- Case 1 : Project Ocean—The Troubled Water Billing System
1. Do you believe that the trouble with Philadelphia’s water billing system is a technical problem or a people problem? Why?
2. What factors contributed to the problems associated with Project Ocean?
3. Compare the different views the city’s MOIS and Oracle may have when negotiating a new agreement that will continue that project.
4. Can this project be saved? If so, what should the new agreement include? If not, can Philadelphia and Oracle come to an agreement that satisfies both parties? Or would this end up being a “win/lose situation?
- Case 2 : The FBI’s Virtual Case File
1. A Computerworld article by Paul Glen1 lists a number of ways to detect disaster projects. Discuss how the following may apply to the FBI’s failed Virtual Case File.
- Case 3 : Do Certifications Matter?
1. What are the pros and cons with earning a PMP certification?
2. If you were a project manager, would you consider getting a project management certificate? Why or why not? (If you have one, what were your reasons for becoming certified? How has it helped you in your career?)
3. Why do you think certified project managers at IBM tend to have higher performance ratings than non-certified project managers?
