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- Project Schedule Development Planning the Timing and Sequence of Project Activitie
- Forced Returns to Ethiopia could end with a human rights disaster.
- NOAS fear that the Ethiopians returned to tortur
Posted: 19 Jul 2013 04:24 AM PD
Schedules specify the sequence of project tasks © iStockphoto/AndrewJohnson Can you imagine starting a long car trip to an unfamiliar destination without a map or navigation system? You're pretty sure you have to make some turns here and there, but you have no idea when or where, or how long it will take to get there. You may arrive eventually, but you run the risk of getting lost, and feeling frustrated, along the way. Essentially, driving without any idea of how you're going to get there is the same as working on a project without a schedule. No matter the size or scope of your project, the schedule is a key part of project management. The schedule tells you when each activity should be done, what has already been completed, and the sequence in which things need to be finished. Luckily, drivers have fairly accurate tools they can use. Scheduling, on the other hand, is not an exact process. It's part estimation, part prediction, and part 'educated guessing.' Because of the uncertainty involved, the schedule is reviewed regularly, and it is often revised while the project is in progress. It continues to develop as the project moves forward, changes arise, risks come and go, and new risks are identified. The schedule essentially transforms the project from a vision to a time-based plan. Schedules also help you do the following: They provide a basis for you to monitor and control project activities. They help you determine how best to allocate resources so you can achieve the project goal. They help you assess how time delays will impact the project. You can figure out where excess resources are available to allocate to other projects. They provide a basis to help you track project progress. With that in mind, what's the best way of building an accurate and effective schedule for your next project? Project managers have a variety of tools to develop a project schedule – from the relatively simple process of action planning for small projects, to use of Gantt Charts and Network Analysis for large projects. Here, we outline the key tools you will need for schedule development. Schedule Inputs You need several types of inputs to create a project schedule: Personal and project calendars – Understanding working days, shifts, and resource availability is critical to completing a project schedule. Description of project scope – From this, you can determine key start and end dates, major assumptions behind the plan, and key constraints and restrictions. You can also include stakeholder expectations, which will often determine project milestones. Project risks – You need to understand these to make sure there's enough extra time to deal with identified risks – and with unidentified risks (risks are identified with thorough Risk Analysis). Lists of activities and resource requirements – Again, it's important to determine if there are other constraints to consider when developing the schedule. Understanding the resource capabilities and experience you have available – as well as company holidays and staff vacations – will affect the schedule. A project manager should be aware of deadlines and resource availability issues that may make the schedule less flexible. Scheduling Tools Here are some tools and techniques for combining these inputs to develop the schedule: Schedule Network Analysis – This is a graphic representation of the project's activities, the time it takes to complete them, and the sequence in which they must be done. Project management software is typically used to create these analyses – Gantt charts and PERT Charts are common formats. Critical Path Analysis – This is the process of looking at all of the activities that must be completed, and calculating the 'best line' – or critical path – to take so that you'll complete the project in the minimum amount of time. The method calculates the earliest and latest possible start and finish times for project activities, and it estimates the dependencies among them to create a schedule of critical activities and dates. Learn more about Critical Path Analysis. Schedule Compression – This tool helps shorten the total duration of a project by decreasing the time allotted for certain activities. It's done so that you can meet time constraints, and still keep the original scope of the project. You can use two methods here: Crashing – This is where you assign more resources to an activity, thus decreasing the time it takes to complete it. This is based on the assumption that the time you save will offset the added resource costs. Fast-Tracking – This involves rearranging activities to allow more parallel work. This means that things you would normally do one after another are now done at the same time. However, do bear in mind that this approach increases the risk that you'll miss things, or fail to address changes. Use of Project Stages: One of the biggest reasons that projects over-run is that the 'final' polishing and error-correction takes very much longer than anticipated. In this way, projects can seem to be '80% complete' for 80% of the time! What's worse, these projects can seem to be on schedule until, all of a sudden, they over-run radically. A good way of avoiding this is to schedule projects in distinct stages, where final quality, finished components are delivered at the end of each stage. This way, quality problems can be identified early on, and rectified before they seriously threaten the project schedule. Project Review Once you have outlined the basic schedule, you need to review it to make sure that the timing for each activity is aligned with the necessary resources. Here are tools commonly used to do this: 'What if' scenario analysis – This method compares and measures the effects of different scenarios on a project. You use simulations to determine the effects of various adverse, or harmful, assumptions – such as resources not being available on time, or delays in other areas of the project. You can then measure and plan for the risks posed in these scenarios. Resource leveling – Here, you rearrange the sequence of activities to address the possibility of unavailable resources, and to make sure that excessive demand is not put on resources at any point in time. If resources are available only in limited quantities, then you change the timing of activities so that the most critical activities have enough resources. Critical chain method – This also addresses resource availability. You plan activities using their latest possible start and finish dates. This adds extra time between activities, which you can then use to manage work disruptions. Risk multipliers – Risk is inevitable, so you need to prepare for its impact. Adding extra time to high-risk activities is one strategy. Another is to add a time multiplier to certain tasks or certain resources to offset overly optimistic time estimation. After the initial schedule has been reviewed, and adjustments made, it's a good idea to have other members of the team review it as well. Include people who will be doing the work – their insights and assumptions are likely to be particularly accurate and relevant. Key Points Scheduling aims to predict the future, and it has to consider many uncertainties and assumptions. As a result, many people believe it's more of an art than a science. But whether you're planning a team retreat, or leading a multimillion-dollar IT project, the schedule is a critical part of your efforts. It identifies and organizes project tasks into a sequence of events that create the project management plan. A variety of inputs and tools are used in the scheduling process, all of which are designed to help you understand your resources, your constraints, and your risks. The end result is a plan that links events in the best way to complete the project efficiently. Basic Phases of Project Management
Project Management Institute, Inc. (PMI) defines project management as "the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to a broad range of activities in order to meet the requirements of a particular project." The process of directing and controlling a project from start to finish may be further divided into 5 basic phases:
1. Project conception and initiation
An idea for a project will be carefully examined to determine whether or not it benefits the organization. During this phase, a decision making team will identify if the project can realistically be completed.
2. Project definition and planning
A project plan, project charter and/or project scope may be put in writing, outlining the work to be performed. During this phase, a team should prioritize the project, calculate a budget and schedule, and determine what resources are needed.
3. Project launch or execution
Resources' tasks are distributed and teams are informed of responsibilities. This is a good time to bring up important project related information.
4. Project performance and control
Project managers will compare project status and progress to the actual plan, as resources perform the scheduled work. During this phase, project managers may need to adjust schedules or do what is necessary to keep the project on track.
5. Project close
After project tasks are completed and the client has approved the outcome, an evaluation is necessary to highlight project success and/or learn from project history.
Projects and project management processes vary from industry to industry; however, these are more traditional elements of a project. The overarching goal is typically to offer a product, change a process or to solve a problem in order to benefit the organization.
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Posted: 18 Jul 2013 02:26 PM PDT
 Mari Seilskjær Published Yesterday at. 9:49- 1031 views Norwegian authorities are now beginning to send Ethiopians out of the country by force. Norway is the only European country that has signed an agreement forcibly returned to Ethiopia, and everything should be ready to perform the initial mailings. For ten days ago, a Ethiopian linked to an illegal opposition party arrested to be deported. After it was presented new information in the case, he was released and Immigration Tribunal will now consider the matter. Forced Returns to Ethiopia could end with a human rights disaster. For some Ethiopians will probably return visit quite good, while others will be exposed if they returned. There is reason to fear that political dissidents and government critics sent back to torture or other serious abuse. Many Ethiopians have lived in Norway and has been politically active here. Several of them have been granted protection in Norway over the past year, because Norwegian authorities acknowledge that many dissidents Ethiopians risk persecution. However, there are some people associated with illegal opposition parties have been denied. NOAS fear that these people risk serious abuse if they are returned. Ethiopia is a very authoritarian regime, and the government commits extensive human rights violations against its own people. The Ethiopian regime spends considerable resources on monitoring and imprison its critics, whether it is about opposition politicians, journalists and civil activists. Civil society gagged, and Ethiopian government prohibits foreign organizations working on democracy and human rights. There are no independent media left, and Ethiopia in recent years has been the African country most journalists have fled. Norwegian authorities concluded nevertheless a return agreement with Ethiopia last year. The deal provoked strong reactions. For example, the United Nations expressed concern about the consequences of forced returns. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights questioned whether Norway could ensure that the Ethiopian authorities held the absolute prohibition of torture. Since no country has so far sent back opposing Ethiopians, no one knows the consequences of the political activity will get. There are several indications that the opposition Ethiopians can face severe sanctions upon return. When NOAS visited Ethiopia last year, we were told by a representative of the Ethiopian authorities that the activity of illegal opposition parties will have consequences. Several other sources believed that people who are active in illegal fundraising abroad, risking serious abuse if they are returned. Ethiopian authorities have enacted anti-terror laws which, according to international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch used to silence political opponents and journalists opinion. Ethiopian authorities have categorized several opposition parties as terrorist organizations. Assistance to, or mention of, these parties punished with years of jail. Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson, the Swedish journalists arrested in Ethiopia in 2011, was sentenced to severe penalties for supporting terrorism, but was later pardoned. During a visit to Norway earlier this year said that many of their fellow prisoners imprisoned because of oppositional activity or criticism of the government. They stressed that the Ethiopians who were exposed to the same charges as those, meetings far more serious reactions. Ethiopian authorities monitor dissidents Ethiopians in Norway extensively. The Ethiopian regime has thus a good overview of who has taken part in opposition activities or uttered his authority critical as they have lived in Norway. The human rights situation in Ethiopia is worsened in recent years. Freedom of the press in the country is gradually tightened, and the persecution of political opponents intensified. Attacks on opposition's of actors at different levels and in different parts of the country. Ethiopia experts stressed that there is considerable arbitrariness both what it takes to be imprisoned, and the reactions of persons subjected to in prison. It is not possible to predict exactly what the reactions against government critics and opposition politicians will be, and the imprisonment and torture can not be excluded. According return agreement between Norway and Ethiopia, the Ethiopian authorities responsible for the returned - the same government that persecutes its critics. No UN agencies or independent organization to oversee the repatriation and reintegration. Return agreement contains no guarantees that returned Ethiopians will not be subjected to harassment and abuse. Return agreements with Afghanistan and Iraq commits authorities there to "take the necessary measures to ensure that Afghans / Iraqis can return without fear of harassment, intimidation, persecution, discrimination, prosecution or penalties of any kind." A similar formulation is not in return agreement with Ethiopia, despite the fact that many Ethiopian asylum seekers just fleeing government persecution, and not a difficult security situation, as is the case for most Afghans and Iraqis. It is highly uncertain what will happen to the Ethiopians sent back, especially those who have been involved in illegal political opposition. The fact that Norway still returning such person is a dangerous experiment. If there is a real risk of torture or other serious offenses, the Norwegian authorities obliged under international law to provide protection. To return opposing Ethiopians is to gamble with human lives. Published Daily newspaper debate sides same day. |
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Posted: 18 Jul 2013 02:11 PM PDT
 Published: July 8, 2013, Default
Norwegian authorities are now beginning to carry out forced returns to Ethiopia for the first time in over twenty years. NOAS fear that the Ethiopians will be sent back to torture or other serious abuse.
NOAS know that at least one Ethiopian linked to an illegal opposition party is arrested and imprisoned on Trandum Immigration Detention Centre to send out one of these days.
- Forced Returns to Ethiopia could end with a human rights disaster. For some Ethiopians will probably return visit quite good, but others will be exposed if they are sent back. Our fear is that political dissidents and government critics to be returned to persecution by the authorities, says Mari Seilskjær in Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS).
Norwegian authorities signed a return agreement with Ethiopia in January last year. Norway is the only country in Europe which have concluded such an agreement on forced returns to Ethiopia. There is considerable uncertainty about what will meet some of the asylum seekers with final rejection upon return to their home country, especially those who have been involved in illegal political opposition.
- Many asylum seekers are associated with illegal opposition parties. Some of these have been granted protection in Norway, but we believe that several of those who have been denied risk imprisonment and torture if they are sent back, says Seilskjær.
Many Ethiopians have lived in Norway, and many have been politically active in exile. NOAS require asylum from Ethiopia reassessed before any mailings, and persons associated with illegal opposition parties must be protected in Norway.
Ethiopia is a very authoritarian regime, and the government commits extensive human rights violations against its own people. The Ethiopian regime uses substantial resources to persecute and imprison its critics, whether it is about opposition politicians, journalists and civil activists. International human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch believes that the Ethiopian authorities abusing anti-terror laws to gag political opponents and journalists opinion.
- It is problematic that the above agreement is returning Ethiopian authorities responsible for the returned - the same government that persecutes its critics. No UN agencies or independent organization to oversee the repatriation and reintegration, said Seilskjær.
Norway previously had a far more critical attitude towards the Ethiopian authorities. When Prime Minister Meles Zenawi was in Norway to receive Yara Prize in 2005, he was only meeting of state secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Neither Prime Minister Bondevik or any of the ministers wanted to see him.
The human rights situation in Ethiopia has been clearly deteriorated in recent years. Freedom of the press in the country is gradually tightened, and the persecution of political opponents intensified. Civil society gagged, and Ethiopian governments now prohibit foreign organizations working on democracy and human rights in the country. There is no real independent media again and Ethiopia in recent years has been the African country most journalists have fled.
Norway has decided to increase the Norwegian support to Ethiopia, while Sweden reduces aid to Ethiopia because of increasing human rights violations.
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