FINAL ONLINE SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
PROGRAMME
Bachelor of Commerce in Project Management
MODULE
Introduction to Project Management
YEAR
One (1)
INTAKE
July 2020
DATE
02 December 2020
TOTAL MARKS
100
Read the case study below and answer ALL the questions that follow.
[100 MARKS]
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department has embarked on a multi-million-rand Transport Rehabilitation Initiative (TRI).
The initiative has been identified as one that will ensure that the transportation networks and systems of the province will
be categorized as being world class by year 2020. This will however include a series of projects that will encompass the
construction of bridges, dual carriageways, railway networks, ports and airports. One of the first projects that will be carried
out under the initiative will be the expansion of the Durban Port, this is aimed at increasing its current holding capacity
and overall operational efficiency. The KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Transport has indicated that the success of TRI heavily
depends on the efficient management of the different projects of the initiative.
One of the project initiatives includes the mounting of a filter system which is aimed at reducing air pollution during the
series of the projects that will be performed. The Department of Environmental Affairs has given the TRI team 16 weeks
to install a complex air filter system and it has warned that it may be forced to discontinue the project unless the filter
system is mounted, within the allocated period. Jacob Naude, the project manager wants to ensure that the installation of
the filtering system progresses smoothly and on time.
He has therefore identified eight activities and their estimated times (weeks) that need to be completed in order for the
project to be successfully completed. When the project begins two activities can be simultaneously started, building the
internal components for the device (Activity A- 2 weeks) and the modifications necessary for the floor and the roof (Activity
B- 3 weeks). The construction of the collection stack (Activity C- 2 weeks) can begin when the internal components are
completed. Pouring of the concrete floor and installation of the frame (Activity D- 4 weeks) can be started as soon as the
internal components are completed and the roof and the floor have been modified.
After the collection stack has been constructed, two activities can begin: building the high temperature burner (Activity E4 weeks) and installing the pollution control system (Activity F- 3 weeks). The air pollution device can be installed (Activity
G- 5 weeks) after the concrete floor has been poured, the frame has been installed, and the high temperature burner has
been built. Finally, after the control system and pollution device has been installed, the system can be inspected and
tested (Activity H- 2 weeks).
Adapted from: Pearson Online Resources https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Heizer-OperationsManagement-and-Interactive-CD-Package-6th-Edition/PGM83326.html
QUESTION 1
(25 Marks)
Having taken the responsibility of being the principal project manager, the MEC has requested that you provide a detailed
report outlining the series of steps, basic processes/concepts that will be followed during the Durban Port Expansion
project life cycle. The report should include detailed explanations of activities and actions that will be performed during
each life cycle phase of the project.
QUESTION 2
(25 Marks)
In light of the case study, suggest the steps and processes that should be adopted by the project manager in managing
risks.
QUESTION 3
(25 Marks)
With reference to the Transport Rehabilitation Project describe all the factors that may contribute to the success of this
project.
vmc
QUESTION 4
(25 Marks)
You have been requested by Jacob Naude, the project manager for the filter installation to determine the duration of the
project and also to identify the critical activities.
END OF PAPER
vmc