Case Study: Launching an E-commerce Platform

Project Overview: A multinational company is planning to launch a new e-commerce

platform to expand its market reach and enhance customer engagement. The project
involves the development of the website, integration with existing systems, marketing
strategy formulation, and employee training.

Phase 1: Initiation
Background: The company has identified the need to tap into the growing e-commerce
market. The decision to launch a new platform is aligned with the company's strategic goals
of digital transformation.
Initiation Tasks:
1. Project Charter: Draft a project charter outlining the objectives, scope, stakeholders,
and initial budget estimate.
2. Feasibility Study: Conduct a feasibility study to assess the viability of the project,
considering technological, financial, and market factors.
Initiation Questions:
1. What are the key elements to include in the project charter for this e-commerce
platform?
2. What factors should be considered in the feasibility study to ensure the success of
the project?

Phase 2: Planning
Background: With the project officially approved, the planning phase involves detailed
project planning, resource allocation, and risk management.
Planning Tasks:
1. Project Plan: Develop a comprehensive project plan outlining tasks, timelines, and
dependencies.
2. Resource Allocation: Identify and allocate resources, both human and technological,
required for the project.
3. Risk Management Plan: Formulate a risk management plan, identifying potential
risks and mitigation strategies.
Planning Questions:
1. What are the key components of a project plan, and why is it crucial for project
success?
2. How would you prioritize resources for a project of this scale?
3. What are the major risks associated with launching an e-commerce platform, and
how would you mitigate them?

Phase 3: Execution
Background: The project is now in the execution phase. Tasks include website development,
system integration, and marketing strategy implementation.
Execution Tasks:
1. Website Development: Oversee the development of the e-commerce platform,
ensuring it meets the specified requirements.
2. Integration: Integrate the new platform with existing systems, such as inventory
management and customer databases.
 3. Marketing Campaign: Implement the marketing strategy to create awareness and
attract users to the new platform.
Execution Questions:
1. How do you ensure that the website development process stays on schedule and
within budget?
2. What challenges might arise during the integration phase, and how would you
address them?
3. Evaluate the importance of the marketing campaign in the success of the e-
commerce platform.

Phase 4: Monitoring and Controlling

Background: The project is ongoing, and it's crucial to monitor progress, control deviations,
and address any unforeseen issues.
Monitoring and Controlling Tasks:
1. Progress Tracking: Implement a system to monitor the progress of each project task.
2. Issue Resolution: Address and resolve any issues or roadblocks that may arise during
the project.
3. Quality Assurance: Ensure that the developed e-commerce platform meets quality
standards.
Monitoring and Controlling Questions:
1. How would you track progress during the execution phase, and what indicators
would you use to measure success?
2. What steps would you take to address an unforeseen issue that threatens the
project timeline?
3. Why is quality assurance important in the context of an e-commerce platform
launch, and how would you ensure it?

Phase 5: Closing
Background: The project has been successfully executed, and it's time to close it formally.
Closing Tasks:
1. Project Evaluation: Conduct a thorough evaluation of the project, comparing actual
outcomes with initial objectives.
2. Documentation: Complete all project documentation, including lessons learned and
final budget reports.
3. Transition: Plan the transition of the e-commerce platform from the project team to
the operations team.
Closing Questions:
1. How would you assess the success of the e-commerce platform project?
2. Why is it important to document lessons learned, and how might these lessons
inform future projects?
3. Outline the steps you would take to ensure a smooth transition from the project
team to the operations team.