National Hall of Jazz Fame
1. In their paper on “Understanding the Role of ‘Vision’ in Project Success, Christenson and Walker (2004, p.39) argue that “project vision is a significant contributing factor to project success, and, the communication and maintenance of a project vision will impact project outcomes”.
a. How do Christenson and Walker (2004) define project vision? What distinguishes project vision from a mission statement?
Christenson & Walker (2004, p.39-40) define project vision as the ability of a leader to get teams to work towards common team goals. This involves the communication of credible but reasonable goals in a way that is easy to understand, and compelling to follow. A successful project manager will be able to inspire teammates so that they "buy" a project and meet the objective.
A project vision differs from a mission in that a project vision relates to overall goals or "ends" to be achieved while a mission concerns the means to that end. A mission relates to the tasks needed to meet carry out the vision, many times outlined in a mission statement. A project vision answers the question "why or what?" while a mission would answer the question "how?" Visions are also more related to overall culture of a project.
b. In the last paragraph of the NJHoF case study, Mr. Rutland is contemplating what to do in order to make his dream a reality. What was Mr. Rutland’s project vision from the time beginning of the case study thru the end of the case where he is reviewing the recommendations of the consultant?
Mr. Rutland’s project vision was to save Paramount Theatre, a local landmark, by establishing a National Jazz Hall of Fame that could be used as a museum and performance center. The board of Directors determined that to save the Paramount Theatre a minimum of $600,000 would be needed, which caused the plan to unravel. However, to support their passion and love for jazz, they continued their efforts to establish the NJHoF in Charlottesville, VA. Mr.
a. How do Christenson and Walker (2004) define project vision? What distinguishes project vision from a mission statement?
Christenson & Walker (2004, p.39-40) define project vision as the ability of a leader to get teams to work towards common team goals. This involves the communication of credible but reasonable goals in a way that is easy to understand, and compelling to follow. A successful project manager will be able to inspire teammates so that they "buy" a project and meet the objective.
A project vision differs from a mission in that a project vision relates to overall goals or "ends" to be achieved while a mission concerns the means to that end. A mission relates to the tasks needed to meet carry out the vision, many times outlined in a mission statement. A project vision answers the question "why or what?" while a mission would answer the question "how?" Visions are also more related to overall culture of a project.
b. In the last paragraph of the NJHoF case study, Mr. Rutland is contemplating what to do in order to make his dream a reality. What was Mr. Rutland’s project vision from the time beginning of the case study thru the end of the case where he is reviewing the recommendations of the consultant?
Mr. Rutland’s project vision was to save Paramount Theatre, a local landmark, by establishing a National Jazz Hall of Fame that could be used as a museum and performance center. The board of Directors determined that to save the Paramount Theatre a minimum of $600,000 would be needed, which caused the plan to unravel. However, to support their passion and love for jazz, they continued their efforts to establish the NJHoF in Charlottesville, VA. Mr.
References: Christenson and Walker. "Understanding the Role of "Vision" in Project Success."Project Management Journal (2004): n. page 39-41. Print. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK® Guide. Newton Square, Pa: Project Management Institute, 2008. Print. Meredith, Jack R., and Samuel J. Mantel. Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley, 2008. Case Study: NJHoF "The Paramount." . A Guide to the Papers of the National Jazz Hall of Fame, 1974-1988, Accession # 10778,-a, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.