Electro Box – My first official project!
My very first project is to manage and deliver exhibition stand for Electro Box at the Autumn Fair Event.
“Electro Box Ltd is a global consumer electronics company that has sold products across 35 different countries. Electro Box specialises in the design, development, marketing, retail and distribution of advanced consumer electronics that have been acclaimed by celebrities and industry professionals for their clever blend of innovative technology and stylish design.”
Electro Box exhibited with their Prestige exhibition stand at the Autumn Fair, which ran from 7th up until the 10th September. The Autumn Fair is one of the largest gift trade show of the season bringing together over 1,400 exhibitors and 30,000 buyers for four action-packed days of buying across 11 unique show sectors.
Based on project management triangle, this project like any other human undertaking, which needs to be performed and delivered in 3 constraints, including: cost, scope and schedule.
Cost constraint: As a project manager, I need to ensure that the project is to be delivered under the budget. For each project, there is a particular amount for the budget, which compromises of: labor, materials, facilities, services which are all developed according to work breakdown structure. In other words, my job is to negotiate with the suppliers to get the best deal for carpet, curtain, photography and etc. In the meantime, I need to manage the resources such as the internal labour and vehicle for multiple projects adequately.
Schedule constraint: The Electro Box project had been agreed for the go ahead just 15 days before the opening date. Therefore, being able to manage a big exhibition stand (4.5m wide, 6.5m length and 2.5m height) within 15 days is a lot of pressure for myself in order to get it finished on time. Although it may sound like a long time, 15 days to build a stand from scratch just simply isn't enough. Apart from Electro Box, I have had many other projects that need to be managed and ensuring that I disparate deadlines successfully.
Scope constraint: Within 15 days of project life-cycle, I am required to perform and deliver an exhibition stand featuring with high-level branding, illuminated display showcases, iPad holders and high-quality seamless graphics. Also, I need to be aware of any changes regarding to the stand structure and graphics as well as understanding the influence of these changes on a particular budget and schedule. Throughout the project, Electro Box wanted to use transparent display box within their stand which was something that we had never produced and experienced before. Therefore, being able to manage uncertainty, rapid change or ambiguity is an essential skill that I need to learn.
In the end, the exhibition stand for Electro Box proved to be a real success, with a high number of exhibition attendees visiting their stand during the show. Meanwhile, as Project Manager, I feel that I have performed and delivered successfully on planning my first project around a tight schedule. Overall, my management skills have included; project planning, initiation and organisation, managing resources, effective project negotiation, cost control, managing risk and making decisions and managing changes that have been developed throughout the Electro Box project.
“We had a really good show and where really pleased with how the stand turned out.
I would like to thank you for your help and support during the ordering and build up.”
Jasmine Lancaster – Marketing Executive of Electro Box.
