Question

Analyzing Project Viability. What are the responsibilities of the project sponsor(s) if a project—when proposed/undertaken—requires new or unproven technologies? What are some of challenges that may arise even if the project’s technology has been previously demonstrated or is deemed standardized?

Note: Respond in a short essay of approximately 150 -200 words.

Answer 1

A project that is proven is easier to implement and is well accepted by the team. However, for an unproven technology the project sponsor has the primary responsibility of convincing the team to take up a new challenge and a task. The project sponsor must be on the hook for getting it done and to bridge between the project and the rest of the organization. The project sponsor has the role of a negotiator and mediate solutions more so when the task is relatively risky. Although the project technology has been previously demonstrated, tailoring it to the client's needs is a challenge and the software may not run everywhere (contrary to what is claimed). Customization as per the client’s needs is one of the key factors for a successful project. There is never a single right answer and contingencies can put everything out of control and the project may will have to be worked on from the scratch.