Project Deliverable 1: Project Plan Inception 005896 ✓ Solved

Project Deliverable 1 Project Plan Inception

This assignment consists of two sections: a project introduction and a Gantt chart or project plan. You must submit both sections as separate files. You have been made the Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer (CIO / CTO) of an innovative e-Commerce start-up company that a venture capital group has funded.

The CEO has given you sixty (60) days to deliver an information technology project plan in anticipation of the company locating to a new facility. Since this is a start-up company, there is currently no building or technology infrastructure to support the business. All information technology (hardware and software) must be implemented in either a hosted solution, on-site solution or a hybrid model. The CEO expects you to integrate different technologies from different partners and incorporate industry best practices in connection with the development of technological systems. The new facility is a two-story stand-alone building.

The company currently consists of ten (10) employees with revenues of $5 million but is expected to grow to thirty (30) employees with revenue of $30 million over the next two (2) years. Section 1: Project Introduction

Write a two to four (2-4) page project introduction that includes:

  • Background information of the company.
  • The type of business in which the company is involved.
  • A description of the information systems that the company should have to support the business:
  • databases
  • systems analysis
  • security
  • networking
  • computer infrastructure
  • human computer interaction
  • Web design

The use of at least two (2) quality resources in this assignment is required. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

  • This course requires use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses.
  • Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date.
  • The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Section 2: Gantt Chart / Project Plan

Use Microsoft Project or an open-source alternative, such as Open Project, to create a Gantt chart or project plan (summary and detailed) template:

  • Record all tasks, subtasks, resources, and time related to the project.
  • Outline the planning, analysis, design, and implementation phases.
  • Develop in accordance with the systems development life cycle (SDLC).

Paper For Above Instructions

The innovative e-Commerce start-up company for which I have been appointed CIO and CTO aims to disrupt the online retail market with unique products and exceptional customer service. The company has secured funding from a generous venture capital group, which reflects confidence in the business model and the potential for profitability. As such, there is a pressing need to develop a comprehensive information technology project plan that aligns with the company's vision and operational requirements.

Background Information of the Company

The start-up, tentatively named "InnovateCommerce," is a pioneer in integrating cutting-edge technology into the online shopping experience. Positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of e-commerce, InnovateCommerce's primary offerings will include a diverse range of unique products, tailored to meet the needs of consumers seeking not just quality, but also exceptional value and service. With an initial staffing of ten carefully selected employees, including specialists in marketing, operations, and customer service, the foundation is being laid for aggressive growth over the next two years. The company anticipates ramping up staffing to thirty employees, with targeted revenue growth to $30 million.

Type of Business

InnovateCommerce operates in the e-commerce sector, providing a platform for users to shop online. As a start-up, it will leverage digital marketing strategies, social media advertising, and an SEO-optimized website to attract customers. The business model emphasizes a customer-centric approach with an easy-to-navigate interface, competitive pricing, and loyalty programs to ensure repeat business.

Information Systems Requirements

For InnovateCommerce to operate efficiently and effectively, it must implement a robust set of information systems to support various aspects of the business. The key systems that should be integrated include:

  • Databases: A relational database management system (RDBMS) will be essential to store customer data, product inventory, and transaction records securely. Utilizing SQL databases allows for efficient retrieval of information essential for business operations and analytics.
  • Systems Analysis: A thorough analysis of business requirements should precede the design and implementation of systems to ensure that they align with business goals and user needs. This involves gathering functional and non-functional requirements through stakeholder interviews and surveys.
  • Security: Security is paramount in e-commerce. Implementing multi-layered security frameworks, including firewalls and encryption, will protect sensitive customer information and payment details from breaches.
  • Networking: A reliable networking infrastructure, including stable in-house internet access and possible collaboration tools, is critical to ensure seamless communication within the team and with customers.
  • Computer Infrastructure: The company will require robust hardware and software solutions, including servers, workstations, and cloud services, to efficiently handle transactions and data processing.
  • Human-Computer Interaction: The design of the user interface must prioritize ease of use and accessibility, ensuring that customers can navigate the website easily to enhance user experience.
  • Web Design: Implementing an attractive and functional website is crucial; thus, a professional web development team should be engaged to create a responsive and visually appealing site to draw in customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as the new CIO/CTO of InnovateCommerce, my primary objective is to develop a comprehensive information technology project plan. This plan must adequately address the company's needs as it targets growth and operational efficiency. By carefully selecting and integrating the necessary information systems, InnovateCommerce will position itself as a competitive player in the e-commerce market, fostering innovation through effective technology implementation.

Gantt Chart / Project Plan

To visualize the progress of implementation, I will create a Gantt chart detailing the phases of the project: planning, analysis, design, and implementation. Each phase will delineate tasks, assign resources, and outline expected timelines. This structured approach will ensure transparency in the project management process while allowing for timely adjustments and stakeholder updates.

References

  • Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2018). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson.
  • O'Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2016). Management Information Systems. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Turban, E., Sharda, R., & Delen, D. (2018). Decision Support and Business Intelligence Systems. Pearson.
  • Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. (2017). Principles of Information Systems. Cengage Learning.
  • Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Valacich, J. S., & Schneider, C. (2019). Information Systems Today: Managing in a Digital World. Pearson.
  • Blum, A. (2019). Building a Business Website: A Complete Guide. Wiley.
  • Weber, R. (2018). Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology for Business Solutions. Stanford University Press.
  • Julien, H. (2016). E-commerce Essentials. Prentice Hall.
  • Stoecker, J., & McKinney, J. (2020). E-Commerce: A Managerial Approach. Routledge.

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