As the project manager for ILS’s new logistics services in your selected country, you previously completed a project charter and elements of a project management plan (PMP). In this final assignment for the project management portion of this course, you will develop a complete PMP using your work from the prior two weeks and new work from Week 3.
To complete the Final Project Management Plan, you may modify the previously submitted scope and schedule baselines and the project budget. Then, develop a final plan for submission to the DLS and the country's business development manager, human resources manager, and project team.
Discuss your leadership approach for this project, bearing in mind the culture of the country the newly acquired logistics service is in.
Recommend an approach to allocate human resources to the project and any trade-offs with day-to-day operations.
Describe the solutions to improve operations, reduce waste and costs, ensure a safe work environment, and contribute to protecting the planet.
Create a risk management plan.
Describe your approach to ensure delivery of high-quality results.
Describe how you will manage change control going forward.
Summarize the PMP for senior leadership.
Include solutions that may appeal to Walmart.
Sample Answer
This response will outline the key sections of your Final Project Management Plan (PMP) for ILS’s new logistics services. Since the specific country was not provided, I will use Mexico as a representative example of a country with a high-context culture, emphasizing relationship-based (Simpático) communication and hierarchical structures (high power distance) common in Latin American business environments.
🇲🇽 Leadership Approach for the Project
My leadership approach for this project will be a blend of Transformational and Servant Leadership, highly modulated by the Mexican business culture to build trust and ensure buy-in.
Cultural Consideration (Mexico): Mexican culture typically values respect for hierarchy (Respeto), personal relationships (Simpático), and clear, yet relationship-driven, guidance. Decision-making often flows from the top, but execution requires local acceptance.
Approach: I will adopt a supportive, authoritative style focused on building strong interpersonal relationships before demanding results.
Servant Leadership: I will prioritize the team's well-being and provide the resources needed to succeed, fostering a sense of familia (team unity).
Transformational Leadership: I will articulate a compelling vision for the new logistics service (e.g., "The safest and most efficient logistics hub in Northern Mexico"), motivating the team by linking their daily work to ILS's larger strategic goals.
Communication: All major decisions will be communicated formally, but informal, one-on-one meetings (platicas) will be used extensively to solicit feedback, address concerns, and build personal trust (confianza).
👥 Human Resource Allocation and Trade-Offs
The project requires specialized skill sets (system integration, process re-engineering) that must be balanced against maintaining daily logistics operations.
Allocation Approach: Hybrid Matrix Structure
I recommend a functional matrix structure for the project team.
Core Project Team (Dedicated): This will include the Project Manager (myself), a Logistics Process Analyst, and an IT Systems Lead. These roles are 100% dedicated to the project, focusing on design and integration.
Functional Specialists (Part-Time/Matrixed): Operational staff (e.g., warehouse supervisors, HR specialists, experienced drivers) will be assigned part-time to the project team.
Role: These individuals act as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to validate new processes and train staff, but they report back to their functional managers for day-to-day work.