Question

You have been called in to evaluate a project that is experiencing some performance challenges. The team seems disorganized, and when you ask to meet the project sponsor, the project manager replies that she doesn't know who the sponsor is. She also shares with you that the planned value (PV) is $20,000, earned value (EV) is $14,500 and actual cost (AC) is $36,000. You decide that you should really go back to the beginning and figure out how this project got started. What document should you request?

A The project charter
B The project plan
C The cost performance analysis and report
D The project authorization memo

Answer 1

The first document to request when evaluating an organizationally challenged project is the project charter. It authorizes the project, identifies the sponsor, and outlines the project's objectives and stakeholders. It is essential for project governance and alignment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating a disorganized project with an unclear sponsor and financial discrepancies, the first document to review is the project charter. This foundational document officially authorizes the project and clearly identifies the project sponsor, outlining their role and responsibilities. It provides a high-level overview of the project's purpose, objectives, and main stakeholders, which should help in understanding the inception of the project and realigning the team with its original goals.

In this scenario, the absence of knowledge regarding the project sponsor suggests that the project charter has either not been referenced or does not exist. This could contribute to the organizational challenges the team is facing. Reviewing or establishing a project charter can serve as an anchor to improve project performance and clarify roles and direction.

Furthermore, the reported values in terms of planned value (PV), earned value (EV), and actual cost (AC) indicate that a cost performance analysis should be conducted in parallel, but the foundation is set by confirming the details within the project charter. This will be crucial in correcting the course of the project and ensuring proper governance moving forward.