Prepare A List Of IT Project-Based Tasks In An Organization
Prepare A List Of It Project Based Tasks In An Organization Where You
Prepare a list of IT project-based tasks in an organization where you have worked. If you have not worked in any organization, use the Internet to make a sample list. In a Microsoft Word document, based on the task list prepared by you, create a detailed report to address the following: Describe the difference between project-based and non-project-based tasks. Categorize each task that you identified, as either project-based or non-project-based. Why are certain tasks categorized as projects and others as non-projects? Identify all of the stakeholders involved in the project you selected for preparing the task list. How important is it to identify all the stakeholders of a project? To support your work, use your course and text readings and also use outside sources. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
In today's dynamic organizational environment, Information Technology (IT) plays a crucial role in achieving operational efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation. A comprehensive understanding of IT project-based tasks and their distinctions from non-project tasks is essential for effective project management. This paper provides a detailed list of IT tasks within an organization, analyzes the difference between project-based and non-project-based tasks, categorizes each task accordingly, and discusses the importance of stakeholder identification in project success.
IT Project-Based Tasks in an Organization
In my previous role within a medium-sized enterprise, the following IT tasks were identified:
- Development of a new customer relationship management (CRM) system
- Implementation of a company-wide network security upgrade
- Migration of email servers to the cloud
- Regular system maintenance and updates
- Help desk support and troubleshooting
- Database backup and disaster recovery planning
- Implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
- Training staff on new software tools
- Routine hardware upgrades
- Development of a mobile application for customer engagement
This list includes tasks that range from strategic, complex projects to routine maintenance activities.
Differences Between Project-Based and Non-Project-Based Tasks
Project-based tasks are characterized by their temporary nature, specific objectives, defined scope, and unique deliverables. These tasks are undertaken to achieve a particular goal within a set timeframe and budget, often involving cross-functional teams and significant resource investment (Kerzner, 2017). For example, developing a new CRM system qualifies as a project because it has clear deliverables, a start and end date, and involves coordinated efforts across multiple departments.
In contrast, non-project-based tasks are ongoing, repetitive, and operational. They are essential for maintaining daily business functions but do not have a defined endpoint or specific project objectives. Routine maintenance, help desk support, and hardware upgrades are examples, as they tend to recur regularly and aim to sustain existing systems (Schwalbe, 2015).
Understanding the distinction is critical because it influences planning, resource management, tracking, and success criteria. Projects require methodologies like Agile or Waterfall, whereas operational tasks often follow standard operating procedures.
Categorization of Tasks
Based on the definitions, each task from the list is categorized as follows:
- Development of a new CRM system – Project-based
- Implementation of a network security upgrade – Project-based
- Migration of email servers to the cloud – Project-based
- Regular system maintenance and updates – Non-project-based
- Help desk support and troubleshooting – Non-project-based
- Database backup and disaster recovery planning – Non-project-based
- Implementation of an ERP system – Project-based
- Training staff on new software tools – Non-project-based
- Routine hardware upgrades – Non-project-based
- Development of a mobile application – Project-based
This classification highlights the core difference: projects are unique efforts with specific goals, while non-project tasks support ongoing operational needs.
Importance of Stakeholder Identification
Identifying all stakeholders involved in an IT project is crucial for multiple reasons. Stakeholders include anyone affected by or capable of influencing the project, such as project sponsors, team members, end-users, IT staff, management, and external vendors (Bourne, 2015). Proper stakeholder identification ensures their needs and expectations are incorporated into project planning, communication is effective, potential conflicts are mitigated, and support is secured throughout the project's lifecycle.
Failure to recognize key stakeholders can lead to misunderstandings, scope creep, delays, and even project failure (Fenton, 2012). For instance, neglecting end-user input during system development can result in low adoption rates, undermining the project’s success.
In my organizational experience, stakeholder engagement was integral. During the CRM development, stakeholders ranged from sales and marketing teams to IT and executive management. Regular communication and feedback sessions helped align project objectives with organizational needs, facilitating smoother implementation.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between project-based and non-project-based tasks within an organization is fundamental for effective management and resource allocation. While project tasks are unique, temporary endeavors aimed at achieving specific goals, operational tasks support ongoing organizational functions. Proper categorization influences planning, execution, and success measurement.
Furthermore, comprehensive stakeholder identification is vital in ensuring project alignment, minimizing risks, and securing necessary support. As organizations increasingly rely on IT to drive business value, understanding these concepts enhances project success rates and overall organizational performance.
References
- Bourne, L. (2015). Stakeholder relationship management: A project management approach. CRC Press.
- Fenton, R. (2012). Stakeholder analysis. In Project management: A managerial approach (pp. 75-85). Routledge.
- Kerzner, H. (2017). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
- Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
- Frey, M. (2016). The importance of stakeholder engagement in IT projects. Journal of Information Technology, 31(2), 154-165.
- PMI. (2017). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Project Management Institute.
- Meredith, J. R., & Mantel Jr, S. J. (2017). Project management: A managerial approach. John Wiley & Sons.
- Turner, J. R. (2014). Project management strategies. Routledge.
- Schwalbe, K. (2016). Information technology project management (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Olander, S., & Landin, A. (2005). Evaluation of stakeholder influence in the implementation of construction projects. International Journal of Project Management, 23(4), 321-328.