Project Management Case Studies, 7th Edition

Part 7PROJECT PLANNING

Perhaps the most important phase of any project is planning. If the planning is performed effectively and the workers participate in the development of the plan, the chances of success are greatly enhanced. Yet even with the best‐prepared plan, changes will occur.

Good project planning begins with a definition of the requirements, such as the statement of work, work breakdown structure, specifications, timing, and spending curve. Effective planning also assumes that the project manager understands the business case and the accompanying assumptions and constraints.

Greyson Corporation

Greyson Corporation was formed in 1970 by three scientists from the University of California. The major purpose of the company was research and development for advanced military weaponry. Following World War II, Greyson became a leader in the field of research and development. By the mid‐1980s, Greyson employed over 200 scientists and engineers.

The fact that Greyson handled only research and development (R&D) contracts was advantageous. First of all, all of the scientists and engineers were dedicated to R&D activities; they did not have to share their loyalties with production programs. Second, a strong functional organization was established. The project management function was the responsibility of the functional manager whose department would perform the majority of the work. Working relationships between departments were excellent.

By the late 1980s, Greyson was under ...