Courtney Olney

CIEG 486 – Project Management

Quiz 1
10/2/2017

Question 1: Chapter 1
In reviewing Baca’s definition of project management and a project manager, describe one
experience where you were a project manager, and discuss your challenges with the concepts
Baca categorized under Teaming (Empathy, Negotiation, Influencing, Walking the Talk, Ego in
Check… just pick one example).

At my community college we were assigned a project to design and construct a mini concrete
canoe (about two feet long). I was the team leader for my group of four. The main dilemma in
designing the canoe was deciding what material we should use for the underlay of the canoe.
One option was Styrofoam and the other was fiberglass. The other students were opting for
Styrofoam, while I wanted fiberglass. I insisted that Styrofoam would not be strong enough
even for such a small product and that fiberglass was not much heavier than Styrofoam. Plus, I
could get the fiberglass for free. It was challenging to convince three other people to change
their minds. So, I proposed that if we used fiberglass, I would make the form for it. Otherwise,
my teammates would have to figure out how to carve Styrofoam into a canoe shape. So, after
my negotiating skills, the team decided to go with fiberglass.

Question 2: Chapter 2
Discuss why this course could be considered a project, and provide a driver and restriction or
two restrictions that we could use on this “project”. You may want to reference Figure 2.4
“MOP Checklist” on page 30 of the text.

This course is unique process because of the subject cover and how it is presented. It also has a
clear beginning and end, which would classify it as a project.

Driver: To learn and demonstrate my understanding of some of the skills need in the
professional and management work that are presented during the course.
Restriction: Must oblige to the student code of conduct.

Question 3: Chapter 7
What are some considerations when assessing the communication needs of an individual?

Different groups of people prefer certain communication methods, so how you communicate
the message needs to be considered. Also, ask when will the communication occur, for
example, during the whole project or only parts. Consider why you are communicating, which
will determine what exactly you what to communicate. To further suit the needs of an
individual, categorize them as a champion, influencer, and or challenger; each group will have
special needs to be accounted for. If a person does not fall into those categories, special
handling may not be needed.