Project Management Process
Managing the Information Systems Project
Focus of project management To ensure that information system projects
meet customer expectations Delivered in a timely manner Meet constraints and requirements
Project Manager Requires diverse set of skills
Leadership Customer relations Technical Problem Solving Conflict management Team Management Risk & Change Management
Managing the Information Systems Project
Project Management Process
Initiation Assess the size, scope and complexity of the project Establish procedures to support later project
activities
Planning Define clear, discrete activities and the work needed
to complete each activity
Execution Plans created in prior phases are put into action
Closing down
Initiating the Project
1. Establish project initiation team
2. Establish relationship with customer
3. Establish project initiation plan
4. Establish management procedures
5. Establish project management environment and workbook
Planning the Project
1. Describe project scope, alternatives and feasibility
Scope and Feasibility Understand the project What problem is addressed What results are to be achieved Measures of success Completion criteria
Planning the Project
2. Divide the project into manageable tasks
• Work breakdown structure• Gantt chart
3. Estimate resources and create a resource plan.
4. Develop a preliminary schedule• Utilize Gantt and PERT charts
Gantt Chart
PERT Chart
Comparison of Gantt and PERT Charts
Gantt Visually shows
duration of tasks Visually shows time
overlap between tasks
Visually shows slack time
PERT Visually shows
dependencies between tasks
Visually shows which tasks can be done in parallel
Shows slack time by data in rectangles
Gantt and PERT Charts
Steps1. Identify each activity
2. Determine time estimates and expected completion times for each activity.
3. Determine sequence of activities
4. Determine critical path
Estimated Time Calculations
Sequence of Activities
Critical Path Activities
Early Finish Te Sum ET from left to right Use max if the activity has more than 1
predecessor
Late Finish Tl Subtract ET from right to left Use min if the activity has more than 1 successor
Slack time = Tl-TeOn Critical Path if Slack Time = 0
Critical Paths
Time Estimation
Planning – 15%
Analysis – 20%
Design – 35%
Implementation – 30%
Trade-offs
Size
Effort
Time
Planning the Project
5. Develop a communication plan Outline communication processes among
customers, team members and management Types of reports Frequency of reports
6. Determine project standards and procedures Specify how deliverables are tested and
produced
Communication Methods (Uses)
Project Workbook (Permanent record) Meetings (Resolve issues) Seminars and Workshops (Inform) Project Newsletters (Inform) Status Reports (Inform) Specification Documents (Permanent record) Minutes of Meetings (Permanent record) Bulletin Boards (Inform) Memos (Inform) Brown–Bag Lunches (Inform) Hallway Discussions (Resolve Issues)
Planning the Project
7. Identify and assess risk Identify sources of risk Estimate consequences of risk
8. Create a preliminary budget9. Develop a statement of work
Describe what the project will deliver
10.Set a baseline project plan Estimate of project’s tasks and resources
Executing the Project
1. Execute baseline project plan Acquire and assign resources Train new team members Keep project on schedule
2. Monitor project progress Adjust resources, budget and/or activities
Executing the Project
3. Manage changes to baseline project plan
Slipped completion dates Changes in personnel New activities
4. Maintain project workbook
5. Communicate project status
Closing Down the Project
1. Termination Types of termination
Natural Requirements have been met
Unnatural Project stopped
Documentation Personnel Appraisal
Closing Down the Project
2. Conduct post-project reviews Determine strengths and weaknesses of
Project deliverables Project management process Development process
3. Close customer contract
Commercial Project Management Software
Many systems are available
Three activities required to use: Establish project start or end date Enter tasks and assign task relationships Select scheduling method to review project
reports
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