Project Management Simulation Reflection

Introduction
This paper will walk through the simulation project experience, discuss lessons learned and key take ways from the project. The project simulation was designed to challenge project managers in a life like simulation of project management. It challenges a Project Manager to take over and manage an existing project within a global company.
The simulation ran the project manager through the full life cycle of a project. It began with identifying all project stakeholders and project requirements in which the project manager must base decisions on. The project manager was given thought-provoking scenarios of project planning, budget, schedule, risk, quality, resource allocation and scope. It was left to the project manager to …show more content…
Overall decision making and schedule completion were the successes of this project. Decision making based on project management development, resource allocation, communication styles and team dynamics were highlights of the ultimate scores. The project was completed after the optimum deadline, although not totally out of the window of opportunity.
Areas for Improvement
My simulation scores show the area of most need for improvement in the areas of cost projecting and financial decision making. While working on the project in the beginning. I do not believe that I spent enough time with the work breakdown schedule and the project charter, as the project was behind schedule for the full duration of the project life cycle requiring multiple revisits to request further funds to cover project costs. It will be in my best interest in future projects to familiarize myself fully before determining financial …show more content…
Even with the best project planning, scheduling and budgeting, without superior communication a project can fail. The simulation also brought to light the need for extraordinary communication skills. The project simulation laid out some important issues around team dynamics and communication. It made it even more important as this project was also across many different cultural teams. Handling conflict in project management is an area that not only takes effort but experience. I will need to focus on these concepts to help develop a more professionally mature approach to dealing with conflicts within project