Project Management with Accenture

SoliD (fictional) is a new arm of a large global financial services firm targeting teens and millennials. The new platform and associated services are meant to appeal to the youth market by being low cost, having low barrier of entry, and super simple to use.

In order to make those things happen, SoliD has contracted Accenture to make two things happen with a specific timeframe. One, SoliD, with the guidance of Accenture, must apply for and acquire many approvals from various governmental entities. Timing on these applications and obtaining approvals are well understood and critical due to the small application windows and the Accenture consultant's availability to complete all the necessary paperwork. Any rework would be costly and should be greatly avoided.

Simultaneously, a simple, modern phone app must be launched. The initial app Is to be released while the approvals are underway. The purpose of the first editions of the app is to bring awareness to the upcoming service, the new brand, test designs and language, and collect user interest, which could segue into potential early adopters.

My task is to -

Review the project terms and summaries.

Evaluate the intended outcomes, environment, and stakeholders of the projects.

Prepare a 1 - 3 slide proposal of your recommendations and rationale for the most suitable project management approach or approaches for each of the projects or the projects collectively. Summarize in bullet points the aspects and needs of the Government Approvals project and the Mobile App project. List or explain the project management approach along with the rationale as to why the approach is most ideal.

SoliD is a new extension of the company. Therefore, there are many on staff that are new to not only the SoliD brand but also the workforce. Many are new hires out of college or have joined from various other parts of the enterprise.

Senior management wants to identify various potential candidates to take on the role and responsibility of project manager. They want these individuals to learn about the role, shadow others performing the role, and eventually take on more of the role - both in this project and in future SoliD projects.

My task is to -

SoliD has asked Accenture to summarize the ideal candidates for a project manager role. The team has requested descriptions of what capabilities and attributes to seek out in individuals. Additionally, it'd be helpful to know why these skills and abilities are important so that SoliD is certain they can select the best employees for this opportunity.

Prepare a simple 1 - 2 slide PowerPoint presentation or a Word document describing the role of a project manager and the key attributes and competencies the company should seek out when selecting a candidate.

SoliD has scheduled a video conference call for later today. The two project managers that you are mentoring from the government approvals and mobile app projects have given you information about their respective projects.

Senior managers at SoliD want to hear the progress of the projects, where they are headed, and any potential risks. They also have heard rumors about a milestone missed and a mistake in paperwork submission. They have not mentioned whether they’re expecting an update on the milestones or paperwork explicitly, but they've heard the speculation from others and have yet to be informed by you.

My tasks -

Communication is extremely important in project management. It may be the most important responsibility of a project manager. Without communication, there may be breakdowns, misunderstandings, missed opportunities, failures, risks, and many other possible complications.

In this case, you have a forum to communicate with senior leadership and the project members all at one time. You will have only 3 - 5 minutes to speak at the start of the project. Put together an update to present and speak to during the call.

Take the information about the state of the project, the deliverables, the issues, the risks, the plans, the timing/schedule, the procurement needs, the costs, resource constraints, and quality concerns and give an update to the senior managers.