Systems Analysis And Design In A Changing World Fifth Editio

systems Analysis And Design In A Changing World Fifth Edition

Explain the elements of project management and the responsibilities of a project manager. Describe project initiation and the activities in the project planning phase of the SDLC. Discuss how the scope of the new system is determined. Develop a project schedule using Gantt charts. Develop a cost/benefit analysis and assess the feasibility of a proposed project. Discuss how to staff and launch a project. Explain the role of project management, including knowledge areas and tasks, in both predictive and adaptive SDLC approaches. Analyze project success factors and reasons for failure. Describe the responsibilities of a project manager, including internal and external roles. Examine various titles and roles of project managers. Summarize project management tasks at different project stages, from initiation through closure. Address project management control functions such as scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, and integration. Explore project initiation driven by strategic plans, organizational needs, or external forces. Illustrate project planning activities such as defining the problem, developing a project schedule, confirming feasibility, staffing, and launching. Analyze how to create a system scope document, including context diagrams and problem definitions. Discuss developing work breakdown structures (WBS), project schedules, and resource planning. Explain critical path, slack, milestones, and utilizing Gantt charts for tracking progress. Assess various types of feasibility—organizational, technological, schedule, resource, and economic—and methods for cost/benefit analysis, including NPV, ROI, and payback period. Address staffing, project launch, and the importance of project communication, quality, and team building.

Paper For Above instruction

The field of systems analysis and design has undergone significant transformation over the years, especially within the context of project management. As organizations increasingly rely on information systems to support strategic objectives, understanding the fundamental elements of project management, including the role of a project manager, becomes essential. Effective project management ensures the successful initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure of information system projects, which are often complex and multifaceted endeavors (Schwalbe, 2018).

The project manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of the project, including scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholder engagement (PMI, 2017). Their responsibilities extend from the project's inception, where they identify and define the problem aligned with organizational strategic plans, to its successful launch and closure. A key aspect of effective project management is the ability to balance competing constraints while maintaining stakeholder satisfaction (Kerzner, 2018).

Initiating a project typically originates from strategic planning documents, organizational directives, or external factors such as regulatory changes. For example, a company may initiate a customer support system project driven by the need to improve service or comply with regulations. The project initiation phase involves creating a project charter that outlines key participants, objectives, scope, and deliverables (Larson & Gray, 2018). This formal document authorizes the project and serves as a reference throughout its lifecycle.

During the planning phase, activities include defining the problem, establishing project scope, developing a project schedule, and assessing feasibility. The scope definition involves analyzing business needs, consulting key users, and identifying expected benefits. The scope document clarifies what the system will address and limits the project's boundaries (Avison & Fitzgerald, 2006). Creating context diagrams and proof of concept prototypes aids in visualizing the system and aligning stakeholder expectations.

Developing a detailed work breakdown structure (WBS) is crucial for organizing tasks and establishing a project schedule. The WBS decomposes complex activities into manageable components, facilitating resource allocation and timeline estimation (Project Management Institute, 2017). Gantt charts are then used to visualize task durations, dependencies, milestones, and critical paths, which identify tasks that must be completed on time to avoid project delays (Lock, 2013). These tools enable project managers to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.

Feasibility analysis assesses whether the project is worth pursuing by evaluating organizational, technological, schedule, resource, and economic factors. Organizational feasibility considers whether the project aligns with the company's culture and if there is support from stakeholders. Technological feasibility examines if the organization has the technological capacity to develop or implement the system, including the need for outside vendors or training (Heagney, 2016).

The schedule feasibility focuses on whether the project deadlines are realistic, given resource constraints and project scope. Resource feasibility evaluates the availability of personnel, equipment, and facilities required for the project (Meredith & Mantel, 2017). Economic feasibility involves conducting a cost/benefit analysis using techniques such as net present value (NPV), return on investment (ROI), and payback period to determine the financial viability (Gido & Clements, 2018).

Staffing the project involves selecting qualified team members, providing training, and fostering team collaboration. Proper staffing ensures that the right skills are available at the right time, which is vital for project success (Cleden, 2017). The launch phase includes finalizing the project scope, confirming risks and feasibility, and obtaining formal approval from stakeholders. Communicating the project plan to all involved parties and setting clear expectations are essential steps.

Throughout the project lifecycle, a focus on risk management, quality control, and stakeholder engagement helps mitigate issues that could threaten success. Regular status reporting, control meetings, and issue tracking ensure that project phases are progressing according to plan. Ultimately, effective project management, reinforced by thorough planning and stakeholder involvement, increases the likelihood of project success (Turner & Müller, 2017).

In conclusion, project management is integral to the success of systems analysis and design projects. From initiation through closure, project managers must coordinate resources, manage risks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Employing proven tools such as WBS, Gantt charts, and feasibility analysis enables organizations to deliver valuable systems within scope, on time, and on budget, thus supporting strategic goals in a changing technological landscape.

References

• Avison, D., & Fitzgerald, G. (2006). Information systems development: Methodologies, techniques and tools. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Cleden, D. (2017). The project management communication Bible. Taylor & Francis.
• Gido, J., & Clements, J. P. (2018). Successful project management. Cengage Learning.
• Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of project management. AMACOM.
• Kerzner, H. (2018). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. Wiley.
• Larson, E., & Gray, C. (2018). Project management: The managerial process. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Lock, D. (2013). Project management. Gower Publishing, Ltd.
• Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2017). Project management: A managerial approach. Wiley.
• PMI. (2017). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide). Project Management Institute.
• Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.