Project Management Case Studies, 7th Edition

Part 12CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Conflicts can occur anywhere in the project and with anyone. Some conflicts are severe while others are easily solvable. In the past, project managers avoided conflicts when possible. Today, we believe that conflicts can produce beneficial results if the conflicts are managed correctly.

There are numerous methods available to project managers for the resolution of conflicts. The methods selected may vary depending on the severity of the conflict, the person with whom the conflict exists and his/her level of authority, the life‐cycle phase of the project, the priority of the project, and the relative importance of the project as seen by senior management.

Facilities Scheduling at Mayer Manufacturing

Eddie Turner was elated with the good news that he was being promoted to section supervisor in charge of scheduling all activities in the new engineering research laboratory. The new laboratory was a necessity for Mayer Manufacturing. The engineering, manufacturing, and quality control directorates were all in desperate need of a new testing facility. Upper‐level management felt that this new facility would alleviate many of the problems that previously existed.

The new organizational structure (as shown in Figure I) required a change in policy over use of the laboratory. The new section supervisor, on approval from his department manager, would have full authority for establishing priorities for the use of the new facility. The new policy change was ...