Chapter 5 - Exercise 2

Create the same WBS described in Chapter 5 Exercise 1 using Project 2003, indenting categories appropiately and using outline numbering feature.


Please click on the picture below to see the results:

Chapter 5 - Exercise 1

Using PowerPoint, Visio or similar software to create a WBS in chart form. Assume the level 1 categories are initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing. Under the executing section, include level 2 categories of analysis, design, prototyping, testing, implementation and support. Assume the support category includes level 3 items called training, documentation, user support, and enchancements.

I have decided to use Microsoft Visio to do this:

Please click on the picture below to see the results:

Chapter 4 - Exercise 4

Exercise 4 question can be found page 190. I have decided to use Excel to create weighted scoring model to determine the grades for a course.



Please click on the picture below to see the results:

Chapter 3 - Exercise 1

Chapter 3 - Exercise 1



Study the WBS Gantt Charts provided in Figures 3-3 and 3-4. Enter the WBS into Project 2003, indenting tasks as shown to create the WBS heirachy. Then enter durations and dependencies to try to reproduce the Gannt Chart. Check your work with the files available on the companion website for this text.



Please click on the picture below to see the results:

Chapter 2 - Exercise 5

Chapter 2 – Exercise 2

Write a one- to two-page summary of an article about the importance of top management for successful information technology projects.

“..In fact, without top management commitment, many projects will fail” (Schwalbe, 2006, P51)
The importance of top management support or commitment throughout the life cycle of a project would ensure projects are successful and is in place for achieving the organizational goal. Project Managers often find their job easier when Top management values in information technology through the organization. With the input of top management promoting the use information technology to be an integral part of the company, projects will most likely be successful.

As projects affects many areas of an organizations, top management must ensure projects managers are doing a good job of project integration. Project Managers often need someone to mentor and coach them on leadership issues as often some project managers may come from technical backgrounds and have little management skills. Top management should encourage project managers to take classes to developing leadership skills and provide support whereas possible.

Project managers often require resources for unique project at any given time. With top management support project managers will be able to obtain resources in timely matter through the project such as buying new IT equipment

Lastly, Top Management are key stakeholders and should be involved in the lifecycle of the project. Management should review the status at the end of each phase of the project. This ensures the project is on schedule and is in line with company goal.

Chapter 1 - Exercise 5

a) What functions does project management software that you cannot do easily using other tools such as a spreadsheet or database?

Today many project managers still use basic productivity software such as Word, Excel, Report writer, and so on to perform many project functions such as determining project scope, time, cost, resources and documentation.

Two main project management tools that cannot be done by productivity software are Gantt Charts and Network diagrams.

• Gantt Chart is a standard format for displaying project schedule information by listing project activities and there corresponding start to finish dates in a calendar format (Schwalbe, P25)
  
• Network Diagram primary purpose is to display the critical path. The critical path is the series of tasks that dictates the calculated finish date of the project. (Bunin, PRJ9)

b) How do three different tools you reviewed compare, based on the cost of the tool, key features, and other relevant criteria?

1. Microsoft Project
   
   Microsoft Project is the leader in project management software. Microsoft Project enables project planning, resource scheduling, multiple types of diagrams and reports, project costing, project control and project status update. (http://www.infogoal.com/link.php?n=603). Microsoft has different versions of its project management product ranging for single application to Enterprise Management solution which allows to standardize project management processes across an organization and communicate with project team members and other stake holders or partners over the web, intranet or extranet. (Bunin, PRJ10)
   
   Pricing for Microsoft Project range from single to client access licenses if using Project Server and Office Enterprise Project management


2. IQ Coordinator project management allow companies to increase communications by bringing together tasks, expenses, meeting notes and so on in a collaborative way online. Some key features of IQ Coordinator are Central Information repository, project roles, Gantt and Text charts. Pricing range from $25-$200 based on modules and the licenses are also shared.
   
   http://www.theiqgroup.com/index/IQ%20Coordinator/p/cat/76999/content/77625?session_id=8a230ad2c4d18572d39d4cbee95440ade4e89e36
   
3. VPMi PMO
   
   VPMi has two versions standard and professional. Both versions offer similar features such as task management, resource management, milestone tracking and project prioritization. However the professional version offers integration into Microsoft productivity suites, resource forecasting, and features such as risk management. Product comparison for both standard and professional can be found here. http://www.vcsonline.com/VCS/VPMi/VPMi_Comparison.htm
   
   There are 3 different pricing options for the VPMi software which includes Software as a Service (SaaS), Hosted and local implementation. SaaS cost $20/user and Hosted cost $30/user

The 3 software detailed above are all low-high-end tools. Each software caters for a difference audience and the purchase of software really determines on the project itself.

C) How can organizations justify investing in enterprise project management software?

Organizations should invest in enterprise project management software if they wish to:

1. Standardize project management processes across the organization
2. Communicate and collaborate with project team members and other stakeholders or partners over the web, extranet or intranet
3. Report projects in the organizations and roll-up scorecards
4. Understand resource and workload and availability across projects
   

(Bunin, PRJ10)

Welcome

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my blogging site. This is the first time I have used any form of blogging services. I have to admit I am pretty impressed so far.

I will using this blogging service for my Uni course - ITC493 IT Project Management.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Mark