Directions: Open A Word File And Save It As Lastname_Firstna
Directions:- Open a WORD file and save it as Lastname_Firstname_Chapter12_Project
You are a new manager for a group of organic farmers who have a weekly market during the season. The market needs to develop a customized information system to meet their specific needs. The system should enable vendors to enter details about their current products, including quantities, availability dates, and other characteristics such as pesticide use or other growing practices. The board of directors has asked you to outline what occurs during each phase of the project life cycle. For each phase, provide a brief description, including an example of a deliverable you will present to the board. For instance, in the Preliminary Investigation phase, state a concise problem definition based on the given scenario. Prepare your comprehensive response in a Word document, ensuring proper formatting and professional writing style, then upload it to Canvas.
Paper For Above instruction
The project life cycle is a fundamental framework that guides the systematic development and management of projects. It encompasses several sequential phases, each with specific objectives and deliverables. Understanding these phases enables effective planning, execution, and closing of projects, especially in complex initiatives like developing a customized information system for an organic farmers’ market.
1. Preliminary Investigation
This initial phase involves identifying the problem or opportunity that necessitates a project. In the context of creating an information system for the farmers’ market, the core problem is the farmers' need to accurately and efficiently share product information, including quantities, availability dates, and growing practices, with the market management and customers. The preliminary investigation aims to confirm the need for the project and gather initial requirements. A key deliverable at this stage is a problem statement document that clearly defines the core issue, which in this case is the lack of a centralized system for product data entry and management.
2. Feasibility Study and Planning
This phase assesses the viability of the project from technical, economic, operational, and schedule perspectives. It involves analyzing whether the proposed information system is feasible and sustainable. The deliverable includes a feasibility report highlighting technical solutions, estimated costs, benefits, risks, and resource requirements. For example, a feasibility analysis may reveal the need for a user-friendly platform accessible via smartphones and tablets, shaping subsequent development work.
3. System Analysis and Requirements Definition
During this phase, detailed requirements are gathered from stakeholders, including vendors and market management. The goal is to translate broad needs into specific system functionalities. Deliverables include a detailed requirements specification document listing necessary features such as product data entry forms, date pickers, pesticide use checklists, and inventory reporting modules. Gathering and analyzing user inputs ensures the system will meet actual operational needs.
4. System Design
This phase involves designing the system architecture, user interfaces, and data models. Design specifications are prepared, including wireframes for the data entry screens and database schemas. The main deliverable is a comprehensive system design document that guides developers in building the system. For example, design prototypes may include mockup screens showing how vendors will input product details and view inventory status.
5. Development and Implementation
In this stage, the actual coding, software development, and integration take place according to the design specifications. Once developed, the system undergoes testing to confirm functionality and usability. The primary deliverable is a functioning prototype or the fully developed system ready for deployment. Training materials and user manuals are also created to facilitate adoption.
6. Deployment and Evaluation
The system is deployed to the end users — the vendors and market administrators. Training sessions are held to ensure proper system usage. Evaluation involves monitoring system performance and gathering user feedback for improvements. The deliverable includes a deployment report that documents system performance, user acceptance, and any issues encountered during initial use.
7. Maintenance and Support
Post-deployment, ongoing maintenance includes addressing bugs, updating features, and providing user support. This phase ensures the system remains effective and relevant. Deliverables could include maintenance logs, update plans, and support documentation. Regular feedback keeps the system aligned with evolving user needs and operational conditions.
Conclusion
The project life cycle provides a structured approach to developing the farmers’ market information system. Each phase builds on the previous one, from problem identification to ongoing support, ensuring the system effectively enhances operational efficiency and data management. By thoroughly understanding and executing each phase, the project can lead to a successful implementation that benefits all stakeholders.
References
- Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. John Wiley & Sons.