Critical Success Path

Scenario
You are assigned as the project manager for S-Com new project venture. They are a rapidly growing IT consulting company looking to expand globally. S-Com was awarded the project bid from Havana Music to develop a website to sell and stream music media products and services in all music genres globally. This site will be an all-inclusive point of purchase for the “musical environment.” Products and services will include broadcast rights, customized media equipment and intermedia transformation for music files, meeting planners, performers and concert promoters of Havana’s client base.

As project manager you will work with web developer Jenny Swan to develop the initial website platform that will provide links to target customers via social media. The website will also require backend connectivity to fulfillment systems whose interfaces will be supplied by the sponsor Jack Dole. You will have access to musicians, producers, and global marketers through the Marketing SME Kelly Watts. Kelly will also lend her guidance and expertise of online marketers, portals, and the evolving social media.

The project sponsor has provided the following resources for your project:

Web developer: Jenny Swan

Marketing SME: Kelly Watts

Your manager asked you to complete the project schedule to provide a timeline for the project. You are to also provide the sponsor with a document for resource responsibility and availability. You have the permission to add any additional resources you need to complete project tasks.

Instructions
You will identify all resources required to complete project work by creating a Resource Assignment Matrix (RAM) using Microsoft Excel. You will also develop the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

Create the RAM using Microsoft Excel. Include the resources provided in the scenario and any additional resources required to complete project tasks.
Develop the WBS using Microsoft Project.
Create at least 20 main level tasks
Create 20 sub level task within your project
Set at least 8 Predecessors within your project

Full Answer Section

      Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Level 1
  • Project Management
Level 2
  • Planning and Scheduling
  • Risk Management
  • Communication Management
  • Quality Management
Level 3
  • Develop Project Plan
  • Create Schedule
  • Identify and Assess Risks
  • Develop Risk Mitigation Plan
  • Develop Communication Plan
  • Conduct Status Meetings
  • Develop Quality Assurance Plan
  • Conduct Unit Testing
  • Conduct Integration Testing
  • Conduct System Testing
Level 4
  • Develop Website Platform
  • Develop Social Media Links
  • Develop Backend Connectivity
  • Develop Marketing Plan
  • Develop Online Marketing Campaign
This WBS is just a starting point. You may need to add or remove tasks depending on the specific requirements of the project. Additional Resources In addition to the resources provided in the scenario, you may also need to add the following resources to complete the project:
  • Business analyst: To help you develop the project plan, identify and assess risks, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
  • Quality assurance engineer: To develop and execute a quality assurance plan to ensure that the website meets all requirements and is free of defects.
  • System administrator: To deploy and maintain the website and to provide support to users.
Conclusion This RAM and WBS provide a starting point for planning and executing the S-Com website development project. By carefully identifying and assigning resources, and by developing a comprehensive WBS, you can increase your chances of success.  

Sample Answer

   

Resource Assignment Matrix (RAM)

Resource Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5
Web developer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Marketing SME Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Project manager Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Additional resources
- Business analyst Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
- Quality assurance engineer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
- System administrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes