The Core Project Management - Assignment Example

The core project management principles apply. The project tasks have been identified, namely, developing a new efficient and effective television. The project cost will be estimated; costs will involve development and end target margins on sales to consumers. Further consideration will be given to managing risk as a means of adhering to these financial targets. The project will then be organized around specific matrixes with a specific team. A specific breakdown and division of labor will occur within this team, with a further specified timescale for the work to be accomplished.

The plan will then be implemented. Throughout the process, specific consideration will be given to project iterations and specific management of the predominant principles outlined. Within the context of Apple, Inc., it’s recognized that increasing emphasis will be placed on technological innovation, user interface, and cutting-edge design. Still, much of the project cycle will need to be considered in a dynamic context of development and design.

The need for project management is an essential aspect of product development and innovation.

In the context of Apple, Inc., several factors of success and failure are considered in project management. Locke (2007) differentiates between many forms of project success. The primary theoretical understanding in these regards is that project management is a multi-dimensional process such that managerial success in terms of project management is distinguished from project success from the end-user's perspective. In this regard, Locke (2007) establishes success and failure factors about the initial project definition.

The next period is the execution period. Success is determined by the extent that the project takes on a clear and defined articulation. Project success and failure during the execution period are contingent upon how well the project adheres to the primary elements of cost, execution, and time. Still, project success or failure is further distinguished in terms of overriding benefits for existing stakeholders. In terms of Apple, Inc., the primary stakeholders are the organization’s stockholders.

The project’s ability to ultimately positively contribute to revenue and net profit streams will be the primary determinant of success. Ultimately, it seems this project is realistic.

There are four primary phases of project management: initiation, planning, execution, and closure (Lock 2007). Fig. 1 below demonstrates the project management phases. Fig. 1 Project Management Phase Peter (2003) notes that the initiation phase determines the project's scope and nature. For Apple, Inc., the project's scope is the development of a television that is readily integrated with the personal computer, such that the individual will have ease of access to downloaded music and film and other various forms of media.

The next phase of project management is the planning period. Among the prominent elements during this period are the establishment of teams and the establishment of workflow deadlines. Apple, Inc. is noted as being an organization that is greatly segmented, as such teams will be assigned in terms of a variety of components, and only at a later stage will these components be integrated into a functional whole (Lashinsky 2011). The next phase is the execution phase. This phase involves coordinating people and resources in the efficient execution of the project design. In terms of this specific project, it’s demonstrated that the project was executed in an efficient and effective way. The final phase is closure. This phase involves the finalization of each contract element. For Apple, Inc. and most large-scale technology organizations closure occurs in a dynamic context as continual product updates and iterations are a necessity.

The project followed Lock (2007) in determining success and failure along with a number of perspectives. The two primary views are that of management development and efficiency, and the overall fulfillment of stakeholder interests. In terms of the first element, the project’s production was a success as cost and early era project design adhered to. The second element was how well the project met stakeholder interests. As the market determines this element, the extent of success largely remains to be seen. Furthermore, the post-project appraisal was conducted. Lewis (2000) notes a post-implementation review is an effective measure of post-appraisal. In this specific project, a review was given following each phase of project design and then later implemented in examining the project as a comprehensive whole.

 In conclusion, this report has examined project management at Apple Inc. through the development of innovative television. In this regard, the entire phase of the project management cycle has been considered and a variety of appraisal tools established. If there were any shortcomings, it would be difficult in articulating the oftentimes complex technological elements involves in television and media production.