Different Cost Management Factors in an IT Project - Assignment Example

? Cost and Quality Introduction Cost and quality may be managed by having a Work Breakdown Structure which isa hierarchical structure that helps project managers to breakdown work into small manageable task (Norman, Brotherton & Fried, 2008). Connectively, work break down structure displays the amount of time that each task will consume and cost associated with each task (Haugan, 2003). The structure further helps to identify critical path. Whereby, the most urgent tasks should be given the first priority. Connectively, Work break down structure may be presented into three different formats namely; indented format, chart format and bubbled format (Haugan, 2002). Therefore, this study will utilize organization chart format to show how the fifteen wires access point will be broken down within the next 90 days. In above connection, the study will describe the project management areas of knowledge as discussed in the Project Management Institute Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The study will further evaluate different cost management factors in an IT project management context. The works break down assumptions and estimated duration The cost and time to be consumed by each task will be estimated as indicated in table 1.15. Additionally, the work break down codes will be established to identify each task. Whereby, each task will be given a unique code to track it as well as cost associated with each task (Furman, 2011). In order to enhance security and vulnerability of authorized access, the project managers responsible for this IT project will work closely with the subproject team to ensure maximum data security by preventing unauthorized access of the company data (Nahari & Krutz, 2011). Connectively, the IT project will take into consideration the following deliverable: the project team will be provided with the wireless network security handling point paper and a document for access configuration. Additionally, an architectural structure for wireless security will be established. Additionally, certain assumptions of success for this project will be taken into consideration based on task scheduling, cost and quality. Whereby, the certain task will be executed fast to allow execution of other tasks (Kendrick, 2009). Security related issues will be given the first priority via conducting a wireless pilot project. In addition, cost will involve cost for purchasing the actual tools for this project as well as hiring employees who will be responsible for executing the task. However, large amount of cost will be attributed to the amount of time allotted to each task rather than costs associated with tools for executing tasks (Vines, 2002). Additionally, quality will be determined by security audit team in the IT department. Whereby, if the project security meet or exceed the anticipated security standards then project will be considered successful (Webber, Larry, & Webber, Frederick, 2006). Therefore, the four tasks for this wireless access will include; software and hardware installations, security and support programs, pilot program as well as full implementation. The 15 work break down packages under the four tasks mentioned above will involve the following; selection of hardware, conducting research on wireless security, identification of weakness and fixing them, ensuring that there is adherence to security standards, executing of hardening activities, integrating existing network authentication, technological encryption, configuration of wireless access joints, managing network systems, making a minor security audits, updating helpdesk and training helpdesk personnel, conducting wireless project review, coordinating support team and pilot programs, coordinating support implementation team as well running vulnerability testing tools (Reynolds, 2010). The schedule below indicates the task break down schedule that will be used to design a work break down structure for wireless installation. Task break down Schedule (Table 1.15) Task Codes Wireless task Description Task Duration COST 1.0 Pilot program 10 Days $50 1.1 conducting a research on wireless security 6Days $20 1.2 coordinating support team and pilot programs 4Days $20 2.0 Security and support programs 30Days $35 2.1 Adhering to security standards, 10days $22 2.2 Technological encryption 6Days $12 2.3 Configuration of wireless access joints 4Days $10 3.0 Software and hardware installations 15 Days $45 3.1 Selection of hardware 2Days $5 3.2 Integrating existing network authentication 3 Days $10 3.3 Installation 7Days $25 3.4 weakness identification & Fixation 3days $5 4.0 Implementation 30Days $50 4.1 Execution and of hardening activities 10 $25 4.2 managing network systems 6 10 4.3 Running vulnerability testing tools. 10 20 4.4 conducting wireless project review 4 $24 Overall Task Duration 90 Days Source: Author Work Break down Structure in IT 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 1.2 2.2 3.2 4.2 2.3 3.3 4.3 3.4 4.4 Source: Author Describe the knowledge and processes areas of project management The IT managers should understand the areas of knowledge to ensure project success. Among the areas of knowledge include; time management, management cost, management of scope, integration management, communication management, managing procurement, managing of risk, managing human resources and quality management (Wysocki, 2004). The IT manager should further have the knowledge of managing time by efficiently schedule IT task to achieve the desired outcomes by the end of the project. In addition, the project managers in the IT department should have a realistic budget that indicates the income and revenues of the company to ensure proper management of cost (Harrington & McNellis, 2006). This may help to prevent over consumption and cost overlaps. On the other hand, scope management involves having all the necessary requirements for successful execution and completion of the project. Scope management helps to prevent inclusion of all unnecessary activities and ensure that all the necessary activities have been included, this further help to prevent resource wastage. Additionally, integration management may involves making different activities work together in order to achieve the desired outcome by the end of the project (Schwalbe, 2009). On the other hand, communication management involves making sure that there is proper flow of ideas and information through out the organization. This may help to ensure there is seamless flow of information and ideas through out the company. Connectively, procurement management involves acquisition and purchasing necessary materials for project execution (Schwalbe, 2010). In above connection, the different cost management factors in an IT project management context include; cost estimation, for instance; labor rates, making a budgeting based on cost associated with IT project as well as controlling project costs (Field & Keller, 1998). Whereby, cost estimation entails making predictions on the anticipated cost as a result of undertaking an IT project. Some of the associated costs may include; cost of purchasing resources such as hardware’s and software’s, to mention just but a few (Doss, Wallace & Webber, 2004). Conclusion Cost and quality may be realized by having a work breakdown structure which is a hierarchical structure that helps project managers to breakdown work into small manageable task. It can be scrutinized that for an IT project manager to make a successful installation of wireless network proper assumptions must be made as discussed. Connectively, a task schedule and work breaks down structure for wirelesses installations have been put forth. Conclusively, the nine areas of project knowledge have been put forth. Among the areas of knowledge discussed include; time management, management cost, management of scope, integration management, communication management, managing procurement, managing of risk, managing human resources and quality management. In addition, different cost management factors in an IT project management context have been discussed. Reference Doss, G. M., Wallace, M., & Webber, L. (2004). IS project management handbook. New York: Aspen Publishers. Field, M., & Keller, L. S. (1998). Project management: [...]. London [u.a.: International Thomson Business Press. Furman, J. (2011). The project management answer book. Vienna, VA: Management Concepts. Harrington, H. J., & McNellis, T. (2006). Project management excellence: The art of excelling in project management. Chico, CA: Paton Press LLC. Haugan, G. T. (2002). Effective work breakdown structures. Vienna, Va: Management Concepts. Haugan, G. T. (2003). The work breakdown structure in government contracting. Vienna, VA: Management Concept. Kendrick, T. (2009). Identifying and managing project risk: Essential tools for failure-proofing your project. New York: AMACON. Nahari, H., & Krutz, R. L. (2011). Web commerce security: Design and development. 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