Problem: Deva Patel, project manager at Startrek Enter- prises, Inc., is planning and coordinating the com- pany's move to a new building currently under construction. Deva wants the move to commence as soon as the building is ready for the estimated June 1 occupancy-still 2 months away. The entire move, which will affect 4 departments and 600 people, is to be completed within 1 week. Because timing is critical, Deva starts her planning by preparing a Gantt chart. At the project level, she draws a bar 1 week (7 days) long and then subdi- vides it into three major categories: (1) pack office supplies, equipment, and furniture (3 days allot- ted); (2) move everything (2 days allotted); and (3) unpack and arrange it at new location (2 days). She then estimates the total number of boxes, equip- ment, and furniture that will have to be moved in 2 days, gives the estimate to a moving contractor, and receives a price quote. To assist in packing and unpacking boxes and equipment, Deva intends to hire temporary workers. She estimates the number of workers needed, gives it to a temp agency, and receives a price quote. Deva shows the completed plan to her man- ager and asks him to review it. The plan consists of the Gantt chart and a budget that is largely based on the price quotes from the moving company and the temp agency.
Questions: 1. What do you think about Deva's approach to scheduling work and estimating the costs?
2. If you were Deva's manager, would you con- sider her plan comprehensive?
3. How would you prepare a plan for the move, and what would your plan include