The Five Pmlc Models free essay sample

Introduction Prior deciding on the project management most suitable approach, a PM must investigate the clarity of the two major variables, goal and solution (Wysocki, 2009: 299). Based on the criteria of clarity, Wysocki (2009: 327) defined 4 management â€Å"quadrants† adopting 5 PMLC models:  § TPM: Linear and Incremental  § APM: Iterative and Adoptive  § xPM and MPx: Extreme Each type of the 5 PMLC models is expected to encounter various risks and failure factors. The PM should asses the risks associated with each model, to decide the most convenient approach. Linear PMLC Model This model is the simplest among the illustrated models, since the 5 process groups are expected to occur once in the entire PMLC within the planned sequence (Wysocki, 2009: 343). A PM would adopt the linear model if the project undertaken is: clear in the aspects of goals and solutions, similar to previously executed projects, short in duration and falling in a single department’s authority. However, and despite the simplicity associated with implementing this model; Wysocki (2009: 350-353) defined six weakness points for the linear model: limited flexibility to scope changes, high cost, last minute production of deliverables, requires early detailed planning, fixed sequence of work, and lake of focus on client value. We will write a custom essay sample on The Five Pmlc Models or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In the construction industry, and per my limited experience, this model is widely adopted. I believe that scope changes are the most challenging risk associated with this model. Hence, other than proper definitions of RBS, COS and POS, a PM should lay a contingency plan (including money and time) for those scope creeps, in addition to a very strict and rights reserving policy for scope changes’ approvals (Franchina, 2010). Incremental PMLC Model The model was designed to partially deliver incomplete deliverables through the PMLC through conducting sequential increments (Wysocki, 2009:358). In addition, Wysocki (2009: 360-364) defined 7 associated risk areas with this model: seldom team intactness, incremental documentation, fixed set of processes, increment definitions are not based on business value, longer duration, requires clients involvement, and other problems due to dividing the deliverables. However, the first defined risk is the most serious, I believe. Since an alternative key role would affect the project’s performance dramatically. Thus, Franchina (2010) recommended planning the key player’s task in a manner that would keep them utilized through the PMLC. However, I don’t believe in Franchina’s solution applicability, thus, I would further recommend the development of a methodology or a method statement for the crucial personnel to mitigate the effect of resources alternation. Iterative and Adaptive PMLC Model Despite the differences between the two models, both are having common risks: need for client’s involvement and undefined deliverables (Wysocki, 2009: 396-411). Franchina (2010) recommended two practical solutions:  § During the planning process, the client’s involvements should be clearly reflected on the work schedule and accountability matrix should be defined; In addition, during the planning and controlling process, the client must be aware of the developed cost estimates, to decide the feasibility of the project against the expectations. Extreme PMLC Model The name of this model explains the amount of risk associated with the adoption. Since neither the goal nor the solutions are defined, the PM would be facing two major risks: uncertainty of solutions approach and the uncertainty of achieving materialized business values. Franchina (2010) defined two mitigating actions, firstly, that the client should clearly understand, in the early stages, that his investment in a certain stage might be totally lost due to the undefined solutions, and that he might need to re-finance the project all over again. Secondly, the contractual documents might state clearly the associated risks to diminish the business-value liability of the provider. Conclusion All of the 5 PMLC models are expected to encounter risks and failures. In the iterative model, scope changes are the most serious risk, by developing contingency plans and scope change’s strict policies risks would be mitigated. In the incremental model, developing a plan that utilizes the key player’s time along the definition of each role method statement/methodology, the risk of project’s team lack of intact would be mitigated. In the iterative and adaptive models, by defining client’s responsibility along the planning process and updating the client with the budgetary progress, risks would be mitigated. Finally, extreme models are the most risk encountering models, however, through keeping the client aware of the associated risks and developing a right’s reserving contract –that diminish the liability of the provider for business value delivery— risks would be mitigated. Bibliography Franchina, T. (2010) The Five Project Management Life Cycles [Online] Project Management Forum’s Blog. Available from: http://projectmanagementforum. wordpress. com/2010/07/06/the-five-project-management-life-cycles/ (Accessed: 6 August 2011)

Chinese Funeral Traditions and Preparation

Chinese Funeral Traditions and Preparation While Chinese funeral traditions vary depending on where the deceased person and his or her family are from, some basic traditions still apply. Funeral Preparation The job of coordinating and preparing  Chinese funerals falls on the children or younger family members of the deceased person. It is part of the Confucian principle of filial piety and devotion to one’s parents. Family members must consult the Chinese Almanac to determine the best date to hold the Chinese funeral ceremony. Funeral homes and local temples help the family prepare the body and coordinate the funeral rites. Announcements of the funeral are sent in the form of invitations. For most Chinese funerals, the invitations are white. If the person was age 80 or older, then the invitations are pink. Living until 80 or beyond is considered a feat worth celebrating and mourners should celebrate the person’s longevity rather than mourn. The invitation includes information about the funeral’s date, time, and location, as well as a small obituary that includes information about the deceased that may include his or her birth date, date of death, age, family members that survived them and sometimes how the person died. The invitation may also include a family tree. A phone call or in-person invitation may precede the paper invitation. Either way, an RSVP is expected. If a guest cannot attend the funeral, the tradition is that he or she sends flowers and a white envelope with money. Chinese Funeral Attire Guests at a Chinese funeral wear somber colors like black. Bright and colorful clothing, especially red, must be avoided as these colors are associated with happiness. White is acceptable and, if the deceased was 80 or above, white with pink or red is acceptable as the event is cause for celebration. The deceased person wears a white robe. The Wake There is often a wake preceding the funeral that  may last several days. Family members are expected to keep an overnight vigil for at least one night in which the person’s picture, flowers, and candles are placed on the body and the family sits near by. During the wake, family and friends bring flowers, which are elaborate wreaths that include banners with couplets written on them, and white envelopes filled with cash. Traditional Chinese funeral flowers are white. The white envelopes are similar to red envelopes that are given at weddings. White is the color reserved for death in Chinese culture. The amount of money put in the envelope varies depending on the relationship to the deceased but must be in odd numbers. The money is meant to help the family pay for the funeral. If the deceased person was employed, his or her company is often expected to send a large flower wreath and a sizable monetary contribution. The Funeral At the funeral, the family will burn joss paper (or spirit paper) to ensure their loved one has a safe journey to the netherworld. Fake paper money and miniature items like cars, houses, and televisions are burned. These items are sometimes associated with the loved ones interests and are believed to follow them into the afterlife. This way they have everything they need when they enter the spirit world.   A eulogy may be given and, if the person was religious, prayers may also be said. The family will distribute to guests red envelopes with a coin inside  to ensure they return home safely. The family may also give guests a piece of candy that must be consumed that day and before going home. A handkerchief may also be given.  The envelope with coin, sweet, and handkerchief should not be taken home.   One final item, a piece of red thread, may be given. The red threads should be taken home and tied to the front doorknobs of the guests’ homes to keep evil spirits away. After the Funeral After the funeral ceremony, a funeral procession to the cemetery or crematorium is held. A hired band resembling a marching band typically leads the procession and  plays loud music to frighten spirits and ghosts. The family wears mourning clothes and  walks behind the band.  Following the family is the hearse or sedan containing the coffin. It is typically adorned with a large portrait of the deceased hanging on the windshield. Friends and associates complete the procession. The size of the procession depends on the wealth of the deceased and his or her family. The sons and daughters wear black and white mourning clothes and walk in the front row of the procession. Daughters-in-law come next and also wear black and white clothes. Grandsons and granddaughters wear blue mourning clothes. Professional mourners who are paid to wail and cry are often hired to fill up the procession. Depending on their personal preference, Chinese are either buried or cremated. At a minimum, families make an annual visit to the gravesite on the Qing Ming or Tomb Sweeping Festival. Mourners will wear a cloth band on their arms to show that they are in a period of mourning. If the deceased is a man, the band goes on the left sleeve. If the deceased is a woman, the band is pinned to the right sleeve. The mourning band is worn for the duration of the mourning period which can last 49 to 100 days. Mourners also wear somber clothes. Bright and colorful clothes are avoided during the mourning period.