The actual implementation of a project occurs within the execution phase. During this phase, it is not uncommon for project managers to determine that projects have deviated from the original scope, time, or cost (the “triple constraint”), often due to unforeseen issues. When one element of this “triple constraint” changes, project managers must adjust the remaining two elements in order to satisfy project requirements. Maintaining this balance is one of the greatest challenges a project manager faces.

In this Discussion, you examine scenarios featuring issues that arise during the execution phase of a project. You analyze how you would modify the project in terms of scope, time, and cost in order to resolve the issues and fulfill project requirements. You also explain how you would communicate these modifications to key stakeholders.

Consider the following scenarios.

1. You are the lead project manager tasked with implementing a hospital’s new patient identification and tracking system. The currently planned system is designed to function using only barcodes, but many key stakeholders have called for the system to also include the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) features. In order to meet the demands of the stakeholders, your project scope expands to include RFID technology. How will you modify your budget and schedule to accommodate this increased scope?

To prepare:

• Determine how you could modify the project in your assigned scenario in terms of scope, time, or cost in order to fulfill the project requirements.
• Consider how you would communicate the modifications you identified to key stakeholders.

Post the number of your assigned scenario and a description of where and how you would adjust the plan in terms of budget, scope, and timeline. Explain how you would communicate modifications to key stakeholders. Provide rationale for your response.

1. In this problem, you will calculate mean values for four independent samples and then explain the observed differences (please read the entire problem before beginning). Using the SWC data (SWC tab) in dataset DS2.xls, do the following:
   1. Select a 10% random sample of all cases and calculate the Mean for the IMR (infant mortality rate) for this sample. Record the mean. (2 points)
   2. Select a second 10% random sample and calculate the Mean for the IMR for this sample. Record the mean. (2 points)
   3. Select a third 10% random sample and calculate the Mean for the IMR for this sample. Record the mean. (2 points)
   4. Select a fourth 10% random sample and calculate the Mean for the IMR for this sample. Record the mean. (2 points)
   5. Create a table that displays the four means calculated above in parts a-d. Calculate the average of the four means (Mean-1, Mean-2, Mean-3, Mean-4) and add this figure to the table. Describe the mean values calculated and offer an explanation for any differences observed. That is, explain why the four means calculated in parts a-d are not exactly the same. Include a comment about the “fifth mean” (the average of the means calculated in parts a-d). (2 points)

1. In the next two problems, you will calculate frequency distributions and express them in different kinds of charts. Using the Hospital Charges data in dataset DS2.xls, do the following:
   1. Compute the minimum and maximum age for the cases in the spreadsheet. (1 point)
   2. Create a frequency distribution of age using the following categories of age (<50, 50-64, 65-79, 80+). Compute percent and cumulative percent for each age category. (4 points)
   3. Label all elements in the frequency table. (2 points)
   4. Create a column chart of age (showing the number of cases in each age category). (1 point)
   5. Create a line chart of age (showing the number of cases in each age category). (1 point)
   6. Create a pie chart of age (showing the percent of cases in each age category). (1 point)

1. Using Late Delivery data in dataset DS2.xls , do the following:
   1. Use the pivot table to create a frequency distribution for the reasons for the late delivery of the meal. (4 points)
   2. Sort the frequency distribution so that the reason with the most occurrences is first, the second next, and so on, and create a column chart showing the reasons from most to least. (3 points)
   3. Compute the cumulative frequency (%) for the data in (a) and construct a Pareto chart of the result. That is, create a line chart for cumulative frequency (%) and add this to the chart created in part 6.b. (3 points)

You will perform an environmental scan for your target company.

Choose an organization according to the following:

• Current employer
• Most recent or former employer
• Place of business that you have patronized or have been familiar with over a long period of time.
  • Avoid choosing an organization that is so large that historical data would be difficult to apply. Firms in the Russell 2000^® index may fit well, whereas firms in the Dow 30 Industrial index probably do not.
• The organization can be a start-up that you or a significant other may create in the future. For a start-up, focus on an entrepreneurial idea that is of substantive interest, so this project leaves you with a product you may leverage in the future.

Write a 1,050-word minimum environmental analysis in which you include the following:

• Determine how to create value and sustain competitive advantage using the environmental scanning strategy.
• Evaluate the company’s external environment.
• Assess the company’s general environment.
• Evaluate the organization’s industry operating environment.

Format your paper according to APA guidelines.