Contingency Plan

A contingency plan will aid in deciding what direction the project will go. The initial funding for the advertizing campaign and project planning is in place. With determining factor being stakeholder agreements made at meeting #1.   

            The NFL Fan Network Project is seeking funding in regard to projects deliverables which include; Team Members, System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Media Reinforcement, and Satellite Connections. If immediate funding is unavailable, than alternative funding shall be sought through marketing strategies as determined by; the project’s contingency campaign.

            Web-Site advertizing will supplement any additional funding through internet media companies using word-sense, blogging, and person to person. Given that an appropriate amount of revenue is raised in the prearranged time frame, the projects will begin according to the project plan.             

             As funding is made available project will be defined and presented to stakeholders for review. At the projects acceptance, initiation phase will begin. Analysis of project will then be presented in and to the design phase. If the projects design is rejected, then analysis, redesign, and negotiation will take place concerning project design.

            Acceptance of achievable design will indicate project stakeholder’s agreement of success and give way to the projects implementation while achieving deliverables.  

 

Project Management

              Project Management can be difficult even under the best of circumstances.  Accurate time estimation is a skill essential to good project management. It is important to get time estimates accurate for two core reasons: Time estimates drive the setting of deadlines for delivery of projects, and therefore peoples' assessments of consistency often establish the pricing of contracts and their profitability.

            A budget is one of those essential tools that are used across various departments within a company. For the project and project manager, it's a baseline used to conclude whether the project is on track.

Every project needs to balance its functionality, staffing, budget, schedule, and quality objectives, and selecting the best possible project team is essential to the project success while scheduling team members for more than 80% of their time may negatively affect the project even under the best of conditions. Tracking the average weekly hours that team members actually spend working on their project assignments is a real eye-opener. The task-switching overhead associated with the many activities that team members are asked to do, may reduce their effectiveness significantly. One cannot assume that just because someone spends 10 hours per week on a particular activity, he or she can do four of them at once; you’ll be lucky if he or she can handle three.

            If you don’t analyze, identify and control risks, they can end-up controlling you. Time should be spent during the project planning phase brainstorming possible risk factors, evaluating potential threats, and deciding how one can mitigate or prevent them.

            Almost all quality control activities, such as testing and technical reviews, find defects or other improvement opportunities. An accurate design plan impacts the quality of the project, and without requirements being met, the projects quality is compromised. 

            Both budget and time management can determine the success of the project, and recurrently working in conjunction with one another throughout the SDLC.

            Determining the project’s success can be done by sharing a common understanding of how the stakeholders will establish whether this project is successful and by retiring a high maintenance inherited system, and reaching a specified sales volume or revenue, increasing market shares, achieving specific customer satisfaction, and achieving volume with accuracy.

Project Management and The Graduating High School Student

What you are proposing to write about

ii)    Your background and how it has led you to pursue this type of career

iii)  The specific elements of the career you will focus on in your final project (This may include salary, job requirements, physical labor, and other characteristics of the job.)

iv)   The benefits of having this job

v)     Anything you hope to learn more about through your research

 

Proposal:

Allow me to tell you a little about the subject I am proposing to write about. A Project Manager has many skills; leadership is a vital skill that project managers.   I propose to write a paper on the changes that have become a part of being a project manager, and what it will take to learn how to become a project manager (from a high school graduates point of view) that can take a project from start to finish!

In this paper will be a survey that shows the number of adult students returning to some sort of education, whether it is an online college or a vocational program. It further explains the importance of attending a continuation of education for the graduating high School student.

            Graphs and diagrams will be utilized in research project in order to help with numbers from survey, and student participation in attending educational arenas aft

 

Abstract:

 The duties of a project manager have changed and it is very important to keep in mind these changes. Being an effective project manager takes more than having a degree. It takes leadership qualities and to learn these skills and the student must learn the basics of time management and team work.

            A survey is included, showing that the rate of adults returning to an education is on the rise. Research shows that the High School student that graduates from high school and do not attend some sort of a vocational program will return only after they have been in the work force for some years, having already pursued a career only to find out that more education is needed in order to keep up with the technology that is ever changing.

            When the high school student continues their education and pursues a degree which will enable them to become a project manager, making the jump in salary and living. It also shows that the project manager is more than just someone who can tell someone else what to do.

            This project will include graphs, diagrams, results from a brief survey and simple instructions to help the high school student pursue a career as a project manager.

            Future project business managers are made now and the high school student has many decisions to make including the career choice which will affect the rest of their lives.

 

Explanation of presentation:

   Presenting this information to an audience of this type I would have to be creative as the audience is at the stage of everything is skeptical.

             A live presentation is much different than a presentation via the information highway or mail currier. Body language would play a big part in this live presentation, as well as graphic design.  I believe with the technology of today, a video presentation would have to dominate; of course the presenter would have to add in some humor.

 

 

 

 

When creating this survey I noticed the need for information on adult students who have returned to school as a vital part of the structure of the working class American. Even though the survey was short, I received feedback that can be utilized.

The completed surveys were ied in feedback, while all four participants were interested in continuing an education as they handle, in some cases a family and a full time job. Three out four stated their decision for going back to school was based upon either desiring a higher salary where they are working, and or a career change if salary needs are not met.

In this particular survey the participants were ask questions based on entry and finances, if they were attending online, how long they have been attending, (two were six months or less, one was six months to one year) so all participants were first year or had just returned to college. They were also ask about quality of campus web site, most were pleased with their e-campus.

In one survey in “additional comments”, the participant states, “If I were not concerned with my future and the future of my family, I would be content with staying at home and accepting the way things are, I want to be a part of the information technology arena. I am determined to obtain a college education and play a vital role in the future of my family.”

Another wrote, “I was making good money but it was always in the labor end of business, I want to have a certificate in information technology-networking, then I will be able to move up in the company I am a part of.” One is seeking an education just for self knowledge.

Results from survey show that financial gain and change in career status, with the future in mind being the chief concern.  This seems to be the main theme and plays an important role in the reason why these four adults are making an effort to be a part of the information technology field. 

 How participants obtained finances to pay tuition varied. One participant is working full time and is paying for their own tuition; three of the participants are seeking financial help from student loan sources and Government loans and Grants and are working part time. 

The expectations of participants were different for each participant. While most had high expectations, the difference laid in the area of how far the participant would take their education. There seems to be a slight variation with length of courses and if it would be feasible to take education further than the first two years of an Associate’s degree.

The survey also shows the willingness of the adult to learn something new and that no matter the situation an education is attainable at a part time level in an online college setting.

There was one that is undecided on when they will return to college, in the comment section they stated their reason for being undecided. The reason for this was finances and work schedule. This participant, given the opportunity, would in fact become a part of the growing number of adults who are returning to college. This particular participant stated that they know very little about the computer and the software that is used in business and says, it is affecting them in the work place.

The survey only questioned part of the reasons that adults are re-entering the classroom. A more detailed survey would need to be submitted to gain knowledge as to the affects the classroom is having on the adult population. Just for my sake, in the future, I will be creating a more detailed and complete survey, with a broader question base and invite more participants to take part in survey.

 In closing, I have touched on something that needs more consideration, as to the reasons, the affects and how continuing an education will affect the way the work place, the family and the individual respond to a more educated adult work force.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposal vs. Report

 

               For many years the creation of a proposal was simple and most often hand written, than transcribed on to a word processor. With the introduction of the computer and the countless programs designed to add diagrams, calculations, spreadsheets, documents, and e-mail have changed the style in which technical writing is done.

            A proposal would involve an assessment of the area in question, measurements, pictures and a diagram of field of roof, and types of membrane, specifications, as well as customer contact, and involvement. The requirement of a test cut, and or core samples is conducted (this is done in order to comply with State, and manufacture codes and specifications are met). When the information is compiled, the development of a proposal can begin.

            Estimation of cost for material and labor is included in the proposal, with company markup. When the pricing is complete, a detailed proposal is created that includes warranty information, price, and production schedule. An attachment of the scope of work always accompanies the proposal, detailing all work that is to be performed as well as start and completion dates. A small summary is integrated in this attachment with an explanation of the inspection and any repairs which would be made.

            In a situation in which a standard report would be used in an appropriate manner would be the initial inspection of area of construction proposed, this would prepare and inform the audience, (management, and or customer) of any details involving issues, and the solution. If using a standard report in place of a proposal, it can be done if costumer is a part of the company’s client base. A report includes similar attachments. A proposal is action oriented, as the report recommends this action.   

Journals and Scientific Documents

 1. The purpose of journals and professional papers.

            To hone the writer’s research skills while providing information to a general or specific audience, this can be an academic and or professional.  The technical writer writing a professional paper would explain product information, explaining the steps and results of product. A journal would contain a scientific or science writing and can be written for a specific field such as the medical field, we see many medical journals in doctors’ offices; these are written with the patient in mind. Journals can also be written by doctors for doctors. Such is the case with all professional fields.

           

2.  The organization of a technical scientific paper.

            Organizing a technical scientific paper begins with considering the four elements, which are design, research and completion of paper that includes selecting a journal to publish article, a rough draft, writing of the paper and finally submitting the paper for publication.

            Preparing an outline,  defining, limiting and focusing on the subject, (if subject is entirely the writers) the paper should explain in detail the problem by researching existing literature, discussing and drawing conclusions by exploring methods that could alleviate the problem.

Assessing leader behaviors in project managers:

            Being a Project manager, one must incorporate multiple skills which would not limit the duties of a project manager. The project manager must be able to bring out desired results from team members. Leadership style of the manager determines whether the manager is successful within the organization and can be the success of the organization.

            To be a good project manager one must be a good project leader. The article states, "Project leadership is the ability to get things done well through others".  The ability of a project manager to motivate and delegate to subordinates; having a concern for tasks and a concern for people. 

            The correct balance of leadership and managerial skills and being able to recognize the challenges along the project life cycle, responding to subordinates with the appropriate leadership behaviors; these skills will optimize the success of project.

            The article serves to state the case that good leadership skills can be found in effective project managers and this will always lead to project success. The article also states that leadership skills that are present in good managers are not always found in other areas of leadership, of course it states that more research is needed to prove this argument.

 

 

 

 

Managing a Project

            As my day unfolds I become more aware that if some type of project management was not used, many conflicts would arise in a very short amount of time. Areas of life such as time management, budget management, and household management run proficiently when well planned. 

            My position in construction makes it necessary to manage each project from: Initiation to planning and design, execution, monitoring and controlling, to closing.

            Complex projects do require more attention as the degree of difficulty rises. With one project that requires a small amount of management, and then another which requires hours upon hours of management, both types of projects should be designed in the same manner.    

            A task or planned program of work that requires a large amount of time, effort, and planning, organizing and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives will most always show success.Project management is a critical skill required for execution. It is an essential organizing and managerial discipline in achieving objectives for reaching set goals. The art of managing the product and service development cycle to achieve a balance of time, cost and quality is project management.

            Leadership means working with and through people by providing them with a vision of the future which is meaningful to them and motivating. Leadership is both strategic and pragmatic and encourages all members of a team to deliver their best as an individual, and team member.

“High performing teams are built by leaders who have a vision and have the courage and mandate to lead others towards it. Leadership is a privilege and is earned through demonstration of competency and integrity”.

 (MarketRight.com Ltd. Retrieved January 14, 2009, from http://www.marketright.co.nz/Site/definitions.aspx )

 

            As we can see, the role of the Project Manager is just what it means. Leadership is an aspect that is integrated into project management and is vital to the execution, quality and completion of project. Communication is an important part of being a project manager, without proper communication the project manager is nothing more than a title.  Being a Project manager, one must incorporate multiple skills which would not limit the duties of a project manager. The project manager must be able to bring out desired results from team members.        Leadership style of the manager determines whether the manager is successful within the organization and can be the success of the organization.

            To be a good project manager one must be a good project leader. "Project leadership is the ability to get things done well through others".  The ability of a project manager to motivate and delegate to subordinates; having a concern for tasks and a concern for people. 

            The correct balance of leadership and managerial skills and being able to recognize the challenges along the project life cycle, responding to subordinates with the appropriate leadership behaviors; these skills will optimize the success of the project.

            This serves to state the case, that good leadership skills can be found in effective project managers and this will always lead to project success. Leadership skills that are present in good managers are not always found in other areas of leadership.

The System Development Process

            Methodologies identify phases and actions, and the amount and scope of these phases and procedures may differ from one designer to the other, expert to expert, technique to technique, and business to business. The phases are:

 

1)     Scope definition:

            This is the first phase of a typical project is scope definition. The function of the scope definition phase is twofold. Initially, this answers the question, “Are there issues which merit examining?” Next, and if the issue merits examination, it establishes the extent and boundaries of the project, the project vision, any constraints or boundaries, the necessary project participants, and the schedule and budget.

 

2)     Problem analysis:

                        The problem analysis phase analyzes the existing system and the findings to supply the project team with a more methodical perceptive of the problems that started the project. The analyst repeatedly uncovers and reviews the latest issues and answers the most significant question, “Will it be profitable to solve these problems or will this exceed the budget to build the system that would explain these issues?”

 

3)     Requirements analysis:

            The requirements analysis phase sets priorities and defines the requirements for the business. The analyst approaches the users to discover what is needed and what the business wants the new system, cautiously avoiding any dialogue of technical execution. This is the most vital phase of the systems development. Omissions and errors in the requirements analysis may affect the project and cause user dissatisfaction with the finished system and can cause a budget deficit from a costly modification

 

4)     Logical design:

            The logical design phase translates business necessities into system models. The phrase logical design is interpreted as “technology independent,” meaning the pictures demonstrate the system independents of any possible technical explanation, and the systems model business requirements which have to be satisfied by whichever technical solution that is considered.

 

5)     Decision analysis: (a system analysis transition phase)

            The purpose of the decision analysis phase is to (I) recognize candidate technical solutions, (II) evaluate those solutions which are considered for achievability, and (III) advice a candidate system as the goal solution to be designed.

 

6)     Physical design and Integration:

            Physical design is the reverse of the logical design. The function of the physical design and integration phase is to convert the business necessities (partly by using the logical system models) into physical design specifications which facilitate the systems assembly. Physical design addresses larger element about how the technology will be put to use in the new system. The design will be constrained by the accepted architectural model from the prior phase. It is necessary for the design to adhere to all interior technical design principles that will make certain performance, usability, quality, reliability, and completeness.

 

 

7)     Construction and Testing:

            The construction and testing phase is a functional system that is ready for implementation. The reason of the construction and testing phase consist of two parts: (I) to build and test a system that fulfills business requirements and physical design specifications, and (II) to execute the interfaces linking the new system and existing systems. Any final documentation (any technical documents, such as: training manuals and help references) will be developed during the groundwork for instruction and system operation. The construction phase may also include installation of any software that has been purchased.

 

8)     Installation and Delivery:

                The installation and delivery phase is the deliverable operational system. The system changes from the environment of development into the production environment. System analysts must provide training to system users, write various production control and user manuals, and transfer existing files and databases into new databases, and carry out a final testing of the system. Any problems may instigate a rework of previous phases which were thought to be completed. System users can supply feedback as any new issues arise. The installation and delivery phase uses similar building blocks as the construction phase.

 

            “These phases are not absolutely sequential. The phases tend to overlap one another; in addition, the phases may be modified to the unique requirements of a given project (e.g., deadlines, complexity, strategy, resources)”. Whitten−Bentley: Systems Analysis and Design Methods, Seventh Edition    

© The McGraw−Hill Companies, 2007