Part 4
Executing, Controlling, and Closing the Project
Written by Seán Butler: Reviewed by Gary Tiscovschi and Mykola Babiy
In the previous blog, we finished with the question, how could information systems be utilized to execute ATG’s plan?
We will now sink our teeth into how Information Systems such as Microsoft Word, Teams, and Outlook can help monitor and execute plans.
Executing the Project
By using the above information systems in initiating and planning the siege, it should make executing the project as easy as possible for ATG. One major advantage of using such information systems is that paper trials can be created to ensure accountability. The risk management plan outlines who is responsible for mitigating what risks, the communication plan outlines who is responsible for issuing certain reports, and the work-breakdown structure outlines who is responsible for doing certain tasks. Ensuring accountability means ATG could delegate work effectively and potentially complete other conquests at the same time.
Monitoring and Controlling
It is believed that ATG spent much of his time on the causeway, building and dispensing small gifts of money to his laborers and leading by personal example. Most monitoring and controlling were done by himself. Although this proved to be an effective method in getting the causeway built, it certainly was not efficient.
Monitoring and controlling require competent utilization of communication plans. Stakeholders can be informed about project status using status reports. Changes to a project can be documented and communicated through project change requests. These can all be created and communicated through the information systems already mentioned, Microsoft Word, Teams, and Outlook. For instance, when ATG changed his plans due to the causeway being destroyed initially, he could have used these reports to effectively change the status of the siege and communicate this message instantly to relevant stakeholders. Instead of sending messengers to the Kings of Cyprus, these information systems could also have been used to instantly request help, again, increasing efficiency greatly.
“Hypothetical Extract” from ATG’s Progress Report
Closing the project
Finally, ATG had to complete the siege. Capturing the city was the ultimate goal, however, a vast array of tasks remained until the city became fully utilized. Its food reserves had to be harvested, its gold reserves had to be looted and shelter had to be found for ATG and his men. How ATG ensured all tasks were completed is unknown, however, it is taken as a given that this process was both inefficient and subject to miscoordination.
Microsoft Excel is a marvelous tool for creating checklists. If ATG was to have drafted checklists, assigned them to individuals who were to be held accountable, and observed their progression through the use of the communication plan (Word, Teams, and Outlook), this not only would have sped the process up of completion greatly but also reduced the risk of misinterpretation and failing to remember the inspection of responsibilities.
“Hypothetical Extracts” from ATG’s checklists
Conclusion
As with many of ATG’s projects and large-scale projects in general, the siege of Tyre was riddled with mistakes and shortcomings. Through the use of both effective project management tools and Microsoft Applications, such projects could have been completed with fewer materials, less time, and less bloodshed, maximizing the chances of success for future projects. ATG often managed projects in person. Such information systems could have helped centralize his authority, enabling him to build, siege, and create many projects at once, making what was once the most infamous war machine, a global superpower.
Bibliography
- Sheppard, R., 2011. Alexander the Great at war. Oxford: Osprey.
Kogon, K., Blakemore, S. and Wood, J., 2015. Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager. Dallas, Texas: BenBella Books, Inc.
