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What defines a project as temporary and unique?
What defines a project as temporary and unique?
A project is temporary because it has a fixed duration, and unique because it aims to produce a distinct result that is not a routine operation.
List two examples of IT projects mentioned in the text.
List two examples of IT projects mentioned in the text.
Software Development and Web Development.
What are some improvements in IT project management since 1995?
What are some improvements in IT project management since 1995?
Better project management tools and improved communication among stakeholders.
According to CHAOS Report, what was the percentage of successful IT projects in 2012?
According to CHAOS Report, what was the percentage of successful IT projects in 2012?
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What does the term 'challenged' mean in the context of project resolution?
What does the term 'challenged' mean in the context of project resolution?
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Why is stakeholder communication important in IT projects?
Why is stakeholder communication important in IT projects?
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What role does a project leader play in a project?
What role does a project leader play in a project?
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What can indicate a failed IT project based on the CHAOS research?
What can indicate a failed IT project based on the CHAOS research?
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What should be documented for the sake of future projects?
What should be documented for the sake of future projects?
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What factors are assessed in the evaluation of a project by third parties?
What factors are assessed in the evaluation of a project by third parties?
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What is a key difference between activity definition and activity sequencing in schedule management?
What is a key difference between activity definition and activity sequencing in schedule management?
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Why is cost estimating particularly challenging for software projects?
Why is cost estimating particularly challenging for software projects?
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What is the primary focus of project cost management?
What is the primary focus of project cost management?
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What role do Gantt charts play in schedule management?
What role do Gantt charts play in schedule management?
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Define parametric modeling in project cost estimations.
Define parametric modeling in project cost estimations.
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What are definitive estimates in project cost management?
What are definitive estimates in project cost management?
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What are key areas that project metrics should focus on?
What are key areas that project metrics should focus on?
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List three qualities of a good project metric.
List three qualities of a good project metric.
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What is the purpose of status reporting in projects?
What is the purpose of status reporting in projects?
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What is the difference between progress reporting and forecast reporting?
What is the difference between progress reporting and forecast reporting?
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Identify a potential challenge of managing IT projects related to requirements.
Identify a potential challenge of managing IT projects related to requirements.
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What are the main phases of project management?
What are the main phases of project management?
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What is the purpose of a project charter?
What is the purpose of a project charter?
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Define 'scope creep' in project management.
Define 'scope creep' in project management.
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How does the project risk-cost progression graph assist project managers?
How does the project risk-cost progression graph assist project managers?
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What does the statement 'What gets measured gets done' imply in the context of project metrics?
What does the statement 'What gets measured gets done' imply in the context of project metrics?
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What are typical elements included in a statement of work?
What are typical elements included in a statement of work?
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Why is it important to have defined roles and responsibilities in IT projects?
Why is it important to have defined roles and responsibilities in IT projects?
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What is the key focus during the project close-out phase?
What is the key focus during the project close-out phase?
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What role does a project manager play in project implementation?
What role does a project manager play in project implementation?
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Why is formal project management justified for IT projects?
Why is formal project management justified for IT projects?
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Why is a post-mortem analysis important in project close-out?
Why is a post-mortem analysis important in project close-out?
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What should be included in a project plan?
What should be included in a project plan?
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Describe a generalized IT project management process.
Describe a generalized IT project management process.
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What are key project variables in IT projects?
What are key project variables in IT projects?
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Propose a tool for estimating key project variables.
Propose a tool for estimating key project variables.
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Identify a major risk factor in IT projects.
Identify a major risk factor in IT projects.
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What is a risk mitigating measure for IT project risks?
What is a risk mitigating measure for IT project risks?
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Explain the significance of the Project Management Triple Constraint.
Explain the significance of the Project Management Triple Constraint.
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Why is software project management considered different?
Why is software project management considered different?
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What role does expert judgment play in estimating project costs?
What role does expert judgment play in estimating project costs?
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How can Parkinson's Law affect project cost estimations?
How can Parkinson's Law affect project cost estimations?
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Why might a development organization quote a low price for a project?
Why might a development organization quote a low price for a project?
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What can a company do if it is uncertain about its cost estimate?
What can a company do if it is uncertain about its cost estimate?
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How do contractual terms influence pricing strategies for software development?
How do contractual terms influence pricing strategies for software development?
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What actions can be taken early in the project to avoid budget issues?
What actions can be taken early in the project to avoid budget issues?
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In what way does financial health impact a company's pricing strategy?
In what way does financial health impact a company's pricing strategy?
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How does the volatility of requirements affect pricing in software projects?
How does the volatility of requirements affect pricing in software projects?
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Study Notes
Challenges of Managing IS Projects
- The context of information systems management is crucial for modern organizations
- Information systems play a vital role in modern organizations
- Staffing and organizing the information systems function is essential
- Information systems planning is a critical process
- Sourcing and acquiring information systems resources is a key element
- Information technology outsourcing is a strategy
- Managing information systems development is an ongoing need
- Challenges in managing information systems projects vary
- Information systems impacts and related management issues are significant
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to justify the case for formal project management for IT projects
- Students will be able to describe a generalized IT project management process
- Students will be able to discuss key project variables in IT projects
- Students will be able to propose tools for estimating and monitoring key project variables
- Students will be able to identify major IT project risk factors and related risk-mitigating measures
IT/IS Project Management Process
- Readings cover aspects of IT/IS project management
- Videos provide additional information on the topic
Variables in IT Projects
- The resources required for IT projects
IT/IS Risks and Risk Mitigating Measures
- Text discusses relevant risk factors and mitigating measures associated with IT/IS project risks
What is a Project?
- A project is a temporary, unique endeavor to create a tangible or intangible result
- Projects entail various tasks completed over a set period
- IT projects require time, money, and other resources
Examples of IT Projects
- Software/application development
- eCommerce
- Web development and hosting
- Systems Integration
- Networking and IT infrastructure development
- Business analytics/data analytics
- Security system development/management
Case for Formal Project Management
- Murphy's Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
- Finagle's Law adds that anything that can go wrong will happen at the worst possible time.
- Hofstadter's Law notes that projects always take longer than predicted.
- Parkinson's Law explains that work expands to fill the available time.
Findings from the CHAOS Report (Standish Group)
- The Standish Group's 1995 Chaos Report details project success rates
- Success rates vary according to project size
- Large projects have lower rates of success as opposed to medium or small projects
- Further studies on success rates have shown improvements, but room for improvement exists
Project Resolution Results (2004-2012 and 2011-2015)
- Data indicates improvement in project success rates since 1995.
- Success rates have seen incremental improvement, particularly in more recent periods
Project Management Process (Phases)
- Initiation phase defines the project's scope and deliverables. Includes:
- Defining and scoping
- Identifying stakeholders
- Team building
- Making the rules
- Planning phase involves creating detailed plans for project scope, costing, and timelines. Includes:
- Budgeting and scheduling
- Activity plan development
- Implementation phase (Execute & Control) carries out the defined plan. Includes:
- Working the plan
- Monitoring progress
- Taking corrective action
- Reporting progress
- Project close-out phase handles final reporting and documentation. Includes:
- Handing off to end users
- Closing down operations
- Reporting outcomes
- Personnel evaluations
Key Variables in IT Projects (Triple Constraints)
- Scope
- Schedule
- Budget
- Project goals and expectations are prioritized
Estimation and Monitoring IT Project Variables
- Schedule management
- Techniques for estimating time and effort involved in different tasks
- Using tools such as Gantt Charts and Network Diagrams help in schedule management and resource allocation
- Cost management
- Methods of estimating costs and the tools to manage costs
- Communication and Reporting
- Methodologies of tracking and reporting progress efficiently and accurately
- Project risk and mitigating measures
- Factors and considerations for mitigating project risks
Project Risk Factors and Mitigating Measures
- Project risks and their possible mitigation measures are analyzed
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Description
This quiz covers the complexities involved in managing information systems (IS) projects within modern organizations. Students will explore essential concepts such as project planning, staffing, outsourcing strategies, and the various challenges faced during IS project management. Understanding these elements is crucial for effective IT project management.