Week 6 Blog Assignment: Analyzing Scope Creep
I had the pleasure of help planning a 70th birthday party for my mother. The event planning committee consisted of my seven siblings. At the beginning phase of this event, several of us had different ideas about whether we wanted the event casual, formal, or semi-formal. After much discussion we went with the semi-formal. In the different discussions, we talked about the budget, timeline, and resources.
There were several scope creep issues that occurred: (1) guests that were not invited, (2) budget, and (3) communications from some of the siblings. My siblings and I decided to allow uninvited guests to attend, in order to prevent a scene. As far as the budget and communication issues, the siblings that were involved during the planning process decided to take the slack from the siblings that did not participate.
Looking back on this event, if I was the project manager, I would assign a task for each sibling. They would inform me if they could not handle the task given. If they could not handle the task given, it could be assigned to someone else and I could offer what would feel comfortable to them completing. As far as the budget, I would have increased the amount and if we had any funds left, I would return it to each person. When it comes to the guest that was not invited, I would make sure that we had a list of people that was invited and if they were not on the list they would not have been allow to attend the party.
Overall, the party was a success and our mother was very happy.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteIt is very difficult to work with family and love ones. It is often the case some try to take advantage of the situation. I agree that I would have assigned task for each sibling and monitored them to make sure they were done correctly. Before I started planning the birthday party, I would have had a meeting with my siblings to discuss a budget and guest. I would've made sure all of these things were in riding and signed by each of us so that no one can say I made changes without anyone knowing about them. Finally, I would have had a couple of meetings leading up to the birthday event to make sure everyone knew what was going on and keep everyone moving in the same direction.
Hi Edward,
DeleteYes, it is sometimes difficult to work with family. I am grateful we were able to get through it and it turn out to be a success. Thanks for the post!
I'm glad your mom enjoyed herself. Assigning a task to each sibling sounds like a plan. What would you have done if more than one of your sibling had backed out and did not want to do anything at all? Also, if there were funds left could you not have just put them into an account to use fore the next party or are you all never planning to do this again? Did you all have some form of communication chart in place to use to make sure everyone stayed up to date. Well, I'm sure you are more experienced now than before and could pull the next party off in your sleep.
ReplyDeleteSonya,
DeleteIf more than one siblings backed out, I would have continue with the siblings that did not back out. I always say the show must go one regardless of the situation. If something is important to you, you will do whatever to make it happen. If we had funds left, we could save this for the next party; I am sure there will be another party in the future. Three of my siblings were responsible for communicating everything so that everyone would be on the same page. We would talk different times and get an update about how the planning was coming along. Yes, this party and this project management class have given me insight on how to better plan for future events.