IT Project Management Individual Assignment

IT Project Management

Diploma in Information Technology

Topic 1: Introduction to Project Management

Copyright © 2020 by Singapore Institute of Management Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Learning objectives

1. Understand the need for good project management.

2. Explain what is a project.

3. Provide examples of IT projects.

4. Describe project management.

5. Describe the triple constraint of project management.

Learning objectives

6. Discuss key elements of project management framework.

7. Discuss the relationship between project, program and portfolio management.

8. Understand the role of project manager.

9. Explore project management software tools.

1.1 Good project management

• The way we work is changing, this is noticed in many industries.

• According to the consultancy firm Bain & Company, by 2027 most work will be project-based.

• There is a growing understanding of the impact that good project management can have on a business.

• Companies are starting to realise that good project management is important for stronger results and happier employees.

1.1 Good project management

• When PM is done right, it helps every part of the business run more smoothly.

• It allows the team to focus on the work that matters, free from the distractions caused by tasks going off track or budgets spinning out of control.

• It empowers the team to deliver results that impact the business’s bottom line.

• It enables the employees to see how their work contributes to the company’s strategic goals.

1.2 What is a project?

A project is a complex, non-routine, one- time effort limited by time, budget, resources, and performance specifications designed to meet customer needs.

1.2.1 Characteristics of a project

 It has an established objective.  It is temporary with a defined lifespan (i.e.

beginning and an end date).  It involves several departments and professionals.  It is typically unique or has never been done

before.  It has specific time, cost and performance

requirements.

1.3 Examples of IT projects

• Software development & implementation (eg: programming a simple mobile app or a large-scale software system, web development)

• Hardware installations (e.g., servers, desktop computers, or telephony systems)

• Network system upgrades

• Data management (cyber security)

1.4 What is project management?

Project Management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.

1.5 Triple constraints

3 main areas need to be managed in a project:

Cost: How much money is to be spent?

Time: How long the project will run before completion?

Scope: What deliverables are to be achieved?

1.5.1 Scope

A project's scope is the full outline of the expected deliverables.

It is important to clearly define the scope of a project before starting it to ensure that all parties have the same expectations for the final results.

1.5.2 Time

All timelines should realistically fit within the confines set out by the scope and budget.

Within a given project, multiple timelines may be included.

Individual timelines on the various elements must be completed as part of the project.

The timelines can be adjusted as part of a triple constraint adjustment.

1.5.3 Cost

The resources involved in carrying out a project make up the third principal element of the triple constraint.

This accounts for not only the costs associated with purchasing any physical resources but also the daily operating costs of the staff working on the project.

Can all three be squeezed?

1.6 Project management framework

 Project management framework (PM framework) is a subset of tasks, processes, tools and templates used in combination by the management team to get insight into the major structural elements of the project in order to initiate, plan, execute, control, monitor, and terminate the project activities throughout the management life-cycle. PM framework allows using various methodologies and approaches to plan and schedule the major phases of the life-cycle.

1.6 Project management framework

 Regardless of the type, size and nature of project, a typical PM framework includes micro & macro phases, templates and checklists, processes and activities, roles and responsibilities, training material and work guidelines – all this information is organized and systematised into a structure allowing managers and planners to control progress of their projects throughout the life-cycle.

1.6 Project management framework

With reference to the PM framework definition, there are several basic elements:

1. Initiation.

2. Planning.

3. Execution.

4. Monitoring & Controlling.

5. Closure.

1.6 Project management framework

1.6 Project management framework

The purpose of PM framework is to:

• Simplify & assist with sharing information on project management best practices, approaches, tools, templates and samples.

• Create and share an understanding of the best practices for planning & management for all types and kinds of project, including IT projects etc.

• Improve the level of competence

• Contribute to setting common standards and requirements for various projects and establishing common terminology.

1.7 Project, program & portfolio management

• A project may be managed in three separate scenarios: as a stand-alone project (outside of a portfolio or program), within a program, or within a portfolio.

• Multiple projects may be needed to accomplish a set of goals and objectives for an organisation. In those situations, projects may be grouped together into a program.

1.7 Project, program & portfolio management

• A program is defined as a group of related projects, subsidiary programs, and program activities managed in a coordinated manner to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually.

• Example: Managing the development of all e- commerce projects together can be a program.

• Program = Sub-programs + Projects and sub-projects.

1.7 Project, program & portfolio management

• A portfolio is defined as projects, programs, subsidiary portfolios, and operations managed as a group to achieve strategic objectives.

• Example: Managing all types of website development related projects and programs can be a portfolio while managing all mobile Apps related projects and programs can be another portfolio.

• Portfolio = Sub-portfolios + Programs and sub-programs + Projects and sub-projects.

1.7 Project, program & portfolio management

1.8 Roles of a project manager

• Plays a key role in helping projects and organisations succeed.

• Performs various job duties, possesses many skills, and continues to develop skills in project management, general management, and their application area, such as IT.

• Possesses soft skills, especially leadership which are particularly important.

1.8 Roles of a project manager

1.8 Roles of a project manager

Questions?