The Keflavik/The Widgets ‘R Us case study

 the Read the case study 3.1 on pages 103–104 of the text.

The Keflavik Paper Company is a case with the problem of determining a project management process for new product development. Answer the following questions:

What does this case demonstrate about the effect of poor project screening methods on a firm’s ability to manage projects effectively?

How would project portfolio management help to improve the situation at Keflavik?

If you think about it, all business problems are case studies. To effectively evaluate the situation, you must approach the problem in a methodological manner. A proven technique to do this is to

1.     list the facts;

2.     identify the issues;

3.     based on the facts of the case and your knowledge, analyze the issues of the case;

4.     prepare recommended solutions and their possible outcomes;

5.     implement the optimal solution (not always the one with the best outcome, since the cost or other things could be impractical); and

6.     monitor the implementation and the outcomes.

So when you read and prepare to respond to this case, please follow the above guidelines. I don't necessarily expect you to perform steps 4–6, but I do expect your response to be based on the facts and your knowledge.

2.      Read the case study 2.4 on pages 65–66 of the text.

The Widgets ‘R Us case study is a case with a problem of how the company is set up and how the company will handle operations with its projected growth. Answer the following questions:

You have been called in as a consultant to analyze the operations at WRU. Based on the readings, what would you advise Widgets ‘R Us to do in order to sustain the competitive advantage in the widget market?

What structural design changes might be undertaken to improve the operations at the company? 

The book we use

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: ACHIEVING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Third Edition

Jeffrey K. Pinto

Pennsylvania State University