Executive Solution Overview
see attachment **files (2)** – ## PMTouchstone4Template.docx – ## touchstone4.docx **## PMTouchstone4Template.docx** Page 1 PM: Touchstone 4—Monthly Adoption Event at Dough Paws Project Name: Date: Now that you’ve created the risk register, communication management plan, and logged the approved chan…
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**files (2)**
– ## PMTouchstone4Template.docx
– ## touchstone4.docx
**## PMTouchstone4Template.docx**
Page 1
PM: Touchstone 4—Monthly Adoption Event at Dough Paws Project
Name:
Date:
Now that you’ve created the risk register, communication management plan, and logged the approved changes in the change control log, it’s important to show how you will use these tools to guide the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws. In this touchstone, you’ll answer a series of questions that ask you to explain your decisions and next steps as the project manager for this project.
**Directions:** Using what you have learned about risk registers, communication management plans, and change control in Units 2 and 4, respond to the following questions in relation to the scenario. For each question, you should write a paragraph-length response (5–7 sentences) to receive credit for this Touchstone. Refer to the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log as needed, and explain your reasoning rather than copying directly from the documents. You may use your Sophia tutorials as a reference.
| |
| — |
| **Question 1**<br>**What risk is related to overcrowding? Provide the details on that risk, and address how you would communicate this issue to Keshia, based on the communication management plan.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 2**<br>**There have been two changes to this project. Please identify both changes and then discuss the steps you’d take as the project manager to manage these changes.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 3**<br>**What response strategy would you use if R4 occurs? Please list the responses and add one new one.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 4**<br>**Do either of the change requests require additional funding? If so, provide the change ID and identify the items that might need additional funding and describe why.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 5**<br>**As the project manager, you notice that volunteers are not showing up as expected on the morning of the event (Risk R5). Apply the communication plan to describe how you would quickly address this issue with stakeholders and keep the event running smoothly.** |
| Your answer |
| | | |
| — | — | — |
| | | |
**## touchstone4.docx**
_Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a Touchstone anytime, but you must pass this unit’s assessments before you submit it. Once you've submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted toward your final course score._
**Touchstone 4: Case Study Project – Monthly Adoption Event at Dough Paws: Risk, Communication, and Change Control**
**Overview**
What You Will Learn: In this touchstone, you will apply what you’ve learned about the execution and monitoring & controlling phases by working with the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log for the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws. You’ll practice identifying and analyzing risks, planning stakeholder communications, and managing scope changes using a formal change control process.
Why It Matters: In real projects, plans rarely go exactly as expected—risks occur, stakeholders need timely updates, and changes to scope are common. This assignment helps you practice using risk, communication, and change control tools so you can keep a project on track, protect its objectives, and respond confidently when issues or changes arise.
What You Will Hand In: You will download the template and complete it with your own content and then upload it in the original MS Word (.doc or .docx) format.
Keys to Success:
· Develop and submit original work.
· Review the course content you’ve learned in the class.
· Follow grading criteria that align with the rows in the rubric.
Helpful Links:
·
[Academic Integrity Guidelines](https://app.sophia.org/tutorials/touchstones-academic-integrity-guidelines)
·
[Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI](https://app.sophia.org/tutorials/ethical-standards-and-appropriate-use-of-ai)
[Share your feedback on Touchstones](https://app.sophia.org/spcc/project-management-21-touchstone-4-1)
**The Scenario**
As you may recall from the last touchstone, Dough Paws is a retail store that sells high-quality baked goods for pets. The owner, Keshia Griffin, started this business after having worked in the corporate world as an accountant for 10 years. The main reason for starting this business was that the owner found the quality of pet treats purchased at most retail stores to be low, which negatively impacted her dog’s allergies. Because of this, she created a dog bakery that focuses on fresh, human-grade ingredients and avoids using common allergens, such as flour.
Currently, Keshia has a rotating schedule of a variety of baked goods for dogs. Some of them include things like bagel bites, which come in a 6-oz package, and other goods such as dog cookies, which come in a variety of shapes and are colorfully decorated. At any given time in the bakery, Keshia has approximately 10–12 fresh items available. In addition to this, she also sells a variety of high-quality packaged treats, dog leashes, dog collars, and high-quality dog toys.
When Keshia first opened this business, she was located in a small but very busy strip mall, which featured a large retail store. It was Keshia’s hope that by locating next to a large retail store, she’d have walk-in traffic, which turned out to be true! She’s now hired four additional part-time people to work in the store.
Recently, Keshia decided she wanted to work with a local animal rescue, called Homes for Paws, to host an adoption event on the first Saturday of every month.
Here are some additional details Keshia and Homes for Paws worked on for the event.
· The event will run between 10 AM and 2 PM.
· The event will have at least 8 dogs available for adoption.
· The event will require the following resources:
· 8 dog crates of varying sizes to give the dogs breaks
· 4-6 large sandwich board signs to place around the shopping complex
· 8 small tables
· Information about each dog available for adoption on printed sheets
· Balloons for attention
· Information posted on the Dough Paws website every month
· Social media posts about the event on Homes for Paws and Dough Paws accounts
Because Keshia is interested in focusing on sales and driving traffic to her shop with the event, and because Homes for Paws wants to focus on adoptions, Keshia has hired you to manage the project every month.
In earlier project planning, you completed the project charter, scope management plan, and work breakdown structure (WBS) for this project. Based on that planning, you also created a risk register to identify and assess potential issues and a communication management plan to outline how and when you will update each stakeholder. With those documents in place, the project was ready to move into execution, and the monthly adoption events are now underway.
Your current task
During the project, Keshia and the Homes for Paws event coordinator noticed that they have a surplus of foster dogs, so they want to change the event to allow up to 12 dogs for adoption rather than the 8 that were in the original scope statement. In addition, they decided that the last Saturday of the month, rather than the first Saturday, might be more ideal.
As the project manager, you documented these two requests using a change request form and then logged them in the change control log.
To complete this touchstone, you’ll refer to the documents you created and answer questions about risks, communication, and change management for the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws.
All three of your documents are linked below.
**Instructions**
Step 1: Read the Scenario (above)
Step 2: Review the Project Risk, Communication, and Change Control Documentation
Open or download the following project documents; you will need these to answer the questions in the PM Touchstone 4 Template.
DOWNLOAD
Project Dough Paw Project Risk, Communication, and Change Control Documentation
·
[Dough Paws Project – Communication Management Plan.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64000-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Communication%20Management%20Plan.pdf)
·
[Dough Paws Project – Risk Register.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64183-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Risk%20Register.pdf)
·
[Dough Paws Project – Change Control Log.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64002-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Change%20Control%20Log.pdf)
Step 3: Download the Project Template (This file contains the questions.)
DOWNLOAD
Download the
[PM Touchstone 4 Template.docx](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64184-PM%20Touchstone%204%20Template.docx).
Step 4: Review Helpful Tutorials
The following course tutorials are recommended for review before beginning the template. They contain key information relevant to the content you’ll be adding. Select the “+” icon to expand this listing.
[Helpful Tutorials](https://app.sophia.org/spcc/project-management-21-touchstone-4-1)
Step 5: Complete the Questions in the Project Template
While understanding the project scenario and using the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log, answer each question in the PM Touchstone 4 Template. Make sure to add enough detail to satisfy the rubric below.
As you respond, imagine you’re the actual project manager standing in the middle of a busy adoption event, using these tools to make decisions in real time. Your answers should show how you would think through a situation using the risk register, communication plan, and change control log—not just where to find information in them. Try to connect your explanations back to core project management ideas from the course, such as managing scope, communicating with the right stakeholders, and choosing appropriate risk responses. This is your chance to demonstrate how all the pieces you’ve learned fit together into a clear, confident approach to managing the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws.
Step 6: Review and Submit Your Work
Review your work carefully and check the rubric to make sure you meet all the requirements. Submit the completed template as a Microsoft Word (.docx or .doc) file. Please only submit work entered directly into the template.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to include your name and the date at the top of the template. Submissions without these details will not be graded.
**Rubric**
| | | | | | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| | **Advanced (100%)** | **Proficient (85%)** | **Acceptable (75%)** | **Needs Improvement (50%)** | **Non-Performance (0%)** |
| **1. Risk Identification and Communicative Response Strategies**<br>Identifies relevant project risks and recommends effective mitigation or response strategies (30%) | Accurately identifies multiple project risks with a detailed understanding of impact and likelihood. Proposes clear, well-reasoned response strategies, including original ideas beyond the risk register. | Accurately identifies risks and proposes appropriate response strategies with minor omissions or limited original contribution. | Identifies risks and basic response strategies but lacks detail or clarity in rationale. | Misidentifies risks or proposes vague/inappropriate response strategies. | No risk identification or response strategies are evident. |
| **2. Stakeholder Communication and Engagement**<br>Applies the communication plan to real-time project challenges and tailors' communication appropriately (25%) | Demonstrates strong understanding of communication needs by applying stakeholder-specific strategies with appropriate tone, tools, and urgency. Shows evidence of adaptive communication and leadership. | Demonstrates understanding of the communication plan and uses mostly appropriate methods. Strategy is aligned but not deeply tailored to each stakeholder. | Shows general understanding of communication needs, but strategies are very broad or lack stakeholder alignment. | Describes communication steps that are too generic or unclear; they do not align with stakeholder needs. | No communication strategies are provided, or those provided are misapplied entirely |
| **3. Change Control Management**<br>Recognizes changes to project scope and outlines structured change control procedures (25%) | Clearly identifies both change requests and provides a logical, step-by-step approach to managing them. Details the impact analysis across scope, schedule, cost, and risk. | Identifies both change requests and outlines a reasonable change control process with basic impact analysis. | Identifies fewer than expected change requests and/or misses key steps in the change process or offers limited analysis of impacts. | Misidentifies changes or provides inaccurate steps; impact analysis is missing or incorrect. | No change identification or change control process is provided. |
| **4. Application of Project Execution Practices**<br>Integrates planning documents (risk register, communication plan, and scope change log) in execution phase scenarios (10%) | Demonstrates clear command of how to apply multiple project planning tools (risk, communication, and scope) cohesively to solve execution phase challenges. | Demonstrates the ability to apply relevant planning tools to execution challenges, with minor gaps. | Applies some planning tools to execution scenarios, but the application is inconsistent or partially accurate. | Shows unclear or inappropriate application of planning tools; solution logic is weak. | There is no evidence of the practical application of planning documents. |
| **5. Writing Conventions**<br>Meets conventions for grammar, punctuation, and spelling (10%) | Writing is clear, well-organized, and professional—virtually no errors. There are almost no errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. | Writing is generally clear with minor errors that do not affect readability. There are minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that do not impede readability. | Writing has several errors that affect readability. There are frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that somewhat impede readability. | Writing has frequent errors that significantly impact readability and professionalism. There are consistent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that significantly impede readability. | Submission is incoherent, does not follow conventions, or is missing. Submission does not meet the minimum threshold for points to be awarded. |
**## touchstone4.docx**
_Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a Touchstone anytime, but you must pass this unit’s assessments before you submit it. Once you've submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted toward your final course score._
**Touchstone 4: Case Study Project – Monthly Adoption Event at Dough Paws: Risk, Communication, and Change Control**
**Overview**
What You Will Learn: In this touchstone, you will apply what you’ve learned about the execution and monitoring & controlling phases by working with the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log for the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws. You’ll practice identifying and analyzing risks, planning stakeholder communications, and managing scope changes using a formal change control process.
Why It Matters: In real projects, plans rarely go exactly as expected—risks occur, stakeholders need timely updates, and changes to scope are common. This assignment helps you practice using risk, communication, and change control tools so you can keep a project on track, protect its objectives, and respond confidently when issues or changes arise.
What You Will Hand In: You will download the template and complete it with your own content and then upload it in the original MS Word (.doc or .docx) format.
Keys to Success:
· Develop and submit original work.
· Review the course content you’ve learned in the class.
· Follow grading criteria that align with the rows in the rubric.
Helpful Links:
·
[Academic Integrity Guidelines](https://app.sophia.org/tutorials/touchstones-academic-integrity-guidelines)
·
[Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI](https://app.sophia.org/tutorials/ethical-standards-and-appropriate-use-of-ai)
[Share your feedback on Touchstones](https://app.sophia.org/spcc/project-management-21-touchstone-4-1)
**The Scenario**
As you may recall from the last touchstone, Dough Paws is a retail store that sells high-quality baked goods for pets. The owner, Keshia Griffin, started this business after having worked in the corporate world as an accountant for 10 years. The main reason for starting this business was that the owner found the quality of pet treats purchased at most retail stores to be low, which negatively impacted her dog’s allergies. Because of this, she created a dog bakery that focuses on fresh, human-grade ingredients and avoids using common allergens, such as flour.
Currently, Keshia has a rotating schedule of a variety of baked goods for dogs. Some of them include things like bagel bites, which come in a 6-oz package, and other goods such as dog cookies, which come in a variety of shapes and are colorfully decorated. At any given time in the bakery, Keshia has approximately 10–12 fresh items available. In addition to this, she also sells a variety of high-quality packaged treats, dog leashes, dog collars, and high-quality dog toys.
When Keshia first opened this business, she was located in a small but very busy strip mall, which featured a large retail store. It was Keshia’s hope that by locating next to a large retail store, she’d have walk-in traffic, which turned out to be true! She’s now hired four additional part-time people to work in the store.
Recently, Keshia decided she wanted to work with a local animal rescue, called Homes for Paws, to host an adoption event on the first Saturday of every month.
Here are some additional details Keshia and Homes for Paws worked on for the event.
· The event will run between 10 AM and 2 PM.
· The event will have at least 8 dogs available for adoption.
· The event will require the following resources:
· 8 dog crates of varying sizes to give the dogs breaks
· 4-6 large sandwich board signs to place around the shopping complex
· 8 small tables
· Information about each dog available for adoption on printed sheets
· Balloons for attention
· Information posted on the Dough Paws website every month
· Social media posts about the event on Homes for Paws and Dough Paws accounts
Because Keshia is interested in focusing on sales and driving traffic to her shop with the event, and because Homes for Paws wants to focus on adoptions, Keshia has hired you to manage the project every month.
In earlier project planning, you completed the project charter, scope management plan, and work breakdown structure (WBS) for this project. Based on that planning, you also created a risk register to identify and assess potential issues and a communication management plan to outline how and when you will update each stakeholder. With those documents in place, the project was ready to move into execution, and the monthly adoption events are now underway.
Your current task
During the project, Keshia and the Homes for Paws event coordinator noticed that they have a surplus of foster dogs, so they want to change the event to allow up to 12 dogs for adoption rather than the 8 that were in the original scope statement. In addition, they decided that the last Saturday of the month, rather than the first Saturday, might be more ideal.
As the project manager, you documented these two requests using a change request form and then logged them in the change control log.
To complete this touchstone, you’ll refer to the documents you created and answer questions about risks, communication, and change management for the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws.
All three of your documents are linked below.
**Instructions**
Step 1: Read the Scenario (above)
Step 2: Review the Project Risk, Communication, and Change Control Documentation
Open or download the following project documents; you will need these to answer the questions in the PM Touchstone 4 Template.
DOWNLOAD
Project Dough Paw Project Risk, Communication, and Change Control Documentation
·
[Dough Paws Project – Communication Management Plan.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64000-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Communication%20Management%20Plan.pdf)
·
[Dough Paws Project – Risk Register.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64183-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Risk%20Register.pdf)
·
[Dough Paws Project – Change Control Log.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64002-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Change%20Control%20Log.pdf)
Step 3: Download the Project Template (This file contains the questions.)
DOWNLOAD
Download the
[PM Touchstone 4 Template.docx](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64184-PM%20Touchstone%204%20Template.docx).
Step 4: Review Helpful Tutorials
The following course tutorials are recommended for review before beginning the template. They contain key information relevant to the content you’ll be adding. Select the “+” icon to expand this listing.
[Helpful Tutorials](https://app.sophia.org/spcc/project-management-21-touchstone-4-1)
Step 5: Complete the Questions in the Project Template
While understanding the project scenario and using the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log, answer each question in the PM Touchstone 4 Template. Make sure to add enough detail to satisfy the rubric below.
As you respond, imagine you’re the actual project manager standing in the middle of a busy adoption event, using these tools to make decisions in real time. Your answers should show how you would think through a situation using the risk register, communication plan, and change control log—not just where to find information in them. Try to connect your explanations back to core project management ideas from the course, such as managing scope, communicating with the right stakeholders, and choosing appropriate risk responses. This is your chance to demonstrate how all the pieces you’ve learned fit together into a clear, confident approach to managing the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws.
Step 6: Review and Submit Your Work
Review your work carefully and check the rubric to make sure you meet all the requirements. Submit the completed template as a Microsoft Word (.docx or .doc) file. Please only submit work entered directly into the template.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to include your name and the date at the top of the template. Submissions without these details will not be graded.
**Rubric**
| | | | | | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| | **Advanced (100%)** | **Proficient (85%)** | **Acceptable (75%)** | **Needs Improvement (50%)** | **Non-Performance (0%)** |
| **1. Risk Identification and Communicative Response Strategies**<br>Identifies relevant project risks and recommends effective mitigation or response strategies (30%) | Accurately identifies multiple project risks with a detailed understanding of impact and likelihood. Proposes clear, well-reasoned response strategies, including original ideas beyond the risk register. | Accurately identifies risks and proposes appropriate response strategies with minor omissions or limited original contribution. | Identifies risks and basic response strategies but lacks detail or clarity in rationale. | Misidentifies risks or proposes vague/inappropriate response strategies. | No risk identification or response strategies are evident. |
| **2. Stakeholder Communication and Engagement**<br>Applies the communication plan to real-time project challenges and tailors' communication appropriately (25%) | Demonstrates strong understanding of communication needs by applying stakeholder-specific strategies with appropriate tone, tools, and urgency. Shows evidence of adaptive communication and leadership. | Demonstrates understanding of the communication plan and uses mostly appropriate methods. Strategy is aligned but not deeply tailored to each stakeholder. | Shows general understanding of communication needs, but strategies are very broad or lack stakeholder alignment. | Describes communication steps that are too generic or unclear; they do not align with stakeholder needs. | No communication strategies are provided, or those provided are misapplied entirely |
| **3. Change Control Management**<br>Recognizes changes to project scope and outlines structured change control procedures (25%) | Clearly identifies both change requests and provides a logical, step-by-step approach to managing them. Details the impact analysis across scope, schedule, cost, and risk. | Identifies both change requests and outlines a reasonable change control process with basic impact analysis. | Identifies fewer than expected change requests and/or misses key steps in the change process or offers limited analysis of impacts. | Misidentifies changes or provides inaccurate steps; impact analysis is missing or incorrect. | No change identification or change control process is provided. |
| **4. Application of Project Execution Practices**<br>Integrates planning documents (risk register, communication plan, and scope change log) in execution phase scenarios (10%) | Demonstrates clear command of how to apply multiple project planning tools (risk, communication, and scope) cohesively to solve execution phase challenges. | Demonstrates the ability to apply relevant planning tools to execution challenges, with minor gaps. | Applies some planning tools to execution scenarios, but the application is inconsistent or partially accurate. | Shows unclear or inappropriate application of planning tools; solution logic is weak. | There is no evidence of the practical application of planning documents. |
| **5. Writing Conventions**<br>Meets conventions for grammar, punctuation, and spelling (10%) | Writing is clear, well-organized, and professional—virtually no errors. There are almost no errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. | Writing is generally clear with minor errors that do not affect readability. There are minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that do not impede readability. | Writing has several errors that affect readability. There are frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that somewhat impede readability. | Writing has frequent errors that significantly impact readability and professionalism. There are consistent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that significantly impede readability. | Submission is incoherent, does not follow conventions, or is missing. Submission does not meet the minimum threshold for points to be awarded. |
**## PMTouchstone4Template.docx**
Page 1
PM: Touchstone 4—Monthly Adoption Event at Dough Paws Project
Name:
Date:
Now that you’ve created the risk register, communication management plan, and logged the approved changes in the change control log, it’s important to show how you will use these tools to guide the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws. In this touchstone, you’ll answer a series of questions that ask you to explain your decisions and next steps as the project manager for this project.
**Directions:** Using what you have learned about risk registers, communication management plans, and change control in Units 2 and 4, respond to the following questions in relation to the scenario. For each question, you should write a paragraph-length response (5–7 sentences) to receive credit for this Touchstone. Refer to the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log as needed, and explain your reasoning rather than copying directly from the documents. You may use your Sophia tutorials as a reference.
| |
| — |
| **Question 1**<br>**What risk is related to overcrowding? Provide the details on that risk, and address how you would communicate this issue to Keshia, based on the communication management plan.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 2**<br>**There have been two changes to this project. Please identify both changes and then discuss the steps you’d take as the project manager to manage these changes.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 3**<br>**What response strategy would you use if R4 occurs? Please list the responses and add one new one.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 4**<br>**Do either of the change requests require additional funding? If so, provide the change ID and identify the items that might need additional funding and describe why.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 5**<br>**As the project manager, you notice that volunteers are not showing up as expected on the morning of the event (Risk R5). Apply the communication plan to describe how you would quickly address this issue with stakeholders and keep the event running smoothly.** |
| Your answer |
| | | |
| — | — | — |
| | | |
**## touchstone4.docx**
_Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a Touchstone anytime, but you must pass this unit’s assessments before you submit it. Once you've submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted toward your final course score._
**Touchstone 4: Case Study Project – Monthly Adoption Event at Dough Paws: Risk, Communication, and Change Control**
**Overview**
What You Will Learn: In this touchstone, you will apply what you’ve learned about the execution and monitoring & controlling phases by working with the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log for the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws. You’ll practice identifying and analyzing risks, planning stakeholder communications, and managing scope changes using a formal change control process.
Why It Matters: In real projects, plans rarely go exactly as expected—risks occur, stakeholders need timely updates, and changes to scope are common. This assignment helps you practice using risk, communication, and change control tools so you can keep a project on track, protect its objectives, and respond confidently when issues or changes arise.
What You Will Hand In: You will download the template and complete it with your own content and then upload it in the original MS Word (.doc or .docx) format.
Keys to Success:
· Develop and submit original work.
· Review the course content you’ve learned in the class.
· Follow grading criteria that align with the rows in the rubric.
Helpful Links:
·
[Academic Integrity Guidelines](https://app.sophia.org/tutorials/touchstones-academic-integrity-guidelines)
·
[Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI](https://app.sophia.org/tutorials/ethical-standards-and-appropriate-use-of-ai)
[Share your feedback on Touchstones](https://app.sophia.org/spcc/project-management-21-touchstone-4-1)
**The Scenario**
As you may recall from the last touchstone, Dough Paws is a retail store that sells high-quality baked goods for pets. The owner, Keshia Griffin, started this business after having worked in the corporate world as an accountant for 10 years. The main reason for starting this business was that the owner found the quality of pet treats purchased at most retail stores to be low, which negatively impacted her dog’s allergies. Because of this, she created a dog bakery that focuses on fresh, human-grade ingredients and avoids using common allergens, such as flour.
Currently, Keshia has a rotating schedule of a variety of baked goods for dogs. Some of them include things like bagel bites, which come in a 6-oz package, and other goods such as dog cookies, which come in a variety of shapes and are colorfully decorated. At any given time in the bakery, Keshia has approximately 10–12 fresh items available. In addition to this, she also sells a variety of high-quality packaged treats, dog leashes, dog collars, and high-quality dog toys.
When Keshia first opened this business, she was located in a small but very busy strip mall, which featured a large retail store. It was Keshia’s hope that by locating next to a large retail store, she’d have walk-in traffic, which turned out to be true! She’s now hired four additional part-time people to work in the store.
Recently, Keshia decided she wanted to work with a local animal rescue, called Homes for Paws, to host an adoption event on the first Saturday of every month.
Here are some additional details Keshia and Homes for Paws worked on for the event.
· The event will run between 10 AM and 2 PM.
· The event will have at least 8 dogs available for adoption.
· The event will require the following resources:
· 8 dog crates of varying sizes to give the dogs breaks
· 4-6 large sandwich board signs to place around the shopping complex
· 8 small tables
· Information about each dog available for adoption on printed sheets
· Balloons for attention
· Information posted on the Dough Paws website every month
· Social media posts about the event on Homes for Paws and Dough Paws accounts
Because Keshia is interested in focusing on sales and driving traffic to her shop with the event, and because Homes for Paws wants to focus on adoptions, Keshia has hired you to manage the project every month.
In earlier project planning, you completed the project charter, scope management plan, and work breakdown structure (WBS) for this project. Based on that planning, you also created a risk register to identify and assess potential issues and a communication management plan to outline how and when you will update each stakeholder. With those documents in place, the project was ready to move into execution, and the monthly adoption events are now underway.
Your current task
During the project, Keshia and the Homes for Paws event coordinator noticed that they have a surplus of foster dogs, so they want to change the event to allow up to 12 dogs for adoption rather than the 8 that were in the original scope statement. In addition, they decided that the last Saturday of the month, rather than the first Saturday, might be more ideal.
As the project manager, you documented these two requests using a change request form and then logged them in the change control log.
To complete this touchstone, you’ll refer to the documents you created and answer questions about risks, communication, and change management for the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws.
All three of your documents are linked below.
**Instructions**
Step 1: Read the Scenario (above)
Step 2: Review the Project Risk, Communication, and Change Control Documentation
Open or download the following project documents; you will need these to answer the questions in the PM Touchstone 4 Template.
DOWNLOAD
Project Dough Paw Project Risk, Communication, and Change Control Documentation
·
[Dough Paws Project – Communication Management Plan.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64000-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Communication%20Management%20Plan.pdf)
·
[Dough Paws Project – Risk Register.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64183-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Risk%20Register.pdf)
·
[Dough Paws Project – Change Control Log.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64002-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Change%20Control%20Log.pdf)
Step 3: Download the Project Template (This file contains the questions.)
DOWNLOAD
Download the
[PM Touchstone 4 Template.docx](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64184-PM%20Touchstone%204%20Template.docx).
Step 4: Review Helpful Tutorials
The following course tutorials are recommended for review before beginning the template. They contain key information relevant to the content you’ll be adding. Select the “+” icon to expand this listing.
[Helpful Tutorials](https://app.sophia.org/spcc/project-management-21-touchstone-4-1)
Step 5: Complete the Questions in the Project Template
While understanding the project scenario and using the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log, answer each question in the PM Touchstone 4 Template. Make sure to add enough detail to satisfy the rubric below.
As you respond, imagine you’re the actual project manager standing in the middle of a busy adoption event, using these tools to make decisions in real time. Your answers should show how you would think through a situation using the risk register, communication plan, and change control log—not just where to find information in them. Try to connect your explanations back to core project management ideas from the course, such as managing scope, communicating with the right stakeholders, and choosing appropriate risk responses. This is your chance to demonstrate how all the pieces you’ve learned fit together into a clear, confident approach to managing the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws.
Step 6: Review and Submit Your Work
Review your work carefully and check the rubric to make sure you meet all the requirements. Submit the completed template as a Microsoft Word (.docx or .doc) file. Please only submit work entered directly into the template.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to include your name and the date at the top of the template. Submissions without these details will not be graded.
**Rubric**
| | | | | | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| | **Advanced (100%)** | **Proficient (85%)** | **Acceptable (75%)** | **Needs Improvement (50%)** | **Non-Performance (0%)** |
| **1. Risk Identification and Communicative Response Strategies**<br>Identifies relevant project risks and recommends effective mitigation or response strategies (30%) | Accurately identifies multiple project risks with a detailed understanding of impact and likelihood. Proposes clear, well-reasoned response strategies, including original ideas beyond the risk register. | Accurately identifies risks and proposes appropriate response strategies with minor omissions or limited original contribution. | Identifies risks and basic response strategies but lacks detail or clarity in rationale. | Misidentifies risks or proposes vague/inappropriate response strategies. | No risk identification or response strategies are evident. |
| **2. Stakeholder Communication and Engagement**<br>Applies the communication plan to real-time project challenges and tailors' communication appropriately (25%) | Demonstrates strong understanding of communication needs by applying stakeholder-specific strategies with appropriate tone, tools, and urgency. Shows evidence of adaptive communication and leadership. | Demonstrates understanding of the communication plan and uses mostly appropriate methods. Strategy is aligned but not deeply tailored to each stakeholder. | Shows general understanding of communication needs, but strategies are very broad or lack stakeholder alignment. | Describes communication steps that are too generic or unclear; they do not align with stakeholder needs. | No communication strategies are provided, or those provided are misapplied entirely |
| **3. Change Control Management**<br>Recognizes changes to project scope and outlines structured change control procedures (25%) | Clearly identifies both change requests and provides a logical, step-by-step approach to managing them. Details the impact analysis across scope, schedule, cost, and risk. | Identifies both change requests and outlines a reasonable change control process with basic impact analysis. | Identifies fewer than expected change requests and/or misses key steps in the change process or offers limited analysis of impacts. | Misidentifies changes or provides inaccurate steps; impact analysis is missing or incorrect. | No change identification or change control process is provided. |
| **4. Application of Project Execution Practices**<br>Integrates planning documents (risk register, communication plan, and scope change log) in execution phase scenarios (10%) | Demonstrates clear command of how to apply multiple project planning tools (risk, communication, and scope) cohesively to solve execution phase challenges. | Demonstrates the ability to apply relevant planning tools to execution challenges, with minor gaps. | Applies some planning tools to execution scenarios, but the application is inconsistent or partially accurate. | Shows unclear or inappropriate application of planning tools; solution logic is weak. | There is no evidence of the practical application of planning documents. |
| **5. Writing Conventions**<br>Meets conventions for grammar, punctuation, and spelling (10%) | Writing is clear, well-organized, and professional—virtually no errors. There are almost no errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. | Writing is generally clear with minor errors that do not affect readability. There are minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that do not impede readability. | Writing has several errors that affect readability. There are frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that somewhat impede readability. | Writing has frequent errors that significantly impact readability and professionalism. There are consistent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that significantly impede readability. | Submission is incoherent, does not follow conventions, or is missing. Submission does not meet the minimum threshold for points to be awarded. |
**## PMTouchstone4Template.docx**
Page 1
PM: Touchstone 4—Monthly Adoption Event at Dough Paws Project
Name:
Date:
Now that you’ve created the risk register, communication management plan, and logged the approved changes in the change control log, it’s important to show how you will use these tools to guide the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws. In this touchstone, you’ll answer a series of questions that ask you to explain your decisions and next steps as the project manager for this project.
**Directions:** Using what you have learned about risk registers, communication management plans, and change control in Units 2 and 4, respond to the following questions in relation to the scenario. For each question, you should write a paragraph-length response (5–7 sentences) to receive credit for this Touchstone. Refer to the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log as needed, and explain your reasoning rather than copying directly from the documents. You may use your Sophia tutorials as a reference.
| |
| — |
| **Question 1**<br>**What risk is related to overcrowding? Provide the details on that risk, and address how you would communicate this issue to Keshia, based on the communication management plan.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 2**<br>**There have been two changes to this project. Please identify both changes and then discuss the steps you’d take as the project manager to manage these changes.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 3**<br>**What response strategy would you use if R4 occurs? Please list the responses and add one new one.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 4**<br>**Do either of the change requests require additional funding? If so, provide the change ID and identify the items that might need additional funding and describe why.** |
| Your answer |
| **Question 5**<br>**As the project manager, you notice that volunteers are not showing up as expected on the morning of the event (Risk R5). Apply the communication plan to describe how you would quickly address this issue with stakeholders and keep the event running smoothly.** |
| Your answer |
| | | |
| — | — | — |
| | | |
**## touchstone4.docx**
_Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a Touchstone anytime, but you must pass this unit’s assessments before you submit it. Once you've submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted toward your final course score._
**Touchstone 4: Case Study Project – Monthly Adoption Event at Dough Paws: Risk, Communication, and Change Control**
**Overview**
What You Will Learn: In this touchstone, you will apply what you’ve learned about the execution and monitoring & controlling phases by working with the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log for the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws. You’ll practice identifying and analyzing risks, planning stakeholder communications, and managing scope changes using a formal change control process.
Why It Matters: In real projects, plans rarely go exactly as expected—risks occur, stakeholders need timely updates, and changes to scope are common. This assignment helps you practice using risk, communication, and change control tools so you can keep a project on track, protect its objectives, and respond confidently when issues or changes arise.
What You Will Hand In: You will download the template and complete it with your own content and then upload it in the original MS Word (.doc or .docx) format.
Keys to Success:
· Develop and submit original work.
· Review the course content you’ve learned in the class.
· Follow grading criteria that align with the rows in the rubric.
Helpful Links:
·
[Academic Integrity Guidelines](https://app.sophia.org/tutorials/touchstones-academic-integrity-guidelines)
·
[Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI](https://app.sophia.org/tutorials/ethical-standards-and-appropriate-use-of-ai)
[Share your feedback on Touchstones](https://app.sophia.org/spcc/project-management-21-touchstone-4-1)
**The Scenario**
As you may recall from the last touchstone, Dough Paws is a retail store that sells high-quality baked goods for pets. The owner, Keshia Griffin, started this business after having worked in the corporate world as an accountant for 10 years. The main reason for starting this business was that the owner found the quality of pet treats purchased at most retail stores to be low, which negatively impacted her dog’s allergies. Because of this, she created a dog bakery that focuses on fresh, human-grade ingredients and avoids using common allergens, such as flour.
Currently, Keshia has a rotating schedule of a variety of baked goods for dogs. Some of them include things like bagel bites, which come in a 6-oz package, and other goods such as dog cookies, which come in a variety of shapes and are colorfully decorated. At any given time in the bakery, Keshia has approximately 10–12 fresh items available. In addition to this, she also sells a variety of high-quality packaged treats, dog leashes, dog collars, and high-quality dog toys.
When Keshia first opened this business, she was located in a small but very busy strip mall, which featured a large retail store. It was Keshia’s hope that by locating next to a large retail store, she’d have walk-in traffic, which turned out to be true! She’s now hired four additional part-time people to work in the store.
Recently, Keshia decided she wanted to work with a local animal rescue, called Homes for Paws, to host an adoption event on the first Saturday of every month.
Here are some additional details Keshia and Homes for Paws worked on for the event.
· The event will run between 10 AM and 2 PM.
· The event will have at least 8 dogs available for adoption.
· The event will require the following resources:
· 8 dog crates of varying sizes to give the dogs breaks
· 4-6 large sandwich board signs to place around the shopping complex
· 8 small tables
· Information about each dog available for adoption on printed sheets
· Balloons for attention
· Information posted on the Dough Paws website every month
· Social media posts about the event on Homes for Paws and Dough Paws accounts
Because Keshia is interested in focusing on sales and driving traffic to her shop with the event, and because Homes for Paws wants to focus on adoptions, Keshia has hired you to manage the project every month.
In earlier project planning, you completed the project charter, scope management plan, and work breakdown structure (WBS) for this project. Based on that planning, you also created a risk register to identify and assess potential issues and a communication management plan to outline how and when you will update each stakeholder. With those documents in place, the project was ready to move into execution, and the monthly adoption events are now underway.
Your current task
During the project, Keshia and the Homes for Paws event coordinator noticed that they have a surplus of foster dogs, so they want to change the event to allow up to 12 dogs for adoption rather than the 8 that were in the original scope statement. In addition, they decided that the last Saturday of the month, rather than the first Saturday, might be more ideal.
As the project manager, you documented these two requests using a change request form and then logged them in the change control log.
To complete this touchstone, you’ll refer to the documents you created and answer questions about risks, communication, and change management for the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws.
All three of your documents are linked below.
**Instructions**
Step 1: Read the Scenario (above)
Step 2: Review the Project Risk, Communication, and Change Control Documentation
Open or download the following project documents; you will need these to answer the questions in the PM Touchstone 4 Template.
DOWNLOAD
Project Dough Paw Project Risk, Communication, and Change Control Documentation
·
[Dough Paws Project – Communication Management Plan.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64000-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Communication%20Management%20Plan.pdf)
·
[Dough Paws Project – Risk Register.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64183-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Risk%20Register.pdf)
·
[Dough Paws Project – Change Control Log.pdf](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64002-Dough%20Paws%20Project%20-%20Change%20Control%20Log.pdf)
Step 3: Download the Project Template (This file contains the questions.)
DOWNLOAD
Download the
[PM Touchstone 4 Template.docx](https://app.sophia.org/download/attachment/64184-PM%20Touchstone%204%20Template.docx).
Step 4: Review Helpful Tutorials
The following course tutorials are recommended for review before beginning the template. They contain key information relevant to the content you’ll be adding. Select the “+” icon to expand this listing.
[Helpful Tutorials](https://app.sophia.org/spcc/project-management-21-touchstone-4-1)
Step 5: Complete the Questions in the Project Template
While understanding the project scenario and using the risk register, communication management plan, and change control log, answer each question in the PM Touchstone 4 Template. Make sure to add enough detail to satisfy the rubric below.
As you respond, imagine you’re the actual project manager standing in the middle of a busy adoption event, using these tools to make decisions in real time. Your answers should show how you would think through a situation using the risk register, communication plan, and change control log—not just where to find information in them. Try to connect your explanations back to core project management ideas from the course, such as managing scope, communicating with the right stakeholders, and choosing appropriate risk responses. This is your chance to demonstrate how all the pieces you’ve learned fit together into a clear, confident approach to managing the monthly adoption event at Dough Paws.
Step 6: Review and Submit Your Work
Review your work carefully and check the rubric to make sure you meet all the requirements. Submit the completed template as a Microsoft Word (.docx or .doc) file. Please only submit work entered directly into the template.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to include your name and the date at the top of the template. Submissions without these details will not be graded.
**Rubric**
| | | | | | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| | **Advanced (100%)** | **Proficient (85%)** | **Acceptable (75%)** | **Needs Improvement (50%)** | **Non-Performance (0%)** |
| **1. Risk Identification and Communicative Response Strategies**<br>Identifies relevant project risks and recommends effective mitigation or response strategies (30%) | Accurately identifies multiple project risks with a detailed understanding of impact and likelihood. Proposes clear, well-reasoned response strategies, including original ideas beyond the risk register. | Accurately identifies risks and proposes appropriate response strategies with minor omissions or limited original contribution. | Identifies risks and basic response strategies but lacks detail or clarity in rationale. | Misidentifies risks or proposes vague/inappropriate response strategies. | No risk identification or response strategies are evident. |
| **2. Stakeholder Communication and Engagement**<br>Applies the communication plan to real-time project challenges and tailors' communication appropriately (25%) | Demonstrates strong understanding of communication needs by applying stakeholder-specific strategies with appropriate tone, tools, and urgency. Shows evidence of adaptive communication and leadership. | Demonstrates understanding of the communication plan and uses mostly appropriate methods. Strategy is aligned but not deeply tailored to each stakeholder. | Shows general understanding of communication needs, but strategies are very broad or lack stakeholder alignment. | Describes communication steps that are too generic or unclear; they do not align with stakeholder needs. | No communication strategies are provided, or those provided are misapplied entirely |
| **3. Change Control Management**<br>Recognizes changes to project scope and outlines structured change control procedures (25%) | Clearly identifies both change requests and provides a logical, step-by-step approach to managing them. Details the impact analysis across scope, schedule, cost, and risk. | Identifies both change requests and outlines a reasonable change control process with basic impact analysis. | Identifies fewer than expected change requests and/or misses key steps in the change process or offers limited analysis of impacts. | Misidentifies changes or provides inaccurate steps; impact analysis is missing or incorrect. | No change identification or change control process is provided. |
| **4. Application of Project Execution Practices**<br>Integrates planning documents (risk register, communication plan, and scope change log) in execution phase scenarios (10%) | Demonstrates clear command of how to apply multiple project planning tools (risk, communication, and scope) cohesively to solve execution phase challenges. | Demonstrates the ability to apply relevant planning tools to execution challenges, with minor gaps. | Applies some planning tools to execution scenarios, but the application is inconsistent or partially accurate. | Shows unclear or inappropriate application of planning tools; solution logic is weak. | There is no evidence of the practical application of planning documents. |
| **5. Writing Conventions**<br>Meets conventions for grammar, punctuation, and spelling (10%) | Writing is clear, well-organized, and professional—virtually no errors. There are almost no errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. | Writing is generally clear with minor errors that do not affect readability. There are minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that do not impede readability. | Writing has several errors that affect readability. There are frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that somewhat impede readability. | Writing has frequent errors that significantly impact readability and professionalism. There are consistent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that significantly impede readability. | Submission is incoherent, does not follow conventions, or is missing. Submission does not meet the minimum threshold for points to be awarded. |