OGL 320: Foundations of Project Management

Module 1 Worksheet
Worksheet Guidelines: Complete Sections 1 and 2 below.

Use your own words; however, when you quote or paraphrase, remember to cite per APA
Standards using information in the APA Tools and Template Area.

Be sure to proofread your work for spelling or grammatical errors because repeated errors will
result in earning fewer points.

A paragraph is 4-5 sentences.

Section 1: Mind Tools Quiz Table

Complete the first two (2) columns of the table below describing your reactions, perceptions and
significant insights gained from the class content and the Mind Tools Quiz from Worksheet
Instructions.
Note: You will come back to this table in Module 6, copy it, and use it to complete the final two
(2) columns of the table after you have gone through the course and retaken the quiz, per the
Module 6-Relfection Directions.

Aspect Initial Initial Reflection Final Comparison Reflection

Score (Module 1)
Score (Module 6)

(out of 10) (Module 6)

Project 6 Utilizing the planning cycle is

Integration not a strong suit of mine. I find
that after implementing a plan,
I often forget to check and
adjust as needed.
Scope 7 I think holding my team
Management accountable to deadlines is
something that I struggle with.
When expectations have been
set yet are not met, I need to
coach for performance.
Schedule 6.5 I need to communicate more
Management effectively. Often, I will set
specific goals and schedules,
but without clear
communication to the team it is
less impactful.

July 2020
 Cost 10 This is my jam. Numbers are
Management simple. The relationships
behind them are difficult.
Quality 6 I feel I deserve a higher quality
Management management score. It is
something I am passionate
about.
People 6 There are areas I can improve
Management my people management in.

Communication 7 This almost seems too high. I

am a good communicator, but
that’s when I remember to
communicate and not assume.
Risk 7 This seems about right to me.
Management

Project 7 This also feel appropriately

Procurement scored.

General Project 9 I don’t totally agree with this. If

Management my communication to my team
Skills is not closer to 100% then how
can my Project Management
skills be so high?
Section 2: Short Answers

Answer the following questions using specific examples to illustrate your discussion and
integrate course materials as much as possible.

1) What was your final score on the quiz and what does it mean to you?

I received a 68. Self-assessments such as these are designed to create a moment of reflection and
insight into how we perceive our skill sets. When you are honest with yourself you can achieve
an accurate representation of where you should focus your attention. Such assessment scores are
neither good nor bad on their own. It concerns me as much as compass pointing North. Now the
question is how to use this information?

2) What did you learn about either yourself or the person you assessed in the “How Good
Are Your Project Management Skills” quiz? What can you/he/she work on to improve
your/his/her skills?

July 2020
 I was aware of my potential gaps in communication. In the past, I have found myself if
whatever means I took to inform my team would be effective. I have found that while I
feel I am a clear communicator, the information being received is not always the message
I intended to deliver. I was positively reminded of my acumen in detailing with cost
analysis when dealing with projects and vendors. It is a skill I haven’t had to flex in a few
years, so it was nice to remember.

3) In looking at this slide from Module 1’s slideshow presentation, discuss what
characteristics most describe you and which ones you could work on developing further.

When characterizing myself as a manager I always hope that empathy and care are at the
top of the list. Using Characteristics Associated with Successful Project Manager’s chart,
I find that strong work ethic is the only skill I count on. There have been many times over
the past years where other skills and mindsets were needed, but during the shutdown, and
the subsequent openings during the pandemic, the only thing that you could count on was
yourself. I also think the “ability to get things done in the face of ambiguity,” is an
important concept. I think understanding that the result may differ from the projected
goal is important in such times of ambiguity.

4) Do you already approach projects in a systematic way or use tools to assist you in
planning? If YES, describe the approaches you take? If NO, why not?

Yes, there are several tools I use to approach specific goals; however, I would like to
apply them more broadly in my life. I use SMART goals at work. Typically, every two
weeks I will assess the status of my goals, and their continued relevance. Based on both
the need of the existing goal and status there in, I will adjust the goal or remove it based
on how we have done as a team.

July 2020
 5) How can learning about project management, or refining your skills related to this type of
management, possibly help you professionally?

Especially after takin the self-assessment I feel that organizing my time management
skills will be most crucial for not only my professional success, but also my personal
goals. I also need to find ways to disseminate information to my team in a way that is
impactful, and well received. These kinds of tools used in my professional work life will
make me a more accountable leader.

July 2020