Issues and conclusions from the construction case that also apply to information technology projects
This Module’s Case is about the processes involved in planning, scheduling, and budgeting IT projects. There are some fairly well-established rules and procedures to serve as guidelines here. Here are two short online presentations that give a fairly useful overview:
Gurmin, S. (2010). Effective project management. online presentation, ISSUU. Part 1 Retrieved from http://issuu.com/shaun-gurmin/docs/effective_project_management_presentation_01; Part 2 from http://issuu.com/shaun-gurmin/docs/effective_project_management_part_2
Here’s a good basic treatment of resource allocation issues:
Drinkwater, A. (2011) Proper methods for resource planning. Retrieved fromhttp://blog.projectconnections.com/project_practitioners/2011/02/proper-methods-for-resource-planning.html
It’s also important to keep in mind that all project dec isions operate in an environment with some degree of uncertainty and/or risk; keeping risks (or unanticipated consequences) to a minimum is very important, because your stakeholders do NOT like surprises. Consider this good advice:
Bart, J. (2011). 10 Golden rules of project risk management. ProjectSmart. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/10-golden-rules-of-project-risk-management.html
Now we come to the interesting part. Here is a summary of a case of planning and scheduling in the construction industry. As you read through it, you’ll recognize many of the issues encountered in the descriptions of IT project planning.
CEIM Reporter. (2011, March 8). Owner’s project schedule management for high rise office building projects: A case study of scheduling. Professional Project Management Education. Retrieved fromhttp://professionalprojectmanagement.blogspot.com/2011/03/owners-project-schedule-management-for.html.
In addition, the optional readings expand on many of the central points; you may also want to do some independent Internet-based research of your own to clarify any issues that concern you.
When you have read through the articles and related material, please compose a 4-6 page critical analysis paper on the topic:
“Issues and conclusions from the construction case that also apply to information technology projects”
You’ll want to draw not only on what you have in the sources from this module, but from the preceding modules as well.
•Citing appropriate sources, present the reasons why you take this position. make the most effective case you can.
•Then present the best evidence you can, again citing appropriate sources, against your position — that is, establish what counterarguments can be made to your original position.
• review your original position in light of the counterarguments, showing how they are inadequate to rebut your original statement.
unequivocally
what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.
• Your informed commentary and analysis — simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
• Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of systems planning correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately.
• Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to the Purdue University APA formatting and style guide (see Module 1 required readings) for the proper formats.