ASSIGNMENT: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 3C JULY 2016 INTAKE

SECTION A (40)
QUESTION 1 (40)
Read the case study below and answer the questions that follow.

The KZN provincial department has embarked on the multi-million rand Transport Rehabilitation Initiative
(TRI). The initiative has been identified as one that will ensure that the transportation networks and systems
of the province will be categorised as being world class by 2020. This will however, include a series of
projects that will encompass the construction of bridges, dual carriageways, railway networks, ports and
airports. One of the first projects that will be carried out under the initiative will be the expansion of the
Durban port. This is aimed at increasing its current holding capacity and overall efficiency. The KZN MEC of
Transport has indicated that the success of TRI heavily depends on the efficient management of the different
projects of the initiative.

You have been tasked to be the principal project manager of the project involving the expansion of the
Durban international port. Part of your responsibility will be to ensure that the project is properly managed
to the expectations of the MEC and other active stakeholders.

1.1 Having taken the responsibility of being the principal project manager, list and explain, with the aid of a
diagram, the main limiting factors (constraints) that you have to properly manage and deal with, in
delivering and performing this project. (15)

1.2 The MEC has requested that you provide a detailed report outlining the sequence of steps, phases
and/or processes that will be followed in managing and delivering the Durban port expansion project.
The report should include detailed explanations on what activities and actions will be performed during
each project life cycle phase. (18)

1.3 What is meant by the term stakeholders and who would be the typical stakeholders for this project?
(7)

SECTION B (60)
Answer all questions in this section.

QUESTION 2 (20)
In risk response planning, options and actions to enhance opportunities and to reduce threats to project
objectives are developed. Discuss the various types of risk responses.

QUESTION 3 (20)
A tsunami hits the coastal line of India causing thousands of people to suffer. The Indian government decided
to develop technology that would detect the possibility of such natural disasters in advance. Considering this
project, answer the following questions:

3.1 Define the scope of the project. (10)

3.2 What are the chances of failure of the project? Explain. (5)
3.3 What factors does the above project depend on? (5)
QUESTION 4 (20)
An engineering company is designing a new project for welding two different alloys. The following activity
information is available:

Activity Immediate Normal Time Cost (R)

Predecessor
A -
B A
C A
D B
E C,B
F D,E
(days)
4 400
5 800
6 520
2 600
3 255
4 600

4.1 Draw the AON diagram for the project. (10)

4.2 Identify all the paths through the network diagram and their durations. (4)
4.3 What is the definition of a critical path? (2)
4.4 Indicate the critical path for this project. (1)
4.5 What is the completion time for the project? (1)
4.6 What is the cost of completing the project? (2)

Assignment Guidelines
Word limit: Approximately 3500 - 4000 words
The length of your answers to each question should be in line with the mark allocation.
Your assignment should include a Table of Contents page.
Text: Font: Arial or Times New Roman (12), Spacing: 1.5 lines
All text must be justified at each margin.
Your answers must include any theories, charts, tables or exhibits necessary to support your analysis and
recommendations.
Ensure that the readings are not merely reproduced in the assignment without original critical comments
and views. Cohesive and logical arguments reflecting original thinking is encouraged.
You MUST use theory/literature to support your discussion/observation and opinions.
References - At least 5 sources of reference (textbooks, journals, press reports, internet, etc.) must be
included in your bibliography. Information quoted/paraphrased from sources listed in your bibliography
must be referenced in-text. The Harvard system of referencing must be used.
It is imperative that students proof read and edit their assignments prior to submitting them. Assignments
must be free from errors and of a professional standard.