The Skill Being Assessed
As an Asset Manager, overseeing capital upgrade projects is a core responsibility. Successfully managing these projects requires a firm grasp of project planning fundamentals, including scheduling, resource allocation, and budget control. Using project management software is standard practice to visualize timelines, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
This assessment challenges you to apply these skills in a realistic scenario. You will take on the role of an Asset Manager tasked with planning a critical HVAC system upgrade for a commercial property. Your ability to develop a clear and logical project plan using standard tools will demonstrate your readiness for managing complex infrastructure projects.
Your Task
You are the Asset Manager for the Meridian Commercial Tower. The building's 20-year-old HVAC system is inefficient and requires a full replacement. Your task is to create a comprehensive project plan for this capital upgrade. Using the provided project memo, task list, and resource data, you will develop a plan in a project management tool of your choice.
Your submission must include three specific deliverables: 1. A Gantt Chart: A screenshot or export of the complete project schedule, showing all tasks, durations, and dependencies. 2. Critical Path Identification: A list of the tasks that form the critical path of your project. 3. Budget and Resource Report: A summary showing the final allocated budget for the project and how resources (personnel and equipment) have been assigned to tasks.
Resources and Data
Use the following documents and data to complete your project plan. The project memo provides the high-level scope and constraints, while the data set contains the detailed information needed for your planning tool.
This memo from the Director of Facilities outlines the project's goals, timeline, and budget constraints.
Key Document: Project Memo: HVAC System Upgrade
This data set contains the work breakdown structure, including task durations and dependencies, as well as the available resources and their associated costs.
Project Task List
| Task ID | Task Name | Duration (Days) | Predecessor ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC-101 | Project Kickoff & Scope Definition | 2 | None |
| HVAC-102 | Finalize Engineering Specs & Drawings | 7 | HVAC-101 |
| HVAC-103 | Select Vendor & Finalize Contract | 10 | HVAC-102 |
| HVAC-104 | Procure Main HVAC Unit (Long-Lead) | 45 | HVAC-103 |
| HVAC-105 | Procure Ducting, Vents & Ancillary Materials | 15 | HVAC-103 |
| HVAC-106 | Site Prep & Safety Setup | 3 | HVAC-103 |
| HVAC-107 | Demolish and Remove Old System | 5 | HVAC-106 |
| HVAC-108 | Install New Main Unit | 4 | HVAC-104 |
| HVAC-109 | Install New Ducting & Electrical Connections | 8 | HVAC-108 |
| HVAC-110 | System Testing & Balancing | 4 | HVAC-109 |
| HVAC-111 | Building Commissioning & Staff Training | 3 | HVAC-110 |
| HVAC-112 | Final Inspection & Project Closeout | 2 | HVAC-111 |
Available Resources
| Resource Name | Type | Cost per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | Labor | 700 |
| HVAC Technician | Labor | 900 |
| General Contractor | Labor | 1100 |
| Electrician | Labor | 850 |
| Crane Rental | Equipment | 1500 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | Labor | 650 |
| Plumber / Pipefitter | Labor | 800 |
| Scaffolding Rental | Equipment | 250 |
| Safety Inspector | Labor | 550 |
| Forklift Rental | Equipment | 400 |
Project Management Software
You can use any project management tool that can create a Gantt chart and track resources, such as MS Project, Asana, or a free online alternative like GanttProject or TeamGantt. The specific tool is less important than the quality and accuracy of your plan.
Submit Your Work
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Next Steps
Excellent work on completing the project plan. This activity demonstrates a critical skill for any asset management professional. When you are ready, please navigate back to the main course page to continue your learning journey.