Software project management

Using the knowledge from lecture, book and from other resources
complete the following tasks.

LO LO Description AC AC Description
1 Be able to plan the 1.1 Determine projects required from an appraisal of
requirements for a project and business objectives.
estimate the resources 1.2 Produce project sub-divisions and high-level estimates of
necessary for its completion. time
1.3 Evaluate a project methodology suitable for the specific
project.
1.4 Assess the feasibility of a proposed project.
2 Be able to devise a project plan 2.1 Devise a structure for the management and execution of
using relevant project the project.
management tools and models. 2.2 Define the roles and responsibilities of the project
manager and team members.
2.3 Prepare a detailed project plan.

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Scenario
Manley’s is a family-owned home improvement specialist similar to Homebase. It has 4 stores around
London and is planning an expansion. Like its competitors, it offered DIY solutions as well as a range
of furniture, and kitchen and bathroom design. Its unique selling point is the fact it employs designers
and, through subcontractors, offers guaranteed installation and workmanship such as plumbing,
electrical, etc.

Due to these unique services which helps the customers to achieve designer houses at an affordable
price, Manley’s enjoyed a financial success and a rapid growth. The first store opened 7 years ago,
the 2nd store 3 years ago, the 3rd store 1 years ago and the 4 th store opened last week. Several other
stores are in the plans.

However, Manley’s only online presence is a static web page showing the location of its 3 stores (the
page has not been updated for the 4th store yet), there is no possibility to either order online or book
appointment with designers. Also, now that there are 4 stores and several more in the pipelines, the
owner’s son feel that it is time to have a Management Information System to improve customer
service and operations through help managing stocks, personnel, subcontractors, marketing,
customers data, etc. Finally, the owner is planning on either creating a loyalty programmes or joining
one such as Nectar card to give encourage repeat customers through benefits and promotions.

During the last board meeting, an experience manager saw the necessity to handle these tasks as
projects and recommended to get a project consultant to help out. The board decided to hire you as
the project consultant, as they want everything to be done within 3 months.

Task 1 of 2 – Project selection (AC1.1, 1.2, 1.3 & 1.4)

Instructions

Your first task is to

1. Develop an overall Gantt chart of the various projects, including subdivision and a time-scale
2. Write a short report, recommending a project management methodology for each project (and
your reasons for your recommendation)
3. In the same report, assess the feasibility of all the projects and decide on one to carry out
first.

Delivery and Submission

 1x Gantt chart
 1x short report (circa 500 words)

Please note, it is recommended that you use http://www.ganttproject.biz/, but you are free to use any
software

Task 2 of 2 – Project details (AC2.1, 2.2 and 2.3)

Currently Manley’s employ 4 store managers, 4 store assistant managers, several store attendants,
several designers, 1 HR officer, 1 Accountant, 1 procurement manager, 3 account executives in
charge of maintaining relationship with suppliers, 1 executive assistant and 1 administrator. In
addition, the owner and his son are involved in the management of the organisation. There is no IT
department looking after the information and IT infrastructure of the company.

Instructions

Select one of the project and:

1. Create a detailed Gantt chart, including the roles and responsibilities of the participants (this
could be integrated in your Gantt chart if using http://www.ganttproject.biz/)

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2. Create an organizational structure to carry out the project, and add a commentary regarding
your team structure

Delivery and Submission

 1x Gantt chart
 1x Organisational chart with commentary (circa 300 words)

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