CMGT/545v1 Project Management Flowchart And Summary ✓ Solved

CMGT/545v1 Project Management Flowchart and Summary

Intuit, Inc. would like to migrate their existing applications, such as payroll management and customer relationship management (CRM), to cloud-based applications. The CEO believes that cloud-based systems will save the company time, money, and resources in the long run. One challenge is that many legacy systems are not automatically compatible with the new cloud-based systems and need to be manually exported or transferred. Training users is also a challenge since there are various locations across the country. At a recent meeting, the development team determined there are 7 phases in this project that need to be completed.

As IT project manager, you are tasked with planning out the 7 phases. This includes developing a swimlane flowchart that describes the processes, roles, and responsibilities of various departments and personnel during each phase of the project.

Phases

  • Phase I: Scoping and Planning
  • Phase II: Order/Install Equipment
  • Phase III: Install/Test Software
  • Phase IV: Conduct Hardware/Software Testing
  • Phase V: Conduct Training
  • Phase VI: Implementation and Roll Out
  • Phase VII: Evaluation and Post Implementation

Personnel

  • CEO, Dylan Piazza
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Technology, Samantha Goldberg
  • Purchasing Manager, Peng Su
  • Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Haley Zuyeva
  • IT Director, Orson Young
  • HR Manager, Jaime Baez
  • Chief Operations Officer, Wilson Gibbs
  • Sales and Advertising Director, Brad Moravec
  • Systems Administrator, Rachel Marrero
  • Web Developer, Carl Hanson
  • Network Administrator, Linda Ng
  • Database Administrator, Jenny Rodriguez
  • Project Manager – (you)

Use the project phases and personnel information provided above to develop your swimlane flowchart for this cloud migration project. Add additional processes and human resources as you see fit. Your swimlane flowchart should visually distinguish job sharing and responsibilities for phases and sub-processes of the project.

To accompany your flowchart, write a 350-word summary that answers the following questions:

  • How do you support C-level managers in this project?
  • How do you seek support from upper management?
  • What techniques can you utilize to lead and influence the project?
  • What are two challenges within each phase?

Paper For Above Instructions

The cloud migration project at Intuit, Inc. presents both opportunities and challenges as we shift from traditional systems to modern cloud-based applications. As the project manager, my role will be pivotal in supporting C-level executives and ensuring the project's success through the defined phases. Each phase holds specific challenges and will require targeted strategies for influence and support.

To support C-level managers effectively, I will maintain open lines of communication, ensuring they are informed of project updates, milestones, and any potential risks. Regular briefings will allow for timely decision-making and adjustments to align with their expectations. Additionally, employing stakeholder management techniques such as the stakeholder analysis matrix can help prioritize their needs and address concerns proactively (Bourne, 2015).

Seeking support from upper management involves outlining the benefits of the cloud migration in tangible terms—such as cost savings, efficiency gains, and improved customer service. By presenting data-driven insights, I can build a compelling case for their involvement and support (Highsmith, 2010). Organizing workshops or strategic alignment sessions can foster an environment of collaboration, enabling management to voice their concerns and ideas, thereby nurturing their support.

Leading and influencing the project will require a blend of leadership techniques, including transformational leadership to encourage innovation and adaptability among team members and stakeholders (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Furthermore, fostering a culture of accountability within the team can help us meet our deadlines and project deliverables effectively.

Challenges will arise in each phase. For instance:

  • Phase I: Scoping and Planning - One challenge is effectively defining project scope, which can lead to scope creep later. Another issue may be stakeholder alignment on objectives.
  • Phase II: Order/Install Equipment - There may be delays in procurement and installation of necessary hardware due to budget constraints. Compatibility issues with current systems can also arise.
  • Phase III: Install/Test Software - Testing the software may reveal significant integration issues with existing systems. Additionally, thorough training on new platforms is essential yet often overlooked.
  • Phase IV: Conduct Hardware/Software Testing - The challenge of ensuring all systems work harmoniously can take longer than anticipated. Identifying bugs and issues during testing phases often leads to frustration and delays.
  • Phase V: Conduct Training - Scheduling training sessions across various locations presents logistical challenges. Additionally, not all employees may adapt quickly to the new systems.
  • Phase VI: Implementation and Roll Out - User resistance to change is a common issue during rollout phases. Furthermore, the presence of unanticipated technical glitches can disrupt the process.
  • Phase VII: Evaluation and Post Implementation - Measuring success and performance outcomes can be subjective. Gathering constructive feedback without bias may also present challenges.

In conclusion, the success of the cloud migration project at Intuit, Inc. hinges on effective communication, strategic alignment with upper management, and adaptive leadership. By addressing the potential challenges in each phase, we can enhance the likelihood of a successful transition to cloud-based systems, maximizing the operational effectiveness of the organization.

References

  • Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational Leadership. Psychology Press.
  • Bourne, L. (2015). Stakeholder Relationship Management: A Maturity Model for Organisational Implementation. Gower Publishing.
  • Highsmith, J. (2010). Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products (2nd ed.). Addison-Wesley.
  • Kerzner, H. (2013). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling (11th ed.). Wiley.
  • Pinto, J. K. (2010). Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage. Pearson Higher Ed.
  • PMI. (2017). Pulse of the Profession: Success Rates Rise. Project Management Institute.
  • Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information Technology Project Management (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Snyder, H. (2019). “Literature Review as a Research Methodology: An Overview and Guidelines.” Journal of Business Research, 104, 333-339.
  • Verzuh, E. (2015). The Fast Forward Master Schedule: The Definitive Guide to Project Planning. Wiley.
  • Wysocki, R. K. (2014). Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme (7th ed.). Wiley.

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