2. Prepare a weighted decision matrix using the template named wtd_decision_matrix.xls from the companion Web site. Ben will use this matrix to evaluate applicants for project manager for this important project. Develop at least five criteria, assign weights to each criterion, assign scores, and then calculate the weighted scores for four fictitious applicants. Print the spreadsheet and bar chart with the results. Write a one-page paper that describes the weighted decision matrix and summarizes the results.

3. Prepare the financial section of a business case for the Green Computing Research Project. Assume that this project will take six months to complete (in Year 0) and will cost $500,000. The costs to implement some of the technologies will be $2 million for year one and $600,000 for years two and three. Estimated benefits are $500,000 in the first year after implementation and $2.5 million in the following two years. Use the business case spreadsheet template (business_case_financials.xls) from the companion Web site to help calculate the NPV, ROI, and the year in which payback occurs. Assume a 7 percent discount rate, but make sure the rate is an input that is easy to change.

4. Prepare a project charter for the Green Computing Research Project. Again, assume that the project will take six months to complete and that the budget is $500,000. Use the project charter template (charter.doc) and examples of the project charters in Chapters 3 and 4 as guidelines. Assume that part of the approach is to select the project team as quickly as possible.

5. Because people will request changes to the project, make sure that you have a good integrated change control process in place. You also want to address change requests as quickly as possible. Review the template for a change request form (change_request.doc) provided on the companion Web site. Write a short paper that describes how you plan to manage changes on this project in a timely manner. Explain who will be involved in making change control decisions, what paperwork or electronic systems will be used to collect and respond to changes, and other related issues.