25) tasks. Each task must have a start date, a finish date, assigned main staffing and non-staffing resources.Section 2: Project Management Process − Initiation Paper Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:2. Define the scope of the project in which you include the project goals and objectives, deliverables, tasks, costs, deadlines, and expected main staffing and non-staffing resources needed.3. Determine the phase of your project which will present the greatest challenge. Next, provide one (1) strategy that you would use in order to address the challenge in question. Provide a rationale to support your response.Your assignment must follow these formatting guidelines:

   • Typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
   • Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

   The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

   • Analyze the functions of project management.
   • Analyze project management processes for scheduling and sequencing work components.
   • Use technology and information resources to research issues in project estimating and budgeting.
   • Write clearly and concisely about project estimating and budgeting using proper writing mechanics.

   Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric found here.

BELOW IS THE PROJECT I IDENTIFIED IN WEEK 1 DISCUSSION 1:

MS Project

Our company manufactures and sells matchsticks. Due to high demand, we produce the products on order. Most of our customers order between one hundred and two hundred boxes. Before the closure of the day, yesterday, one of our customers increased his order from two hundred to five hundred boxes. He wants the boxes produced within the same time that we usually produce the two hundred. The management wants us to minimize the costs to be able to offer the client a discount to encourage him to give us more business than before. The scope of the project is two days. The most significant constraint is the cost. The estimated budget can raise due to an increase in fuel. However, giving this customer a good discount is necessary. The use of Microsoft Excel is tedious and may have some errors as I will have to calculate elsewhere and feed the answers. The MS project requires a small setting, and all calculations are done automatically.

The first of the PMBOK process group is the initiating. It involves the skills, activities and processes required to define the start of the project. The second one is the planning which sets out the process required to define the project’s scope. Thirdly is the executing process which involves managing the team effectively (Hornstein, 2015). The fourth one is monitoring and control which involves mitigating unforeseen circumstances likely to affect the ability if the team to meet the needs of the project. Lastly, is the closing which involves successfully closing the project within the budget and on time. The most difficult is the executing process group which involves managing teams effectively. It is difficult because team members have varying personalities, talents and skills. For example, the most hardworking and skilled member may have a short temper and may make other members uncomfortable working with him.

Reference

Hornstein, H. A. (2015). The integration of project management and organizational change management is now a necessity. International Journal of Project Management, 33(2), 291-298.