Assignment 1: Analyze Project Plans and Statements of Work (SOW)
Dropbox Task: Submit to complete this assignment
Locate a recent project statement of work or project management plan in your organization that includes a procurement element. If you cannot find one, you may conduct research and find one available on the web (be sure to verify the SOW or plan is from a real-life project).
Write a paper in which you analyze how procurement was covered in the SOW or plan. Consider the following issues:
What decisions led to wanting to procure products or services outside the organization?
What internal stakeholders are identified in the SOW/plan, and what are their responsibilities?
Which tools and techniques were used to identify the work to be contracted to an outside entity?
How well was the procurement aligned with the organization's make-or-buy strategy?
How well were deliverables described in terms of accuracy and measurability?
What improvements would you suggest to the SOW or the project management plan, to improve procurement outcomes?
How do your improvement suggestions align with scope and procurement management processes in the PMBOK?
Which organizational theory/theories might help explain procurement strategies, processes, and outcomes in your company?
Give examples to support your analysis wherever appropriate.
Support your paper with minimum of five (5) scholarly resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate resources, including older articles, may be included.
Length: 3-4 pages not including title and reference pages
Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.
Week 2 - Assignment 2: Interview Contract Manager about Scope Statements and Source Selection Decisions
Dropbox Task: Submit to complete this assignment
Due June 18 at 11:59 PM
Identify an individual in your organization who is responsible for managing procurement contracts. Alternatively, identify a project manager you know who has contract management experience. Prepare a set of interview questions to gain an in-depth understanding of how procurement source selection works in your organization, and the role that scope statements play when selecting product sellers or service providers. More specifically, you should aim to find out:
The company's strategy for making or buying products or services
The who's and what's of procurement in your organization
The types of products and services covered by procurement contracts
The documents that serve as input to procurement, including scope statements
The seller/contractor selection criteria
The bidding and contract award processes
The types of contracts used by your organization and decisions that affect choice of contract type.
Make an appointment with the contract manager (or project manager) and interview him or her, using your questions. Your interview should not last more than ½ hour. You may interview in person, or via phone or Skype.
Write a paper in which you summarize the responses you received. Include an assessment of how SOWs affect procurement, and make recommendations for improvements to your company's procurement decision models, including how to select sources and award contracts.
Support your paper with minimum of three (3) scholarly resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate resources, including older articles, may be included.
Length: 3-4 pages not including interview questions, title, and reference pages. Attach your questions to your paper as an appendix.
Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.