31 Dec • physical, financial,

Project Planning and Decision Making

Discussion expectations are for students to post each week: a response to the questions posed and at least two or three substantive replies to the contributions of fellow students or the class instructor. “Substantive” implies more than simple agreement or other one-liners: explain your position, offer an example, and at least some external referencing. The best examples of discussion contributions provide some depth – compose a coherent paragraph or two, offer some originality, and demonstrate an understanding of the concepts covered in the module. Proofread what you have written before publishing it.

The Discussion for Module 1 poses two separate, though related questions.

Week One – Planning

The basics of planning any project require a consideration of

• activities required to complete the project

• physical, financial, and human resources to be acquired and/or deployed

• a timeline for resource acquisition and activities including start and end dates.

Think of when you have had to plan some event – a family get-together, company picnic, or child’s birthday party. Indicate some specific examples of these issues, (e.g., “purchase 5 dozen hot dogs at Kroger’s on Smith Road on July 23”, the day before the picnic is scheduled) or how and when to issue invitations and to whom.

Week Two – Decision Making

An important question in planning such events is where it should be held. For example, a company picnic or family reunion might be held at either (1) a picnic area & playground at a local park, (2) a shelter house at another park, or (3) somebody’s lake cottage 30 or more miles away.

What factors would you want to consider in choosing among these options? Describe or demonstrate the process you would follow in making that choice.