National Jazz Hall of Fame Case

MGMT 430 Project Management

Case Study: National Jazz Hall of Fame

1. What is the project Mr. Rutland is trying to manage? Has it stayed the same?

Mr. Rutland has dedicated his efforts into creating the most successfully operated National Jazz Hall of Fame (NJHF) in Charlottesville, Virginia. His project included: to grow interest and loyalty in the general public for jazz, to properly fund and promote the jazz hall, and conducting surveys to gain information of the preference of different styles of jazz as well as services. I believe Mr. Rutland’s project since the founding of NJHF has the same mission, yet finding the proper ways to achieve his objectives has probably changed as he attains new information about the public.

2. Identify the various stakeholders in the project, including the competition.

Benny Goodman; Chick Corea; Jazz enthusiasts who have made investments; the Richmond newspaper; and the Charlottesville country club. The competition includes other Halls of Fame, for example: CBS Records & Harlem YMCA’s joint venture.

3. Of the skills mentioned in the chapter that a project manager needs, which are most important here? Why?

The most successful skill needed to be a successful project manager is credibility and leadership skills. Credibility is important because people need to believe that Mr. Rutland has the love and ability to direct jazz into the right direction. Leadership skills are important as well because Mr. Rutland has to be able to keep the stakeholders at bay as he attempts to successfully lead the project. With leadership skills, people will believe and support the NJHF.

4. What credibility does Mr. Rutland have? Is he a leader?

Mr. Rutland is a history professor at the University of Virginia, which is in Charlottesville. He has enough credibility to discover the NJHF as he probably has a diverse network of contacts in Virginia. Although Mr. Rutland may not be a leader, he will gain the skills of a...