Running Head: Project Planning 1 And 2

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Develop a comprehensive project management plan that includes project scope, work breakdown structure, budget, communication plan, risk management, stakeholder identification, and project justification for a new e-commerce system for Under Armour. The plan should align with organizational strategy, identify stakeholders, and address potential risks and opportunities to ensure successful project completion.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing an effective project management plan for Under Armour's new e-commerce platform requires a thorough understanding of the project scope, stakeholder involvement, strategic alignment, and risk management. This plan serves as a blueprint to guide the successful design, development, and deployment of the online system, supporting the company's goals for global market expansion and consumer engagement.

Project Scope and Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to develop an advanced e-commerce website that serves as a robust platform for Under Armour’s marketing, sales, and consumer interaction. The system aims to enable consumers to browse, customize products, make payments, leave reviews, and participate in surveys, thereby enhancing user experience and gathering valuable feedback. For the company, the platform provides insights into customer preferences, demand trends, and feedback to inform future product development and marketing strategies.

The scope incorporates both functional and non-functional requirements, including secure payment processing, customizable product interfaces, system reliability, and scalability. It should integrate seamlessly with existing organizational functions, including customer service and R&D, facilitating real-time data collection and analysis to support decision-making. The system’s scope extends to mobile compatibility, ensuring accessibility across devices, and incorporates security protocols to protect user data and maintain compliance with privacy standards.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The WBS reflects core activities necessary for project success, partitioned into phases: feasibility study, system analysis, design and development, testing, and deployment. Each phase includes specific tasks such as requirements gathering, interface design, coding, quality assurance, and user training. Effective allocation of resources during each phase is vital, emphasizing iterative validation to adapt to evolving project needs.

Feasibility analysis involves assessing technological and financial viability, followed by detailed system analysis to capture user needs. The design and development phase focuses on constructing the website architecture, integrating customization features, and establishing secure payment gateways. Testing includes validation against functional specifications and security standards, culminating in deployment and user training.

Project Budget

The estimated financial resources required for the e-commerce platform development amount to $500,000, distributed across labor ($100,000), materials ($200,000), equipment and facilities ($180,000), and travel expenses ($20,000). This budget underscores the necessity of strategic resource management to optimize expenditures while ensuring project quality and timeline adherence.

Communication Matrix

An effective communication framework ensures stakeholder engagement and transparency. Regular project meetings are scheduled, including initial kickoff, bi-weekly status updates, and progress reports. Meetings will convene in the company conference room, led by the project manager, involving stakeholders such as business analysts, developers, quality managers, and client representatives. These interactions facilitate issue resolution, risk mitigation, and alignment on project deliverables.

Risk Identification and Management

Risks include human errors such as poor leadership, inadequate communication, scope creep, incomplete designs, and resource shortages. External risks involve stakeholder non-cooperation and evolving business needs. Recognizing these threats and opportunities enables proactive mitigation, such as establishing clear leadership roles, employing agile development methodologies, engaging stakeholders continuously, and maintaining flexible scope management.

Strategic risk management involves continuous monitoring, risk audits, and contingency planning. Opportunities are pursued through innovative features like real-time analytics, enhanced customization options, and integration of emerging technologies, providing organizational advantages and supporting business growth.

Alignment with Organizational Strategy

Under Armour’s mission to “make all athletes better” aligns with the project’s goal of delivering a cutting-edge e-commerce platform that enhances consumer experience and supports innovation. The project directly contributes to operational excellence, market expansion, and customer engagement by integrating digital solutions that respond to modern consumer expectations.

By leveraging online customization, seamless payment systems, and interactive feedback mechanisms, the platform fosters a direct connection between Under Armour and its clientele. This strategic alignment ensures organizational resources are targeted toward operational efficiencies, increased market share, and brand loyalty, ultimately driving growth in both local and international markets.

Stakeholder Identification

  • Project Manager: Oversees project execution, manages teams, and ensures scope, schedule, and budget adherence.
  • System Users: Consumers and retail partners who will use the platform for browsing, customizing, and purchasing products.
  • Business Analysts: Gather and define system requirements, facilitate communication between technical and business teams.
  • Software Developers: Design and implement the website infrastructure, functionality, and interface.
  • System Analysts: Translate user needs into technical specifications, ensure system compatibility and performance.
  • Project Development Team: Execute development tasks under leadership, ensuring teamwork and communication.
  • Company Owners/Stakeholders: Provide strategic direction, allocate resources, and approve major milestones.

Conclusion

Crafting an effective project management plan for Under Armour’s new e-commerce system is vital to capitalize on market opportunities and improve operational efficiency. The plan must encompass detailed scope definition, stakeholder engagement, strategic alignment, comprehensive budgeting, and risk mitigation strategies. Through structured phases, collaborative communication, and proactive risk management, this project aims to deliver a high-quality platform that enhances customer satisfaction, drives sales, and supports organizational growth in a competitive global environment.

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