Question

The director of project management calls you into his office and informs you that one of your fellow project managers has had a severe heart attack midway through a project. You will be taking over his project, which is well behind schedule and overrunning costs. The director of project management then “orders” you to complete the project within time and cost. How do you propose to do it? Where do you start? Should you shut down the project to replan it?

Answer 1

I would be taking the project as it falls within my job profile. Also, it would add some advantages to my professional career. I would try and set realistic expectations though.

I would first take an overview of the project done so far. I would make an assessment of the task performed and tasks that have led to cost overrun. I would understand the key issues and make an estimate of how much time is left to complete and deliver the project and how much budget is there to spend on the project. I would also discuss the things with the team members working on the project. The discussion will also include how the project can be put back on track while keeping a tab on the deadline and budget. Once it is all done, I would meet the director and will take his approval for the new plan I have prepared with the team. Once it is approved, the work would start.  

No, I won't shut it down and restart again. It will only add more costs. I would resume it from where it was left. I would keep a tab on cost and time and then would take it ahead toward completion.