Attempt all the problems.

Section-A

problem1) describe the uncertainties in demand forecasting. How could one cope with these uncertainties?

problem2) describe briefly the aspects of a business environment which need to be monitored as well as the dimensions along which the firm might appraise its strengths and weaknesses for identifying investment opportunities.

problem3) What do you believe is more significant for successfully completing a project – the formal project management structure or the culture of the parent organization?  describe.

problem4)(i) Describe the role projects play in strategic management process.

(ii) How are projects linked to strategic plan?

Section-B

You work as the analyst in marketing department for Springfield International (SI).  SI uses a weak matrix to develop new services. Management has created an extremely competitive organizational culture which places an emphasis upon achieving results above everything else.  One of the project managers which you have been assigned to help has been pressuring you to make his project your number one priority.  He also wishes you to expand scope of your work on his project beyond what your marketing manager believes is essential or suitable.  Project manager is widely perceived as a rising star within SI.  Up to now you have been resisting the project manager’s pressure and complying with your marketing manager’s directives.  Though, your most recent interchange with project manager ended by his saying, “I’m not happy with the level of help I am getting from you and I would remember this when I become VP of Marketing.”  How will you respond and why?