Project Management Case Studies, 7th Edition

Part 2IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The first step in the implementation of project management is to recognize the true benefits that can be achieved from using project management. These benefits can be recognized at all levels of the organization. However, each part of the organization can focus on a different benefit and want the project management methodology to be designed for its particular benefit.

Another critical issue is that the entire organization may not end up providing the same level of support for project management. This could delay the final implementation of project management. In addition, there may be some pockets within the organization that are primarily project‐driven and will give immediate support to project management, whereas other pockets, which are primarily non–project‐driven, may be slow in their acceptance.

Kombs Engineering

In June 2013, Kombs Engineering had grown from just a few employees to a company with $250 million in sales. The business base consisted of two contracts with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), one for $150 million and one for $80 million. The remaining $20 million consisted of a variety of smaller jobs for $150,000 to $500,000 each. Kombs expected the growth in smaller jobs to exceed $100 million in a few years.

The larger contract with DOE was a five‐year contract for $150 million per year. The contract was awarded in 2008 and was up for renewal in 2013. DOE had made it clear that, although it was very pleased ...