E-Commerce Project Management - Essay Example

E-Commerce Table of Contents Introduction Project Objectives The Planning Document 2 Project 2-6 Conclusion 6 Tasks 7-11 Recourses 12-13 References 14 Introduction: This paper encompasses the details and steps of project management for an e-commerce venture. The purpose of this project is to develop project management skills and gain an understanding of issues and concepts that arise in many typical IT/eCommerce projects. Particularly from a business perspective. . Project management is the discipline of organizing and managing resources in such a way that these resources deliver all the work required to complete a project within defined scope, time, and cost constraints. The first challenge of project management is ensuring that a project is delivered within the defined constraints. The second challenge is the optimized allocation and integration of the inputs needed to meet those pre-defined objectives. (The Gale Group 2002) Project Objectives: The goal of the project is to create the initial planning documentation required to be established for all contract negotiations. This will include: project title, sponsor, main stakeholders involved and their contact details, the project manager and major deliverables expected. The Planning Document: The project seeks to accomplish the following goals: - Expand markets for regions' products & services - Improve incomes and employment - More widely distribute income across populations - Reduce barriers of entry for new & expanding businesses: both in terms of costs and time - Improve profits by reducing cost of goods sold - Reduce 'brain drain' by providing opportunities for educated citizenry; can also lead to 'brain' repatriation, as has taken place in Korea in the 90s (Makane 2001) The project will be designed under the following circumstances: The individual in charge of the project has been assigned as the Principal Consultant (of a 10 person team) to a new eCommerce project contracted by Brisbane City Council The goal of this person is to: 1. To create the initial planning documentation required to be established for all contract negotiations. This will include: project title, sponsor, main stakeholders involved and their contact details, the project manager and major deliverables expected. 2. The planning document will include a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) that will be utilized for the project. The WBS will require identification of ALL activities & tasks in the project and their description; person[s] responsible for each task; estimated and/or actual cost of all tasks; phase of the project. For the sake of planning, let's presume that today is August 1. The project allows one month. Project scope simply refers to the size of the project in terms of what will be included and what will not. For the purpose of building a website for our imaginary online Halloween-goods business, let's say that our project scope will include: A Web site design 5 pages of content 1 contact-us form A Web store Now that we know the scope of our ambitious one-month project, in terms of what will be included and the time we have to complete it, I will brainstorm a list of things outside the scope of this project - the inclusion of these things (or anything else) outside the scope of your project would constitute what's called scope creep. Let's say that our project scope will not include: anything stored in a database Multimedia like video or Flash Automatic shipping/distribution ability (Hammer) Project: SV who needs "how-to" instructions for migrating from your current skills and applications to open standards-based skills and applications, you're at the right place! Our migration tracks guide you through the resources that will accelerate your migration from proprietary technologies to an e-business on demand environment. These resources include tools, technical articles, online tutorials, classes, forums, Web casts, customized services, and other forms of assistance to help you get your migration on the fast track! To migrate your Follow this migration track Applications Windows .NET apps (Visual Basic .NET, C#) Java Java track Windows client-server apps (Visual Basic 6, C++) Java or Linux Java track or Linux track Windows ASP apps Java Java track JRun, Tomcat, or WebLogic J2EE apps WebSphere App server track OS/2 apps Java or Linux Java track or Linux track RPG (iSeries) apps Java Java track Solaris apps Linux Linux track X86 Linux Multiplatform Linux Linux track Databases Microsoft Access DB2 Database track Microsoft SQL Server DB2 Database track MySQL DB2 Database track Oracle DB2 Database track Sybase DB2 Database track VSAM DB2 Database track Mail and collaboration Microsoft Exchange Lotus Notes and Domino Lotus track Lotus Domino on Windows Linux Linux track Operating system Microsoft Windows Linux Linux track Then, after you've migrated to on demand, you can build, integrate, extend, modernize, and deploy on demand applications using the tools in the IBM Software Development Platform. It helps you integrate your core business processes with your partners, suppliers, and customers, and lets you respond to change with flexibility and speed. ISV resources For Independent Software Vendors, IBM PartnerWorld offers a range of programs to help you port, market, and sell your applications. IBM PartnerWorld is a marketing and enablement program providing an array of benefits for IBM Business Partners of all kinds. Whether you specialize in the selling, marketing, or technical aspects of solutions based on IBM hardware, software, or services, you will find offerings to address your business needs. . Porting and testing services (IBM Innovation Centers) ISV resources Webcasts Learn more about PartnerWorld Software Evaluation Kit (SEK) With the no-charge Software Evaluation Kit, get the latest DB2, Lotus, Rational, Tivoli, and WebSphere trial code from IBM on DVD! You can start building applications and Web services and deploying them on IBM middleware for Linux (DVD1) and Windows (DVD2). Get trial code (almost 8GB) for these products at no charge: WebSphere Application Server V5, WebSphere Studio Site Developer V5.1, DB2 Universal Database Personal Developer's Edition (PDE) V8.1.3, Tivoli Access Manager Base V4.1, Lotus Domino 6.0.2, and WebSphere SDK for Web Services V5.1. Allocation of resources is a part of project management. And hence the cost centers are resources as well. Therefore maximum contribution can provided to make a good project by utilizing some or all of its resources. The resources can be managed by use of timelines which is an integral part of Project Management. The desired objectives can be attained by using project management template which is one of the preferred ways by many managers. The worksheet software application is used to design such templates. Hence to provide complete project management training it is essential to include hands-on training on worksheet processing software. Two way communications plays an important part in project throughout its entire life. Managers find the feedback loop a great boon to understand the present status of the project. All future plans depend on the present status of the project. (AllBusiness.com, Inc. 2007) Various types of project management tools are available for advertising agencies. With computers becoming the mainstay for advertising agencies, different tools for the different needs of an advertising agency have become available. The basic departments in any advertising agency are its creative, client servicing, media and public relations departments. Each of these departments has a need for some common and some special project management tools. The project management tool that your operating system provides is one very important tool that anyone can have is. Both Microsoft and Apple have their own project management tools that let you organize tasks based on priority, date, time etc. Both allow an individual to use them for his/her own tasks and at the same time remain in sync with the rest of the team. The Gale Group 2002) Developer resources for an on demand world: On Demand Business is a model, complete with all the necessary tools, for developing enterprise-scale software. It provides an open standards-based blueprint that allows you to integrate software components from business partners and other enterprises, efficiently manage your available technology resources, and take advantage of responsive autonomic capabilities. The benefit for developers is that the tools, APIs, middleware, and other artifacts that IBM delivers are inherently based on this concept. In a networked world, on demand delivery is essential for business survival. You have to do more than simply integrate everything inside your enterprise. You have to connect your enterprise with other enterprises, other business processes, other applications, and myriad pervasive computing devices. This is why the On Demand Business model is relevant. It's based on open standards and provides a comprehensive, yet flexible environment in which to build these types of solutions. Developers can ultimately deliver on the promises that executives began making in the previous decade -- delivering real business solutions through intelligent uses of technology. Conclusion: The project management professional displays a high level of ability and knowledge of project management concepts and practices. Project managers have to fulfill certain educational and professional experience requirements before they can successfully undertake projects. ("WorldBank Precis of OECD Report Data 2007) Tasks ID Task Name Resource Names 1 Project Planning Phase 2 Project Initiation Process 3 Develop engagement letter & proposal for requirements analysis phase Project Management 4 Present requirements analysis phase proposal for steering committee review 5 Revise project proposal as needed and submit for final approval 6 Project Kickoff meeting Project Management 7 Project Start-up Processes 8 Identify Customer Project Management and Team Members Project Management 9 Identify Partner Team: Sales, Project Team members Project Management 10 Develop Client Communication Plan Project Management 11 Develop Contingency Plan Project Management 12 Prepare Work Environment Project Management 13 Prepare Project Binder Project Management 14 Project Control/Reporting Processes 15 Establish Change Control Process Project Management 16 Establish Issue Management Process Project Management 17 Establish Status Tracking and Reporting Process Project Management 18 Requirements Analysis Phase 19 Map out current and future Technology/Business Plan (Big Picture) 20 Client/Consultant team meetings to brainstorm plan 21 Graphic and textual visualization/documentation of key elements 22 Presentation of technology/business plan to project team 23 Modification of technology plan as needed and presentation to team for approval. 24 Approval of technology/business plan by project team 25 Define and document strategic e-business plan 26 Interview key senior business and IT managers involved in the e-business initiative 27 Assess and document strategic readiness 28 Identify transactions to be completed via e-commerce 29 Define and document critical success factors/measurements 30 Cost/.Benefit /Risk Analysis 31 Global strategy/Competition 32 Brand management/Portal strategies 33 Tax and monetary issues 34 Legal issues 35 Security issues 36 IT Staffing 37 Current systems review & gap analysis 38 Statement of business requirements, impacts and prioritization of initiatives 39 Document strategic e-business plan for steering committee review 40 Define scope of current project/product 41 Document current project, including budget, requirements, deliverables, timeframes, etc. 42 Define and document critical success factors/measurements 43 Define and document project acceptance criteria & ongoing support requirements 44 Assemble internal and external teams to launch project 45 Assemble needed GUI and system design expertise 46 Assemble needed business analyst and knowledgeable expertise 47 Assign individual(s) responsible for customer profiles 48 Assemble needed programming expertise 49 Select external implementation partners/outsourcing requirements 50 Identify tools, technical requirements and e-infrastructure 51 Review and document current network and application e-infrastructure Client 52 Review needed technology application, hardware, software and network requirements Consultant 53 Document Disparities between existing environment and recommended Consultant 54 Design & document e-infrastructure plans with varying scalability & availability options/projected growth 55 Present plan to XYZ Company and gather feedback to make needed changes. 56 Receive approval on infrastructure plan 57 Acquire needed application, network and/or hardware tools 58 Setup Development Environment 59 Create Development Environment Consultant 60 Build Development Database Consultant 61 Set up Development Workstation Consultant 62 Install ERP, Commerce Server, Dev tools & other needed applications Consultant 63 Prepare Software/Web Development Plan for Implementation Phase 64 Document current project, including budget, requirements, deliverables, timeframes, etc. 65 Define and document critical success factors/measurements 66 Define and document project acceptance criteria & ongoing support requirements 67 Implementation Phase 68 Design Process 69 Web Design & Deployment 70 Business process design 71 Map and document ideal business process XYZ would like to deliver 72 Capture and document important business events 73 Capture and document business objects and rules 74 Define customer profiles 75 Define knowledgeable schema 76 Identify and document application and networking services required 77 Identify and document required Instrumentation 78 Identify and document needed integration with the ERP & other applications 79 Create consolidated design/requirements document 80 Present preliminary design document for review and feedback 81 Modify design document as needed and present to project team for approval 82 Approval by project team of preliminary design document 83 Develop and iteratively review requirements and design document Consultant 84 Develop content plan 85 Initial storyboard 86 ERD (Entity Relationship Diagram) Development 87 Develop Workflow models 88 Site analysis plan 89 Interface Design 90 Plan style elements 91 Define basic site requirements Consultant 92 Deploy content management tools and processes 93 Design and document screen configuration requirements Consultant 94 Incorporate e-commerce best practices 95 Final storyboard 96 Site prototype 97 Prototype end-customer interfaces and interactions 98 Prototype customer service interfaces and interactions 99 Site security plan 100 ERP Back Office integration 101 Review functionality of current pipeline components 102 Compare current functionality of application integration/pipeline components with current needs 103 Arrange with ERP consulting to make needed modifications 104 Review ERP specification requirements and proposed deliverables, budgets, timelines, acceptance criteria, etc. 105 Approve and begin ERP development project 106 Monitor progress of ERP development project and perform iterative testing as feasible 107 Test and/or review ERP deliverables and documentation 108 Integration plan for other applications 109 Physical database model 110 Database schema 111 Design review and approval 112 System test plan 113 Content conversion and development 114 Content sourced, tagged and published 115 Web and application server installation 116 RDBMS installation 117 Code construction 118 Business rules construction 119 Unit testing 120 Code assembly 121 Integration code construction 122 Integration assembly 123 System testing 124 Define Success Criteria Project Management, Client 125 Design User Test Scenarios Consultant 126 Design Integration Test Scenarios Consultant 127 Design System Test Scenarios Consultant 128 Assess Test Environment: hardware & software requirements Consultant 129 Design process for tracking bugs found in testing Consultant 130 Design process to build test data Consultant 131 Review Systems & Integration Test Plan Project Management 132 Validation Process 133 Component Tests 134 Report Tests Consultant 135 Query Tests Consultant 136 Application Interface Tests Consultant 137 Web user tests Consultant 138 Back Office Integration Tests Consultant 139 Conduct System Tests Consultant 140 Review Testing Results Project Management 141 Test Support Operations Client 142 Final validation review Project Management 143 Site reports 144 Go-live plan 145 Site hosting 146 Data hosting 147 XYZ training 148 System documentation 149 Go Live 150 Coordinate go-live 151 Site administration and maintenance 152 Final data conversion 153 Port to production servers 154 Turn on Back Office Integration Consultant 155 Go Live 156 Post Go Live 157 Performance monitoring 158 Ongoing maintenance 159 User Support and Guidance Consultant 160 Change requests 161 Business review 162 Post mortem 163 Obtain Implementation Signoff. Project Management 164 Ongoing Project Management Phase 165 Manage Financial Information Project Management 166 Write Status Reports Project Management 167 Manage Project Plan & Actuals Project Management 168 Manage Change Control Project Management 169 Review and Maintain Issue Log Project Management 170 Maintain Risk Log Project Management 171 Conduct Project Status Meetings Project Management 172 Conduct Client Briefings Project Management 173 Conduct User Communications Project Management 174 Perform Day to Day Meetings and Issue Management Project Management Resources ID Name Group Max Units Peak Units 1 Project Management 100% 2,600% 2 Consultant 100% 2,100% 3 Training 100% 0% 4 Client 100% 200% 5 Senior Consultant 100% 0% 7 Project Management 100% 0% 8 Testing 100% 0% 9 Project Manager 100% 0% 10 Application Administrator 100% 0% 11 DBA 100% 0% 12 Technical Lead 100% 0% Assignments Task ID Task Name Resource Name 3 Develop engagement letter & proposal for requirements analysis phase Project Management 6 Project Kickoff meeting Project Management 8 Identify Customer Project Management and Team Members Project Management 9 Identify Partner Team: Sales, Project Team members Project Management 10 Develop Client Communication Plan Project Management 11 Develop Contingency Plan Project Management 12 Prepare Work Environment Project Management 13 Prepare Project Binder Project Management 15 Establish Change Control Process Project Management 16 Establish Issue Management Process Project Management 17 Establish Status Tracking and Reporting Process Project Management 51 Review and document current network and application e-infrastructure Client 52 Review needed technology application, hardware, software and network requirements Consultant 53 Document Disparities between existing environment and recommended Consultant 59 Create Development Environment Consultant 60 Build Development Database Consultant 61 Set up Development Workstation Consultant 62 Install ERP, Site Commerce Server, Dev tools & other needed applications Consultant 83 Develop and iteratively review requirements and design document Consultant 91 Define basic site requirements Consultant 93 Design and document screen configuration requirements Consultant 124 Define Success Criteria Project Management 124 Define Success Criteria Client 125 Design User Test Scenarios Consultant 126 Design Integration Test Scenarios Consultant 127 Design System Test Scenarios Consultant 128 Assess Test Environment: hardware & software requirements Consultant 129 Design process for tracking bugs found in testing Consultant 130 Design process to build test data Consultant 131 Review Systems & Integration Test Plan Project Management 134 Report Tests Consultant 135 Query Tests Consultant 136 Application Interface Tests Consultant 137 Web user tests Consultant 138 Back Office Integration Tests Consultant 139 Conduct System Tests Consultant 140 Review Testing Results Project Management 141 Test Support Operations Client 142 Final validation review Project Management 154 Turn on Back Office Integration Consultant 159 User Support and Guidance Consultant 163 Obtain Implementation Signoff. Project Management 165 Manage Financial Information Project Management 166 Write Status Reports Project Management 167 Manage Project Plan & Actuals Project Management 168 Manage Change Control Project Management 169 Review and Maintain Issue Log Project Management 170 Maintain Risk Log Project Management 171 Conduct Project Status Meetings Project Management 172 Conduct Client Briefings Project Management 173 Conduct User Communications Project Management 174 Perform Day to Day Meetings and Issue Management Project Management References AllBusiness.com, Inc. 2007. As viewed on the world wide web at URL http://www.management-project.info/ The Gale Group, Inc. 2002 Project Management.JK Publishing, "WorldBank Precis of OECD Report Data, Winter 2002", World Bank, 2002. Hammer, Michael. The Agenda, Crown Publishing, 2002. Grace, Jeremy et al., "Information and Communication Technologies and Broad- Based Development: A Partial Review of the Evidence," Draft report. World Bank, February, 2001. Mugai. Wainaina. "The African Internet: Impact, Winners and Losers," Second International Conference of the African Youth Foundation, June 2002. Makane, Faye. "Challenges and Opportunity for Economic Development in Africa," Report to the Alliance for Global Business, Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD, 15 - 17 January 2001. Read More