Unit 2 [GM591]
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Unit 2 Assignment: Value of Projects Focus Paper
The practice of project management has been with us for a long time. This discipline and its evolution as a profession are detailed throughout this course. Today, project management has reached a maturity that entitles it to a rightful place in the practice and the literature of the Management and Business Administration program. However, the ability of the project management profession to remain viable in an ever-changing world is dependent upon the members of the profession to recognize change, and to adjust to that change for the good of the organization.
Write a focus paper discussing the importance of aligning projects with the organization’s strategic goals. In your discussion, consider the advantages of having the leadership team support the project. Please be mindful that executives are interested in initiatives that promote the vision and mission of the organization.
Remember, a focus paper is an argumentative essay that attempts to persuade the reader of the truth or plausibility of a specific claim or position. A focus paper is NOT a summary, commentary, journal entry, personal reflection, analysis, compare and contrast essay, or an expository essay. The objective is NOT to convey information, show how much you know, or analyze a text. Rather, the primary goal is to persuade the reader that an important, interesting, and debatable thesis is true or plausible, and that the alternative position is untenable.
Criteria for the Assignment
● Select any project (your choice, a project you know about or one that you would like to join).
● Map organizational objectives, goals, and strategies to the project outcomes.
● Discuss (at the level of practical application) if the project organization reflects organizational strategies.
● Discuss (at the level of practical application) if there has been a proper selection of project sponsor and project manager, and the advantages of their support for the project.
● Demonstrate the adequacy of project policies, procedures, and techniques.
● Discuss (at the level of practical application) the uses of scope, risk, time, cost, and quality with associated planning and performance standards.
● Discuss (at the level of practical application) how to communicate the project to the organization and stakeholders.
Components
● Title page formatted in APA 6th edition style with the following information: Title of the paper, your name, course number and section number, and date.
● A table of contents using the following headers: Executive Summary, Introduction (3–5 sentences including thesis statement), Project Overview, Analysis of Project (Assess the core project concept. Determine the costs and benefits of the project. Assess if the project scope, risk, and strategy was defined clearly.), Recommendation and Course of Action, Conclusion (4–8 sentences stating your recommended solutions in terms of project management techniques and tools), and References.
● A minimum of three scholarly journal and textbook source references cited and credited according to APA 6th edition formatting style using a minimum of six in-text citations.
● The paper should be focused and to the point, containing between 600–800 words from the Executive Summary to the end of your Conclusion.
Unit 2 [GM591]
V2.1801D Page 2 of 2
Directions for Submitting Your Assignment
Submit your paper to the Unit 2 Assignment Dropbox. Make sure that you save a copy of the files you submit.
GM591 Unit 2 Assignment: Value of Projects Focus Paper
Points Possible
Points Earned
Content (50 pts)
Response successfully answers the assignment question(s); thoroughly uses the text and other literature. Includes a strong thesis statement, introduction and conclusion. The main points of the paper are developed clearly. All arguments are supported well (no errors in logic) using outside sources.
25
Sources are primarily academic journals, with thoughtful use Web sources. References are applied substantively to the paper topic. Skillfully addresses counter-arguments and does not ignore data contradicting its claim. Refers to sources both in-text and in the reference page.
25
Analysis (30 pts)
Response exhibits strong higher-order critical thinking and analysis (e.g., evaluation). Paper shows original thought.
10
Analysis includes proper classifications, explanations, comparisons and inferences.
10
Critical thinking includes appropriate judgments, conclusions, and assessment based on evaluation and synthesis of information.
10
Writing (20 pts)
Grammatical skills are strong with typically less than one error per page. Correct use of APA 6th edition formatting style.
6
Appropriate to the assignment, fresh (interesting to read), accurate, (no far-fetched, unsupported comments), precise (say what you mean), and concise (not wordy).
8
Project is in 12-point font. Narrative sections are double-spaced with a double space between. Project is free of serious errors; grammar, punctuation, and spelling help to clarify the meaning by following accepted conventions.