Project Deliverable 13: Project Plan Inception

Project Deliverable 13 Project Plan Inception

This assignment consists of two (2) sections: a project introduction and a Gantt chart or project plan. You must submit both sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment for which it is written. Additionally, you may create and/or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment. 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 developing technological systems. The new facility is a two-story stand-alone building.

The company currently employs ten (10) staff with revenues of $5 million but is projected to grow to thirty (30) employees with revenues of $30 million over the next two (2) years.

Section 1: Project Introduction

Develop a four-page project introduction that includes the following:

  • Background information of the company.
  • The type of business in which the company operates.
  • A description of the information systems necessary to support the business, including:
  • Databases
  • Systems analysis
  • Security
  • Networking
  • Computer infrastructure
  • Human-computer interaction
  • Web design
  • The use of at least two (2) quality resources (excluding Wikipedia and similar websites).

Section 2: Gantt Chart / Project Plan

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

  • All tasks, sub-tasks, resources, and timing related to the project.
  • The planning, analysis, design, and implementation phases.
  • Development in accordance with the systems development life cycle (SDLC).

This project will demonstrate your ability to describe the various functions involved in information systems, evaluate organizational issues with technological solutions, research relevant IT topics, and communicate strategically about technology practices using proper technical style.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction and Background of the Company

The organization for which this project plan is developed is a promising e-Commerce start-up founded with the intent to revolutionize online retail. Backed by venture capital, the company aims to leverage innovative technology solutions to establish a robust presence in the digital marketplace. With a current team of 10 employees and annual revenues of approximately $5 million, the company is poised for rapid growth, targeting an expansion to 30 employees and projected revenues of $30 million within the next two years. Such growth necessitates scalable and flexible technological infrastructure to support the expanding business operations.

Nature of the Business and Strategic Objectives

The company specializes in online retailing with a focus on niche product markets that demand dynamic inventory management, seamless customer experience, and reliable order fulfillment. Its e-Commerce platform is central to business operations, requiring integrated systems that support real-time data processing, secure transactions, and efficient supply chain management. As a start-up, it must establish a technological foundation that can scale as the business grows, adapt to market shifts, and maintain high standards of security and compliance.

Information Systems Supporting Business Operations

The success of this e-Commerce enterprise relies heavily on a suite of interconnected information systems designed to streamline operations, safeguard data, and ensure user satisfaction. Essential components include:

Databases

A centralized relational database management system (RDBMS), such as MySQL or PostgreSQL, will be implemented to store customer data, product catalogues, transaction records, and supply chain information. Proper database normalization and security measures are critical to prevent data redundancy and ensure data integrity.

Systems Analysis

Comprehensive systems analysis will be conducted to determine business requirements, optimize workflows, and ensure that the technological architecture aligns with strategic business goals. This process involves stakeholder interviews, documentation, and process modeling to define scope and system specifications.

Security

Given the sensitive nature of online transactions and personal customer data, robust security measures must be adopted, including encryption protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls. Compliance with standards such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) will be mandatory to secure payment information.

Networking

A scalable network infrastructure featuring high-speed internet connectivity, secure Wi-Fi networks, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) will be established. Network segmentation and regular audits will ensure operational efficiency and security.

Computer Infrastructure

This encompasses both hardware and software components, including servers, workstations, and cloud services. Given the start-up context, a hybrid approach utilizing cloud services (such as AWS or Azure) alongside on-premises servers will provide flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Human-Computer Interaction and Web Design

The company's online storefront must offer an intuitive user interface with responsive web design principles, ensuring ease of navigation and accessibility across devices. User experience (UX) research and testing will inform iterative improvements, providing a competitive advantage.

Resources and Literature

In developing this plan, reputable sources such as "Information Technology for Management" by Turban et al. (2021) and "E-Commerce 2023: Business, Technology, and Society" by Laudon and Traver (2022) have been utilized to ensure adherence to current industry standards and technological best practices.

Gantt Chart / Project Plan Development

The project plan employs the systems development life cycle (SDLC) methodology, encompassing four main phases: planning, analysis, design, and implementation.

Planning Phase

  • Kickoff Meeting: Define project scope, objectives, and stakeholder roles (Week 1)
  • Requirements Gathering: Conduct interviews, analyze current processes (Week 1-2)
  • Resource Allocation: Identify hardware, software, personnel, and budget requirements (Week 2)

Analysis Phase

  • Process Modeling: Develop process flow diagrams and data models (Week 3)
  • Feasibility Study: Technical and financial evaluation of proposed systems (Week 3-4)
  • System Specifications: Document functional and non-functional requirements (Week 4)

Design Phase

  • Architectural Design: Data architecture, infrastructure, security protocols (Week 5)
  • UI/UX Design: Web interface mockups, wireframes, usability testing (Week 5-6)
  • Database Schema Design: Data normalization and integrity constraints (Week 6)

Implementation Phase

  • Development: Coding of web platform, database setup, security implementation (Week 7-8)
  • Testing: System testing, user acceptance testing, security audits (Week 9)
  • Deployment: Final rollout, staff training, documentation (Week 10)

Conclusion

This comprehensive approach ensures the development of a scalable, secure, and efficient information technology system tailored to the company's growth ambitions. The integration of cloud and on-premises solutions offers flexibility and resilience, critical for a start-up aiming for rapid expansion. By following the SDLC methodology, the project minimizes risks while maximizing alignment with business objectives.

References

  • Turban, E., Outwater, R., King, D., Lee, D., & Liang, T. (2021). Information Technology for Management: Digital Strategies for Insight, Action, and Sustainable Performance. Wiley.
  • Laudon, K. C., & Traver, C. G. (2022). E-Commerce 2023: Business, Technology, and Society. Pearson.
  • O'Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2016). Management Information Systems. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Kroenke, D. M. (2018). Systems Analysis and Design. Pearson.
  • Roberts, J. (2020). Cloud computing and hybrid infrastructure strategies. Journal of Information Technology Management.
  • Sommerville, I. (2016). Software Engineering. Pearson.
  • Standish Group. (2022). CHAOS Report: Success and failure in software development. Standish Group Research.
  • ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information security management systems. International Organization for Standardization.
  • Chen, H., & Zhang, D. (2017). Web design best practices for e-Commerce. IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics.
  • EVAN, W. M., & Jonassen, D. (2019). Human-Computer Interaction Design Principles. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies.

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