Case Study:
XYZ restaurant owner wishes to extend his current operation by adding a new webpage to the
existing web site to setup an online ordering system for Takeaway Orders. This new page should
have a scrolling menu and an online messaging capability to Chat with the customers.
He also requires a new PC with fast internet connection to be supplied at the restaurant’s takeaway
counter.
The idea is that customers will send their requests via online messaging system (chat window). On
duty staff receives the order, communicates with the customer, and confirms the customer’s order
and pick-up time. A confirmation email/text message will be sent to the customer and the relevant
staff. Afterwards, the order will follow the normal process for takeaway orders.
You are required to prepare a Project Proposal/charter covering the following requirements.
1) Create a table listing at least five Objectives (in business terms) for this project as you would
word them in the Project Proposal/Charter.
2) Develop work breakdown structure (WBS) of the case study featuring 3-5 levels and 10-20
boxes.
3) Create a Chart or Table, listing all the major tasks, in sequence, and show all dependencies.
4) Draw a network diagram showing all the tasks and their dependencies (abbreviate their
names if necessary). Arrange the tasks to achieve the shortest time to complete the project
and determine the number of weeks it will take to complete the project.
5) Calculate the slack or float time for each activity, on the understanding that many tasks can
be run in parallel if dependencies permit.
6) Finally, list the task numbers that form the critical path
Online ordering system for Takeaway Orders.
Full Answer Section
The WBS for this project is shown below:
- Level 1: Online Ordering System
- Level 2: Webpage Development
- Create new webpage
- Add scrolling menu
- Implement online messaging system
- Level 2: Hardware and Software Installation
- Install new PC
- Install fast internet connection
- Level 2: Security and Reliability Implement security measures Ensure system reliability
- Level 2: Staff Training Train restaurant staff on how to use the system
- Level 2: Webpage Development
Tasks and Dependencies
The following table lists the major tasks for this project, in sequence, and shows all dependencies:
| Task | Dependencies |
|---|---|
| Create new webpage | None |
| Add scrolling menu | Create new webpage |
| Implement online messaging system | Create new webpage |
| Install new PC | None |
| Install fast internet connection | Install new PC |
| Implement security measures | None |
| Ensure system reliability | None |
| Train restaurant staff on how to use the system | Create new webpage, implement online messaging system |
Network Diagram
The network diagram for this project is shown below:
Start
Create new webpage
Add scrolling menu
Implement online messaging system
Install new PC
Install fast internet connection
Implement security measures
Ensure system reliability
Train restaurant staff on how to use the system
End
The critical path for this project is Create new webpage, Add scrolling menu, Implement online messaging system, Install new PC, Install fast internet connection, and Train restaurant staff on how to use the system. These tasks must be completed in sequence, and any delay in any of these tasks will delay the completion of the project.
Slack Time
The slack time for each activity is shown in the table below:
| Task | Slack Time |
|---|---|
| Create new webpage | 0 weeks |
| Add scrolling menu | 0 weeks |
| Implement online messaging system | 1 week |
| Install new PC | 1 week |
| Install fast internet connection | 1 week |
| Implement security measures | 2 weeks |
| Ensure system reliability | 2 weeks |
| Train restaurant staff on how to use the system | 2 weeks |
The total slack time for the project is 7 weeks. This means that the project can be delayed by up to 7 weeks without affecting the overall completion date.
Project Schedule
The project schedule is shown below:
| Week | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create new webpage |
| 2 | Add scrolling menu |
| 3 | Implement online messaging system |
| 4 | Install new PC |
| 5 | Install fast internet connection |
| 6 | Implement security measures |
| 7 | Ensure system reliability |
| 8 | Train restaurant staff on how to use the system |
The project is expected to take 8 weeks to complete. However, there is a 7-week slack, so the project can be delayed by up to 7 weeks without affecting the overall completion date.
I hope this project proposal/charter is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sample Answer
The objectives of this project are to:
- Create a new webpage on the XYZ restaurant's website that allows customers to order takeaway food online.
- Implement an online messaging system that allows customers to chat with restaurant staff to place their orders.
- Provide a new PC with fast internet connection at the restaurant's takeaway counter.
- Ensure that the online ordering system is secure and reliable.
- Train restaurant staff on how to use the online ordering system.