Planning A Software Development Project This Assignment Cons

Planning A Software Development Projectthis Assignment Consists Of Two

Imagine that you have been hired as a project manager assisting in the development of a mobile application and cloud-based solution which is designed to streamline your organization’s delivery operation. As project manager, you are to manage the development and release of the mobile client platform in the cloud-based infrastructure that will use GPS tracking to track the shipment and delivery of goods in trucks across the United States.

The mobile client will have three (3) modules consisting of a search customer screen, search address screen, and confirm delivery screen. Programmers have reviewed the requirements and estimate that each module will take 200 hours to complete by one (1) programmer. In addition to delivering the mobile-based application, your project will require upgrading the internal network and application infrastructure to a cloud-based model to support the new mobile platform. This effort will require your team to procure network appliances to optimize the security factors of the cloud-based platform. One last component of the project scope is to provide training to operation support staff and fifty (50) truck drivers staffed across four (4) regions of the U.S.

Your project team consists of two (2) programmers, a technical writer, four (4) technical trainers, two (2) network engineers, and one (1) system administrator.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Effective project planning is fundamental to successful software development, especially for complex endeavors such as mobile and cloud-based solutions. This paper discusses the critical factors influencing work breakdown structure (WBS) development, estimates activity durations, recommends appropriate estimation techniques, and analyzes project milestones and activity sequencing essential for delivering a streamlined delivery operation enhancement.

Factors in WBS Development

The development of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) demands careful consideration of several factors to ensure clarity, comprehensiveness, and manageability. Key factors include project scope clarity, resource availability, task dependencies, stakeholder requirements, deliverable definitions, and technological constraints. Clear scope delineation prevents scope creep and ensures all team members understand their responsibilities. Resource assessment ensures realistic task scheduling, while dependency mapping allows logical sequencing (PMI, 2017). Stakeholder input helps incorporate necessary features, and technological considerations like cloud infrastructure compatibility impact task decomposition. Failing to observe these factors could result in overlooked tasks, oversights, or misaligned priorities, jeopardizing project success.

WBS Creation for the Mobile Application

The WBS for this project includes high-level tasks subdivided systematically as follows:

  • Project Initiation
    • Define project scope
    • Identify stakeholders
    • Develop project charter
  • Requirements Gathering
    • Stakeholder interviews
    • Document requirements for modules
    • Approve requirements
  • Design Phase
    • Architectural design
    • UI/UX design for modules
  • Development Phase
    • Module 1: Search Customer Screen
    • Module 2: Search Address Screen
    • Module 3: Confirm Delivery Screen
  • Infrastructure Upgrade
    • Procure Network Appliances
    • Upgrade Internal Network
    • Implement Cloud Infrastructure
  • Testing & Quality Assurance
    • Module testing
    • System integration testing
  • Training & Deployment
    • Train support staff
    • Train truck drivers
    • Deployment in phases

Activity Duration Estimation

Estimating activity durations relies on resource allocation, task complexity, and historical data. For example, each module requiring 200 hours by one programmer suggests 400 hours with two programmers working concurrently. Assumptions include no resource conflicts and smooth dependencies. Testing durations are estimated based on prior similar projects—approximately 2 weeks per module, considering test case development and execution. Infrastructure upgrades, involving procurement and implementation, are estimated at 6 weeks, factoring in vendor lead-times and dependency on prior network configuration activities. Training sessions are scheduled over 2 weeks, allowing time for preparation and feedback incorporation.

Estimation Techniques

Appropriate estimation methods vary per activity. For module development, Expert Judgment is suitable, drawing on programmers' experience. For infrastructure procurement, Analogous Estimation offers reliable prior data references. For challenging activities like integration testing, PERT provides probabilistic estimates accounting for uncertainty. Delphi Technique is effective when high stakeholder input is needed to refine estimates for requirements gathering and design phases. Rule of Thumb supports quick estimates for routine tasks like routine infrastructure upgrades, but less so for complex new modules (Fitzgerald, 2017).

Major Milestones

Project milestones include:

  • Project kickoff
  • Completion of requirements definition
  • Design approval
  • Completion of module development
  • Infrastructure upgrade completion
  • System testing sign-off
  • Training completion
  • Deployment and go-live

Activity Sequence and Critical Path Analysis

The activities follow a logical sequence: initiation precedes requirements gathering, which feeds into design, followed by development. Infrastructure upgrade activities depend on completing certain network design tasks. Testing occurs after development, and training is scheduled before deployment. Monitoring durations on the critical path—a sequence of activities with zero float—is vital; delays here directly impact project completion. Effective critical path management ensures timely delivery of modules and infrastructure setup, reducing risk of project overruns (Meredith & Mantel, 2017). For example, a delay in procurement could cascade, delaying testing and deployment. Therefore, close monitoring and contingency planning are essential for project success.

Conclusion

Developing an effective project plan for the mobile and cloud-based delivery system hinges on careful consideration of WBS development factors, accurate activity duration estimates, appropriate estimation techniques, and diligent critical path management. These elements collectively facilitate clarity, resource optimization, and risk mitigation, ultimately leading to successful project delivery aligned with organizational goals.

References

  • Fitzgerald, B. (2017). Estimating Software Development Effort. Journal of Systems and Software, 123, 45-55.
  • Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2017). Project Management: A Managerial Approach (9th ed.). Wiley.
  • PMP Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). PMI.
  • Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Kerzner, H. (2013). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling (11th ed.). Wiley.
  • Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of Project Management (5th ed.). AMACOM.
  • Heim, G. (2015). Using PERT for Effective Project Scheduling. International Journal of Project Management, 33(4), 840-852.
  • Shenhar, A. J., & Dvir, D. (2007). Reinventing Project Success: The Interplay of Stakeholders and Project Phases. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 54(3), 456-467.
  • Keegan, A., & Turner, J. R. (2013). The Management of Strategic Change and the Development of Dynamic Capabilities. International Journal of Project Management, 31(2), 152-164.
  • PMI. (2017). Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures. Project Management Institute.

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