Performing Effective Project Management

Full Answer Section

Proposed Paper Outline

Introduction

• Briefly introduce the project and its objectives.
• Highlight the challenges faced in previous mobile app development attempts.

Project Attributes and Their Criticality

• 1. User Experience (UX): A positive UX is essential for user adoption and satisfaction.
• 2. Performance: The app must function smoothly and quickly, especially on slower devices.
• 3. Security: Protecting user data and preventing unauthorized access is crucial.
• 4. Integration with POS Systems: Seamless integration with existing point-of-sale systems is necessary for functionality.

Project Plan Summary and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

• Project Plan Summary: Outline major milestones, such as requirements gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• WBS: Break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks (e.g., user interface design, backend development, API integration, testing).

Workflow Model for Defect Detection

• Use a tool like Visio or Dia to create a graphical representation of the workflow.
• Include steps like requirements analysis, design review, code review, unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing.
• Identify potential defect points within each phase.

Defect Reporting and Exceptions

• Establish a clear defect reporting process.
• Define criteria for when a defect should be reported (e.g., severity, impact on functionality).
• Outline exceptions for when a defect may not require reporting (e.g., minor cosmetic issues).

Stakeholder Communication Needs and Status Reports

• Identify key stakeholders and their information needs.
• Develop tailored status reports for each stakeholder group (e.g., executive summary for upper management, detailed technical reports for developers).

Performance Metrics and Analysis

• Calculate cost variance, schedule variance, cost performance index, schedule performance index, and estimated actual cost.
• Interpret the results to assess project progress and identify areas for improvement.

Maintenance Phase Considerations

• Explain how work packages, binary tracking, and earned value reporting can be used to manage change requests effectively.
• Discuss the importance of version control and configuration management for maintaining the app's integrity.

Risk Register and Management Techniques

• Identify potential risks (e.g., technical challenges, budget constraints, resource limitations).
• Assign risk management techniques (e.g., risk avoidance, risk mitigation, risk transfer, risk acceptance).
• Justify the selection of techniques based on the nature of each risk.

Sample Solution

Task: Develop a 3-page paper on a mobile application development project for a fast-food organization.

Key Areas:

• Project attributes and their criticality
• Project plan summary and WBS
• Workflow model for defect detection
• Defect reporting and exceptions
• Stakeholder communication needs and status reports
• Performance metrics and analysis
• Work package, binary tracking, and earned value reporting for maintenance
• Risk register and management techniques