Captain Pantoja and the Special Service

On February 13, 2016, as part of pm.CinemaHall, we conducted a project retrospective analysis of the film ‘Captain Pantoja and the Special Service’, a Peruvian film based on a novel by Mario Vargas Llosa. While on the surface, the film is a dark comedy about a straight-laced army captain charged with creating a mobile brothel service for the army, it also presents a rich case study in project management. The film is perfect for learning about project management as almost every scene includes some type of document, process, or project management tool.

The assignment given to Captain Pantoja is, in essence, a project – it has a defined goal, specific deliverables, and a start date, and it requires the coordination of various resources. There are also inherent constraints and risks, such as maintaining secrecy and dealing with the moral and ethical implications of the mission.

Here are the results of our analysis:

Project Characteristics

Objective

Captain Pantaleón Pantoja, an army captain, was assigned to establish a brothel for the army to deliver prostitutes to fighters serving in the Amazon jungle. This initiative was aimed at reducing the incidence of rape around army bases and outposts. The services offered by this sex service were intended to enhance combat capability and boost the morale of the military. Captain Pantoja was tasked with personally selecting, testing, and training personnel for this crucial mission.

From the secret dossier of the Military Department (the sponsoring organization):

Project manager: Pantaleón Pantoja.
Army rank: Captain.
Corps: Quartermaster.
Age: 29.
Professional background: Hardworking and responsible officer with a perfect track record.
Personal characteristics: Married. Exemplary family man. Without bad habits. Doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol.
Important notes: Despite the moral stability of Officer Pantoja, additional supervision is recommended due to the special nature of the mission.

Project Assumptions

• That the idea and strategy outlined in the project objective will work.
• That local food causes sexual arousal.
• That the project manager with just such personal characteristics will cope with the mission.

Project Constraints

• Work only in civilian uniform.
• Do not appear in the commandant’s office, barracks, and official events.
• Communication only through Lieutenant Bacacorso.
• Top secret.

High-Level Project Risks

• Human factor. The attitude of people to the specifics of the project.
• Information about the project will reach the general public.
• Despite the moral stability of Officer Pantoja, additional control is recommended due to the special nature of the mission.
• There is no end date for the project and no way to transfer the result from the project implementation team to the operations and support team.

Project WBS

• Creation of the Strategic Center (project management office).
• Recruitment and formation of the team (team building).
• Development of ground rules, regulations, and glossary.
• Collection of requirements.
• Prototype.
• Bringing the system to full capacity.
• Project management (reporting, risk management, stakeholders’ engagement).

Consolidated Budget

The budget in absolute units was not announced in the film, but the composition of the budget became clear:

• Repair of the premises of the Strategic Center.
• Salary of 10 visitors.
• Ship.
• Salary of 2 soldiers, 3 officers.
• Salary of a team lead (HR manager) and an assistant.
• Bribes for Sinchi.

Project Glossary

• Visitor – prostitute
• Favor – intercourse
• Position – bed
• User – client
• Visitor Services in the Garrisons – mobile brothel
• Strategic Center – PMO
• Convoy – a trip by ship to the barracks and back.

Stakeholders

Storyboard

The detailed breakdown of the film from a project management perspective would provide valuable understanding for those studying or working in the field of project management. The timeline (storyboard) is particularly effective in illustrating how various project management tools or processes were employed at different stages of the project (film).

Project Management Summary

• Project Initiation: Captain Pantoja is given a unique assignment by the army, which serves as the project initiation. His superiors outline the objectives, constraints, and the stakeholders involved.
• Project Planning: Captain Pantoja needs to plan how he will execute this task. This includes recruiting and training personnel, setting up the service (procuring facilities and transportation), and creating regulations and processes for its operation.
• Project Execution: This involves carrying out the plans, managing the team, maintaining quality control, and adapting to unexpected situations.
• Monitoring and Control: Pantoja has to monitor the performance of the service, ensure that it is meeting its objectives, and take corrective action if necessary. He also has to manage risks, such as the secrecy of the operation being compromised.
• Project Closure: Eventually, all projects come to an end. In this case, the project closure is not well planned, highlighting the importance of proper project closure in real-world project management.

In essence, through the unconventional storyline of “Captain Pantoja and the Special Service”, a viewer can gain insights into the principles of project management. The various stages, challenges, and responsibilities of managing a project are presented in an entertaining and engaging manner.

Happy viewing! Successful retrospective analysis of the project!