Problem
After meeting with your team last week, the auto manufacturer client has decided to move forward with your firm.
Asking the Right Questions:
The client has also agreed to answer any initial questions your team has about the company and/or the market. However, the partner at your firm has mentioned that the CEO is known for efficiency and doesn't like to waste time. She has suggested you do the following with the list of questions you generated last week:
1) Add or modify questions based on any mentor or peer feedback you might have received
2) Remove any questions that could be easily answered with research done by your own team
3) Organize your questions in a logical way (by topic area, for example)
4) For each question, identify which specific functional team at the client will be able to answer it
Compile your updated list of questions in a Word Document for your partner to review.
Project Planning:
The partner would also like to know how you'll structure the project, which will last approximately six months. As a reminder, your goal after six months is to generate a recommendation for your client on if they should enter the electric vehicle (EV) market in order to achieve growth. Create a draft of a project charter that you can use to discuss with your partner.
While not every project charter will have the exact same components, the partner has stated that she would like to see your thoughts on the following:
1) Objectives: What are the overarching objectives of your project? What key questions will be answered for the client?
2) Rationale: Why are you undertaking this project for your client? Why, specifically, is it important to them?
3) Deliverables & milestones: What are the important milestones you will encounter? What will your deliverables be throughout the project? When will you aim to complete them?
4) Meeting structure: How often will you meet with your client? Who specifically should be in attendance at these meetings? What is the purpose and rough agenda of each meeting?
5) Stakeholders: Who are the important stakeholders you must consider? Stakeholders can be internal or external to a firm, and may include customers, employees ((e.g., which departments do you need to interview - R&D, operations, etc.) and investors, among others.
6) Roles & responsibilities: You will be overseeing a team of four. How will you organize your team? What will be each person's responsibilities?
7) Potential risks: What are some reasons your team might not complete the project in time?