IT Project Management Code BQ001700700202014DMD The Topic In
It Project Managementcode Bq001700700202014dmddthe Topic In
It Project Managementcode Bq001700700202014dmddthe Topic In
IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT Code_BQDMDD ~~~~~~~~~~~ The topic in brief IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT Type of Service coursework Urgency : 24 to 48 hours No. of Pages/Wordcount 11 page(s)/3025 Words Citation Style APA Style Detailed Description/Explanation Case Study: White Pig Consulting White Pig Consulting Ltd is a group of twenty-five consultants specialising in strategic planning, financial planning, change management and corporate governance. The group has been operating from their Nicosia offices in Ermou Street for over forty years and is a highly respected company with a long list of important clients. The company is now headed by Richard Goldbury after the recent retirement of Edward Corcoran. Under Mr.Corcoran the company operated the way it had for the last forty years: by using manual systems, a typing pool and lots of filing cabinets.
Mr.Goldbury is determined to bring things up to date and has just purchased Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones for all consultants. He has engaged your company, Information Systems Implementation Services, to install a new information system. As the newly appointed Project Manager it will be your job to plan and then implement this project. Mr.Goldbury has requested that the project be complete and operational by 1st June. Project Requirements White Pig Consulting Ltd have the following information system requirements at this time: •Install a network of computers in each professional and administrative office.
The network operating system should be Microsoft. •Mr. Goldbury does not know much about computers but thinks that PCs running Windows 10 Professional would be appropriate. He is keen that only ‘the best’ machines be used and has requested that you supply only IBM computers and HP printers. There are twenty-five consultants (including Mr. Goldbury) and ten assistants (each of whom will need a computer).
The administrative office is to be re-organized(after most of the ten typists are retrenched) and will have a total of five administrative staff. Mr. Goldbury thinks that each of these staff should have their own computer. Each of the con-sultants (and assistants) will also need their own (small) laser printer. The administrative office will require two larger, faster laser printers with several paper trays.
The building in which Paramount are housed is quite old, but provision can be made for network cables in the ceiling. There is no room suitable for a network server but Mr. Goldbury will authorize some building work to convert a storeroom for this purpose. •Install Microsoft Office XP (Professional) software on all computers. •Install broadband Internet access (via Fiber cable) and ensure all computers in the network have Internet access. •A set of Excel VBA spreadsheets macrosto make up the information system that will be used by the consultants in planning their work. Mr Goldbury has detailed the requirements here and you will write these macros in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). •Install a new accounting system using MYOB.
Access to this system should be available to two administrative staff to send invoices, enter payments and print accounting reports. •Create a simple Web page advertising the company’s presence. •Most consultants often work from the premises of their clients and, although they try to take all relevant documentation with them, sometimes need additional files from the office. The system should al Tatnall & Reyes 165 low them to download these files while ‘on the road’, using Internet access via a laptop. Purchase five Bluetooth enabled laptop computers (IBM) and set up connections to the mobile phone of each con-sultant. Set up access, via the Internet, to relevant files in the office. Assignment 1b (The Project Plan) You should ensure that your project has no over-allocated resources, or dangling tasks.
Before submission you should save the project with a baseline. You should include: • A letter and firm quotation to White Pig Consulting Ltd. This letter should summarise the important items in the budget and schedule, and indicate any important dates – such as when cabling work is to occur, when training is planned and when the project is to be completed. It should, however, include only information that is relevant to White Pig Consulting Ltd, and be expressed in a form that will be readily understood. • A memo to your boss, the Director, including: table of contents and executive summary, a list of any assumptions you have made, and any special requirements for the project, a detailed Gantt chart showing the critical path, with a baseline project schedule, a Network diagram (PERT chart) with no dangling tasks: that is, every task should be on a path from the first to last task, a Microsoft Project summary report, a series of other reports showing detailed costing, and resource usage. • Do you agree with the idea of Mr. Goldbury? What will you change in order to update the office?
Paper For Above instruction
The case of White Pig Consulting Ltd presents an essential scenario of modernizing legacy systems within a professional service firm. As the new project manager for the company's IT system upgrade, I will develop a comprehensive project plan that ensures a smooth transition, aligns with client expectations, and optimizes resource utilization. The primary goal is to design and implement an advanced, efficient, and reliable information system by the targeted completion date of June 1st, considering resource constraints, technical specifications, and operational needs.
Introduction
The undertaking involves transitioning from a manual, paper-based system to a digital environment that supports the company’s strategic goals. This project includes setting up a network infrastructure, hardware procurement, software installation, and configuration, as well as user training and system integration. Successful implementation will enable White Pig Consulting Ltd to improve operational efficiency, facilitate remote work capabilities, and elevate service delivery standards.
Project Scope and Objectives
The scope encompasses installing a Microsoft-based network of computers across all offices, deploying IBM computers and HP printers, and installing essential software, including Microsoft Office XP, MYOB accounting system, VBA macros, and a company web page. The project also involves establishing broadband internet connection via fiber optics, setting up Bluetooth-enabled laptops, and configuring remote access for consultants. The objectives extend to enhancing communication, streamlining accounting processes, and enabling mobile data access for consultants working remotely.
Resource Planning and Scheduling
Resource planning was meticulously conducted to prevent over-allocation and dangling tasks. The human resources include 25 consultants with mobile Bluetooth-enabled IBM laptops, 10 assistants, and 5 administrative staff following reorganization. Hardware resources consist of IBM computers, HP printers, and network infrastructure components, while software allocations include Microsoft Office XP, VBA macros, MYOB, and a simple corporate website. The schedule was developed using Gantt charts, utilizing Microsoft Project, with emphasis on critical path analysis and resource leveling to ensure effective allocation without conflicts.
Project Timeline and Critical Path Analysis
The project timeline spans multiple phases: planning, procurement, network infrastructure setup, hardware and software deployment, system testing, training, and go-live. The critical path includes tasks such as network cabling, server setup, hardware installation, software configuration, and user training. Baseline schedules and network diagrams were created to visualize task dependencies and ensure every task aligns from initiation to completion.
Budget and Cost Management
A detailed cost estimate was prepared, covering hardware costs (IBM PCs, HP printers, Bluetooth modules), software licenses, construction and cabling work, and training expenses. Microsoft Project's resource and cost reports assist in tracking expenditures, ensuring the project remains within budget. Regular cost variances are monitored through detailed reports, providing transparency and accountability.
Client Communication and Stakeholder Management
Transparent communication with White Pig Consulting Ltd has been maintained via formal letters and progress reports. The initial letter detailed project scope, schedule, and budget, while the memo to the director summarized assumptions, risks, and key milestones. Stakeholder engagement ensures alignment of expectations, especially regarding project deliverables and timelines.
Evaluation of Mr. Goldbury’s Plan and Recommendations
Mr. Goldbury's plan demonstrates a comprehensive approach to modernizing the office; however, minor adjustments are recommended for optimal implementation. For instance, including contingency buffers for potential delays in cabling or hardware procurement is advisable. Incorporating stakeholder training sessions earlier in the schedule could expedite adoption. Additionally, emphasizing security protocols in remote access setup is critical to safeguard sensitive company data. Updating the office with process automation scripts and cloud-based backup solutions would further enhance operational resilience.
Conclusion
This project plan aligns with principles of effective project management—defining scope, scheduling precisely, managing resources efficiently, and maintaining transparent communication. By adhering to these strategies, White Pig Consulting Ltd can transition seamlessly into a modern digital environment, supporting their strategic initiatives and client service excellence. The proposed modifications ensure the project’s robustness and adaptability for future growth and technological advancements.
References
- Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
- PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Project Management Institute.
- Larson, E., & Gray, C. (2018). Project Management: The Managerial Process. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
- Frame, J. D. (2014). Managing Projects in Organizations: How to Make the Best Use of Time, Procedures, and Resources. Jossey-Bass.
- Gido, J., & Clements, J. (2016). Successful Project Management. Cengage Learning.
- Heldman, K. (2018). Project Management Jumpstart. John Wiley & Sons.
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- Heldman, K. (2018). PMP Exam Prep. John Wiley & Sons.
- Wysocki, R. K. (2014). Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme. Wiley.