HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule

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HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded, in sentence sentence care. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule Instructions

The purpose of this assignment is to create a Gantt chart to outline the tasks and schedule for the case study you selected in the Class Resources. Recall that you created a project charter as the Topic 3 assignment. Review the feedback you received from your instructor for that assignment.

Part 1: Use the feedback from the Topic 3 assignment to create a Gantt chart showing the tasks and the time in which tasks should be completed for the project.To complete this assignment, access the Simple Gantt Chart located on the Microsoft Office website at: https://templates.office.com/en-us/simple-gantt-chart-tm16400962    

Part 2: Create a 250-500-word summary addressing the following:

  1. What is the value of a work breakdown structure? 
  2. What is the importance of monitoring critical success factors? 

Submit both the Gantt chart and the summary to the dropbox.

Prepare the Part 2 summary according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. Have a look at HQS 620 Topic 5 DQ 1.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

HQS 620 Topic 4 Assignment: Building a Project Schedule Example

Project deliverables are vital for all projects and often help show the progress and legality of projects. These documents also guide the project implementation process and help managers prevent diversion from project goals. One such important document is the indispensable work breakdown structure. Critical success factors are project elements that are of key interest in projects. This essay focuses on the significance of a work breakdown structure and monitoring critical success factors.

A work breakdown structure outlines the tasks that must be completed before project implementation. These tasks facilitate project implementation; without them, projects would fail or would not be successfully initiated. The work breakdown structure makes tasks smaller, workable, and manageable and assigns them to an individual (Sipes, 2019). The tasks are divided into the different phases of project management and show the tasks that should be implemented before the beginning of each phase. The WBS also ensures that all stakeholders share a common goal, hence collaborative efforts towards success (Pasaribu et al., 2019).

The work breakdown structure offers clarity and scope definition to the project implementers by breaking down work. It also presents a visual tool of tasks and deliverables that help complete projects without overlooking tasks. Pasaribu et al. (2019) note that a work breakdown structure helps organize work hierarchically, enhancing stakeholder communication and engagement. Breaking down tasks helps ensure equitable resource allocation and cost estimation, which is significant to project management. According to Sipes (2019), a work breakdown structure allows project managers to track and control progress. Thus, a work breakdown structure is significant to project management and success.

Critical success factors in project management are key areas that must be effectively addressed for successful project completion. These critical success factors include project objectives, stakeholder engagement, project planning, project team competence, risk and change management, and monitoring and control. Monitoring critical success factors helps detect deviations, risks, and challenges that might impact project success (Swarnakar et al., 2020). Critical success factors also keep project managers informed with up-to-date information that helps inform real-time decision-making, hence, timely and quality decisions. Monitoring critical success factors also facilitates periodic performance evaluation and continuous improvement (Adabre & Chan, 2019).

Despite effective project planning, it is vital to monitor progress and ensure that project implementors are implementing all activities as planned. Project managers continually collect information from project implementers and users to evaluate project progress and determine and address areas for improvement (Adabre & Chan, 2019). Critical success factors are directly related to project objectives and expected project outcomes. Tracking the critical success factors thus ensures the project is on track to achieve objectives and the expected outcomes.

A work breakdown structure is a significant document for project success. It outlines tasks, assigned individuals and timelines. A WBS gives a project manager an outline that helps implement project activities and enhance the project’s success. Monitoring critical success factors helps ensure the project meets its objectives and helps project managers continually evaluate and improve their projects. They also ensure project managers stick to the course and prevent deviations that could cause project failure. A work breakdown structure and monitoring critical success factors are thus integral to project success.

References

Adabre, M. A., & Chan, A. P. (2019). Critical success factors (CSFs) for sustainable, affordable housing. Building and Environment, 156, 203–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.04.030

Swarnakar, V., Singh, A. R., Antony, J., Tiwari, A. K., Cudney, E., & Furterer, S. (2020). A multiple integrated approach for modelling critical success factors in sustainable LSS implementation. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 150, 106865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2020.106865

Pasaribu, B., Latief, Y., & Riantini, L. S. (2019, April). Development of Risk-Based Standardized Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to Improve Quality Planning of Drainage Construction Work. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 258, No. 1, p. 012054). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.04.030

Sipes, C. (2019). Project Management for the Advanced Practice Nurse. (2nd Ed.). Springer Publishing Company.