SST101 GBA (Group-based Assignment) SUSS : January 2024 Presentation – Principles of Project Management, Singapore

Assignment 

Case Study: Springfield Community Library Project

Background:

The city of Springfield, located in the picturesque Willow Valley region, is renowned for its vibrant culture, artistic heritage, and educational excellence. To further enrich its diverse community, Springfield’s city council has initiated a landmark project to bolster its educational and cultural infrastructure. The centrepiece of this endeavour is the construction of the Springfield Community Library (SCL), poised to be a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and community cohesion. The SCL is a symbol of Springfield’s commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement. It is a place where people can come together to share ideas, build relationships, and create a better future for themselves and their city.

Project Overview:

The Springfield Community Library project aspires to create a modern, inclusive, and sustainable space that caters to the diverse needs of its residents. The ambitious project involves the construction of an architecturally stunning library building, spanning 45,000 square feet. The library’s design emphasises both aesthetics and functionality, featuring an iconic glass façade, energy-efficient systems, and flexible spaces that cater to various age groups and interests. The primary project objectives are as follows:

1. Modern Design and Amenities 

• The library’s architectural design will blend seamlessly with the city’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing contemporary elements.
• Cutting-edge amenities include a digital media lab, a makerspace with 3D printing facilities, dedicated children’s zones, and quiet reading alcoves.

2. Accessibility and Inclusivity

•  The SCL aims to be a model of accessibility, ensuring that all visitors, including those with disabilities, can comfortably use its resources.
• Inclusivity will be fostered through diverse collections, multilingual resources, and outreach programs catering to underprivileged communities.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

• The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with LEED Gold certification as the target.
• Sustainable features encompass solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and ecofriendly building materials.

4. Budget and Timeline

• The budget allocation for the SCL project is set at $28 million, with careful cost control measures in place.
• The project’s timeline mandates completion within four years from groundbreaking, with regular progress assessments

. 5. Community Engagement 

• The library is envisioned as a community hub, fostering engagement through workshops, cultural events, and interactive exhibitions.
• Regular public feedback sessions and surveys will inform ongoing improvements, ensuring alignment with community needs.

 Challenges: Despite its noble objectives, the Springfield Community Library project faces several substantial challenges:

1. Funding and Grants 

• The initial budget of $28 million relies heavily on securing government grants, donations, and private sector partnerships.
• Overcoming budgetary constraints while maintaining quality is a critical concern.

2. Regulatory Compliance:

• Compliance with local zoning laws, construction regulations, and environmental standards presents legal hurdles.
• Navigating these regulations to ensure project continuity is imperative.

3. Stakeholder Coordination:

•  Engaging a multitude of stakeholders, including city officials, architects, contractors, librarians, and community representatives, requires deft management.
• Aligning diverse interests and expectations is pivotal to success.

4. Environmental Stewardship:

• Balancing the desire for sustainable features with the potential environmental impact is a complex task.
• A comprehensive environmental impact assessment will guide responsible decisions.

5. Project Timeline:

• Meeting the four-year deadline is paramount to avoid cost overruns and to facilitate timely library access for the community.
• Effective scheduling and adherence to milestones will be key

Question:

In your role as a project management consultant, your mission is to evaluate the Springfield Community Library project’s current status. In your evaluation, describe the inherent challenges that the project is facing. Formulate defined objectives and apply them to resolve these challenges and guarantee the successful delivery of the project. Your assessment should analyse various facets of project management, i.e. items a-f below. For each of the items below, select (with reasons) the relevant activities to achieve the objectives.

a. Stakeholder analysis and engagement strategy.

b. Scope definition and alignment with project goals.

c. Risk analysis and mitigation strategies.

d. Budget analysis and financial planning.

e. Sustainability measures and environmental impact assessment.

f. Community engagement strategies and feedback mechanisms.