DESIGN PROTOTYPES INC. PROJECT

MANAGEMENT $($A$)$: SELECTION OF THE PROJECT

TEAM

Patricia A$.$ Lapoint, McMurry University

Carrol R$.$ Haggard, Fort Hays State University

CASE DESCRIPTION

The primary subject matter of this case concerns project management. A secondary issue

examined is office politics. This case can be used in Project Management, Operations

Management, or Quality Management courses. The case has a difficulty level of three. The case

is designed to be taught in two class hours and is expected to require four hours of outside

preparation by students.

CASE SYNOPSIS

Raef Conley has just been assigned his first major project. Having worked on several

small projects since joining Design Prototypes Inc., $9$ years ago, Raef has never taken on a

major project. This is a significant opportunity for him, one that could advance his career in

many ways. Although he is excited about the opportunity, he is also somewhat anxious. as while

there is the potential for career advancement, he is also cognizant of the fact that failure could

mean the end of his career at Design Prototypes. Raef$$s first task is to assemble a project team.

Raef needs to assemble a team of seven individuals selected from a pool of eleven. While all of

the candidates have strengths, some appear to be better suited to the project than others. Three

of the candidates have political connections which could influence their selection. Another

candidate has a strong personal connection to Raef. While uncertain about his actual motives,

Raef has a feeling that his boss has clear preferences toward two of the candidates. The case

revolves around the questions of: How does Raef weigh technical competence with personal and

political considerations? Who should Raef select for the team?

What are the key factors for Raef to make his decisions?