Project Management and Cloud Computing Quiz

Three-Tier Architecture (Middleware)

• Middleware is software that manages data and transactions before they're saved to a database.

Drawbacks of Two-tier and Three-tier Architectures

• Two-tier and three-tier architectures experience high network traffic (bandwidth) between client and server during database transactions.
• User interface clients require installation (along with database drivers) on every PC needing HRIS access. This limits HRIS access primarily to employees within a company's physical location.

N-Tier Architecture

• Developers created a thin client (web browser) to address the drawbacks of two-tier and three-tier architectures.
• A standard web server manages HTML communication between the browser and the application server.
• N-tier architecture allows for scalability by allowing expansion across multiple web and application servers that can be geographically dispersed, facilitating load balancing and worldwide access.
• Additional print servers and process schedulers are also utilized.
• The architecture consists of a client (laptop, desktop, phone), internet, web server(s), application servers, and a database management system (DBMS).

HRIS Architecture

• One-tier architecture (Mainframe): All software functions accessed via a mainframe.
• Two-tier architecture (Client-server): Low-powered processing spreads through PCs, while high-powered processing happens on the mainframe. Application technology separates from database technology.
• Three-tier architecture (Middleware): Middleware manages data and transactions before they are saved to the database.
• N-Tier Architecture: Expandable to multiple web and application servers that can be geographically dispersed, allowing for load balancing and worldwide access. Includes additional print servers and process schedulers.

Cloud Computing

• A computing architecture that uses the internet and remote servers to maintain data and applications.
• "Server Cloud" Operated Off-site.
• Underlying goals are to reduce resources needed by companies maintaining and running databases and applications, thereby reducing software and equipment capital outlays.
• Three general service categories in cloud computing: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

Delivery model of cloud computing

• Delivery models categorized as SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.

Security Challenges

• Exposure of sensitive payroll and benefits data between employees.
• Loss of personnel data (e.g., Social Security numbers) outside the company.
• Unauthorized updates of key data (e.g., salary, stock options).
• Sharing of personnel or applicant review comments with unauthorized individuals.
• Sharing data with external organizations and service providers.

Best of Breed

• Architecture that combines products from multiple vendors.
• Three conditions for synergy: perceived need for specialized software, significant usage of the internet for job applications, and the absence of a need for OCR programs for resume scanning.
• Universally agreed-upon guidelines for interoperability must exist between applications (e.g., XML). This allows for efficient data transfer between different HRIS applications (e.g., Resumix, Oracle's PeopleSoft, Chronos, ADP).

Security

• Top priority for HRIS systems.
• Security must be maintained at various levels (e.g., VPN, firewall, column-level, row-level).

EAI - Message Oriented Middleware

• A message-oriented middle-ware that incorporates numerous applications (e.g., HRIS system, ERP, legacy systems) into an overall architecture.

Planning System Implementation: Roles

• Project Manager
• Steering Committee/Project Charter
• Implementation Team
• Project Scope
• Management Sponsorship

Planning System Implementation: Key Activities

• Management Sponsorship
• Process Mapping
• Software Implementation
• Customization
• Change Management
• Go Live
• Project Evaluation
• Potential Pitfalls

Project Manager Options

• Hire a consultant as the project manager.
• Hire a full-time project manager (potentially certified by the Project Management Institute).
• Select someone already involved in the project and temporarily assign them project management responsibilities.

Potential Pitfalls

• Poor planning
• Incomplete steering committee or committee without top management support.
• Problems with the implementation team or an incomplete team.
• Failure to adequately assess organization politics.
• Insufficient process mapping.
• Scope creep.
• Poor implementation or insufficient change management.

Test your knowledge on project management pitfalls and strategies, as well as cloud computing architectures. This quiz covers key concepts like scope creep, middleware functions, and the challenges of vendor collaboration. Dive into the intricacies of project management and cloud computing in today's technological landscape.