Final Report for a Day in the Life

Introduction

Rachel is one of project managers in an information systems project and this case study mainly discussed the way a project manager allocates her time to spend one day in her life.

Report to Question 1

Q1: How effectively do you think Rachel spend her day?

A1: According to the case, Rachel divided her time into three parts:

1. routine;

2. project time;

3. non-project time;

Shown in the table below

Activity Routine Time (min) Project Time (min) Non-project Time (min) Score

(1~5) Comments

Socializing with Neil 10 3 Necessary socializing and learn from others’ experience

Getting to the office and settle in 10 2 Acceptable

Reviewing her schedule 15 3 Reviewing schedule is an effective movement but I don’t think responding to messages require immediate attention later is a good idea

Going over project reports and preparing for the weekly status meeting 25 5 Enough preparing can ensure the effective of meeting

Discussing the project with her boss 20 4

Waiting for two members, meeting delayed 15 2 Although those two members have to do something, she could arrange a better time for meeting

Progress reviewing meeting 45 5

Reviewing project assignments with Victoria 30 4

Making several calls and return emails 3

Listening to the team mates 20 1 Using too many time for useless information

Gossiping with Edie 30 3

Going over the problem with John 30 5

Listen to the music 2 Personally I like those who know how to relax, it’ll make us more effective. But “don’t disturb” may cause some unnecessary delay

Talking to the purchasing agent 30 5 Earlier is much better than later

Everyone getting online and checking emails 15 4 She can’t control it but she use time well

Exchanging information about technical requirements 60 4 Necessary preparing

Brief conversation with various co-workers 5 this is a good sign of a leader as it helps to motivate and encourage the staff

Waiting for Mary 10 1 This can be avoided

Making