Global Technology (GT) hired you as an assistant to the Project Manager for their new project implementation of a project portfolio management (PPM) tool. Microsoft Project Online was the selected solution that will provide GT with project management, work management, and portfolio management capabilities for the enterprise.
Using Microsoft Project Online, Global Technology will be able to effectively initiate, select, plan, and deliver projects while tracking time, budget and effectively managing resources. This Software as a Service (SaaS) will also provide extensive reporting capabilities using Excel for reporting on all aspects of the project lifecycle based on the current GT project management methodology, and provide the organization with a standard tool for PPM.
You are working with upper management to provide details for a proposed project and assisting them with creating a business case to help provide details so that the project may move into the next steps and be approved by the organization. This project will be delivered three months after approval within a budget of $500.000.00. Global Technology expects 20% return on investment within the next five years with 10% interest rate.
Once the project is approved, you will assist the project manager with additional documents to create the Project Plan.
Hardware Requirements:
Front-end web server – $4,699.00
Application server – $4,699.00
SQL Server – $4,699.00
Software Requirements:
Database server (SQL Server) & CAL – $15,000.00
SharePoint Server 2013 Enterprise & CAL – $50,000.00
Project Server 2016 Enterprise & CAL – $50,000.00
Windows Server 2012(64-bit) – CAL- $10,000.00
Labor: $250.000.00
Required Documents:
Business Case
Project Charter
Project Scope Statement
Project Schedule
Communication Plan
Risk Register
Instructions
Using the scenario above, create a Project Plan to present to Global Technology’s Senior Management for implementation of the Project Management Information System (PMIS) software MS Project Online.
A cover page with the company and preparer’s name.
Full Answer Section
Project Goals:
- Implement MS Project Online as the enterprise PMIS software for Global Technology.
- Provide GT with project management, work management, and portfolio management capabilities.
- Enable GT to effectively initiate, select, plan, and deliver projects while tracking time, budget, and resources.
- Provide GT with extensive reporting capabilities using Excel for reporting on all aspects of the project lifecycle based on the current GT project management methodology.
- Provide GT with a standard tool for PPM.
Project Scope:
The project scope includes the following:
- Hardware requirements:
- Front-end web server
- Application server
- SQL Server
- Software requirements:
- Database server (SQL Server) & CAL
- SharePoint Server 2013 Enterprise & CAL
- Project Server 2016 Enterprise & CAL
- Windows Server 2012(64-bit) – CAL
- Labor:
- Project Manager
- Business Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- IT Technician
Project Schedule:
The project schedule is as follows:
- Phase 1: Planning (1 week)
- Develop project charter
- Develop project scope statement
- Develop project schedule
- Develop communication plan
- Develop risk register
- Phase 2: Implementation (2 months)
- Install hardware and software
- Configure software
- Train users
- Phase 3: Testing (1 month)
- Conduct unit testing
- Conduct integration testing
- Conduct user acceptance testing
- Phase 4: Deployment (1 month)
- Deploy software to production environment
- Train users on production environment
- Phase 5: Post-Deployment Support (1 month)
- Monitor system performance
- Resolve any issues that arise
Communication Plan:
The communication plan will include the following:
- Regular status meetings with the project team
- Weekly status reports to the project sponsor
- Monthly progress reports to senior management
- Ad hoc communication as needed
Risk Register:
The risk register will include the following:
- Risks:
- Hardware failure
- Software failure
- User resistance
- Lack of funding
- Mitigation Strategies:
- Have redundant hardware
- Test software thoroughly before deployment
- Train users on the software
- Contingency Plans:
- Use backup hardware if primary hardware fails
- Deploy a different software solution if the software fails
- Provide additional training to users if they resist the software
- Seek additional funding if the project runs over budget
Conclusion:
The project to implement MS Project Online as the enterprise PMIS software for Global Technology is feasible and achievable within the budget and schedule. The project plan includes all of the necessary steps to ensure the successful implementation of the software. The communication plan will ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed of the project progress. The risk register will identify and mitigate any potential risks to the project. The contingency plans will ensure that the project can continue in the event of any unexpected problems.
I recommend that Global Technology approve the project to implement MS Project Online as the enterprise PMIS software. The software will provide GT with the tools it needs to effectively manage its projects and improve its bottom line.
Sample Answer
Project Name: Implementation of Project Management Information System (PMIS) Software MS Project Online
Project Manager: Bard
Project Start Date: March 1, 2023
Project End Date: May 31, 2023
Project Budget: $500,000.00