29 May Submit section IV of the Project Management Plan using the template provided. This work will cover the critical element risk. Go over the activity in Module Three to help y

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4-1 Final Project Milestone Two: Risk and Budget

Jacob Wright

Southern New Hampshire University

QSO – 355: Resource Estimate & Schedule

Professor Duhac

27 May 2023

4-1 Final Project Milestone Two: Risk and Budget

In any project, inherent risks can potentially impact its success. Identifying and managing these risks is crucial to ensure project completion within the defined scope, budget, and time.

· Scope-related risks arise from uncertainties or changes in the project's scope. Scope creep, where the project requirements expand beyond the initial definition, can lead to increased costs, schedule delays, and resource over utilization. Poorly defined or ambiguous requirements may also result in rework or stakeholder dissatisfaction.

· Budget-related risks: Budget constraints can be a significant source of risk. Unexpected cost overruns may occur due to inaccurate cost estimates, unforeseen expenses, inflation, or market fluctuations (Krane et al., 2009). Inadequate financial planning or inadequate contingency reserves can severely impact project delivery, resource allocation, and stakeholder satisfaction.

· Time-related risks: Time-related risks stem from challenges in meeting project deadlines. Poor project scheduling, insufficient resource allocation, unrealistic timeframes, or external dependencies can lead to delays (Krane et al., 2009). Delays can further cascade into increased costs, stakeholder dissatisfaction, and potential opportunity losses.

· Resource-related risks: Inadequate resources or skill gaps among team members can threaten project success. Insufficient availability or allocation of skilled personnel, lack of access to necessary tools or technology, or competing organizational priorities can hamper project progress (Krane et al., 2009). It is important to carefully assess resource requirements and ensure appropriate resource allocation and management throughout the project lifecycle.

· Technical risks: Projects that involve complex or emerging technologies often face technical risks. These risks include compatibility issues, system failures, security vulnerabilities, or unexpected technical limitations. Insufficient testing, inadequate technical expertise, or reliance on unproven solutions can amplify these risks.

· Stakeholder-related risks: Stakeholders play a critical role in project success. Risks can arise from miscommunication, conflicting interests, or lack of stakeholder engagement. Changes in stakeholder priorities or introducing new stakeholders during the project can create challenges that impact project scope, schedule, or resource allocation (Krane et al., 2009).

· Environmental risks: Environmental factors such as natural disasters, political instability, or regulatory changes can significantly impact project execution. These risks can disrupt supply chains, affect resource availability, or introduce new compliance requirements that may necessitate adjustments to the project plan.

A comprehensive risk management plan should be established early in the project lifecycle to mitigate these risks effectively. This plan should include risk identification, assessment, prioritization, and appropriate mitigation strategies. Regular monitoring and reassessment of risks throughout the project and contingency planning can help address potential issues proactively. By recognizing and addressing these likely sources of risk, project stakeholders can enhance their ability to navigate challenges and improve the overall chances of project success. Effective risk management practices contribute to the project's stability, enable timely decision-making, and foster a proactive approach to risk mitigation.

Strategies:

Several risk mitigation strategies can be implemented to minimize the impact of the identified risks in a project. These strategies aim to proactively address potential threats and ensure project success within the defined scope, budget, and time. Here are some recommended strategies for each of the identified areas of risk:

1. Scope-related risks:

a) Clearly Define Project Scope: Invest sufficient time and effort upfront to define and document the project scope in collaboration with stakeholders (Ahmed, 2017). Establish a robust change management process to control scope creep and ensure all changes are properly evaluated and approved.

b) Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Regularly communicate with stakeholders to clarify requirements and expectations (Ahmed, 2017). Conduct frequent reviews and seek early feedback to identify any misunderstandings or gaps in understanding and address them promptly.

2. Budget-related risks:

a) Accurate Cost Estimation: Conduct thorough cost estimation exercises involving relevant experts and considering all project activities, resources, and potential risks. Include contingency reserves in the budget to account for unforeseen expenses or market fluctuations (Ahmed, 2017).

b) Regular Financial Monitoring: Implement robust financial monitoring and control mechanisms to track project expenditures and compare them against the budget. Promptly identify and address any deviations from the planned budget.

3. Time-related risks:

a) Comprehensive Project Scheduling: Develop a realistic project schedule by considering all necessary tasks, dependencies, and resource availability. Ensure the schedule accounts for potential delays and includes buffer time for unexpected events (Ahmed, 2017).

b) Effective Resource Management: Allocate resources appropriately based on their availability, skills, and workload (Krane et al., 2009). Regularly monitor resource utilization and make necessary adjustments to prevent overallocation or bottlenecks.

4. Resource-related risks:

a) Resource Planning and Acquisition: Conduct a thorough assessment of resource requirements early in the project and ensure adequate resources are allocated (Ahmed, 2017). Identify potential skill gaps and provide training or hire external expertise as needed.

b) Proactive Resource Management: Continuously monitor resource availability and workload. Anticipate resource constraints and conflicts and proactively address them, such as adjusting timelines, reallocating resources, or outsourcing certain tasks.

5. Technical risks:

a) Technical Expertise and Testing: Ensure the project team possesses the technical expertise to handle complex or emerging technologies (Ahmed, 2017). Conduct thorough testing and quality assurance processes to identify and address technical issues early on.

b) Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning: Identify and assess potential technical risks specific to the project. Develop mitigation strategies that include contingency plans, alternative solutions, or additional testing to minimize the impact of technical failures or limitations.

6. Stakeholder-related risks:

a) Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement: Conduct a comprehensive stakeholder analysis to identify key stakeholders, their interests, and potential conflicts (Krane et al., 2009). Develop a stakeholder engagement plan to foster open communication, manage expectations, and proactively address conflicts or issues.

b) Change Management: Implement a robust change management process to handle changes in stakeholder priorities or the introduction of new stakeholders. Ensure changes are properly evaluated, communicated, and incorporated into the project plan (Krane et al., 2009).

7. Environmental risks:

a) Environmental Monitoring: Stay informed about external factors such as political, environmental, or regulatory changes that may impact the project. Regularly monitor relevant news sources and maintain communication channels with relevant authorities or experts.

b) Contingency Planning: Develop contingency plans that account for potential environmental risks. Identify alternative suppliers, establish backup systems, or incorporate flexibility into the project plan to adapt to changing circumstances.

It is important to note that risk management should be an ongoing and iterative process throughout the project. Regularly reassess risks, update mitigation strategies, and communicate any changes to the project team and stakeholders. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to risk management, project stakeholders can increase their ability to navigate challenges effectively and improve the overall success rate of the project.

Budget:

Deliverable	Estimated Cost
Website Development
Front-end design and development	$15,000
Back-end development	$20,000
Content management system integration	$5,000
Database setup and integration	$8,000
User registration and login functionality	$3,000
Product catalog setup	$5,000
Shopping cart and checkout functionality	$6,000
Payment gateway integration	$4,000
Order management system integration	$4,000
Shipping and logistics integration	$3,000
User Experience and Design
User interface (UI) design	$10,000
Mobile responsiveness	$4,000
Usability testing	$3,000
Content and Data Management
Product data entry and migration	$5,000
Content creation and optimization	$3,000
Search engine optimization (SEO)	$5,000
Security and Performance
SSL certificate and website security	$2,000
Performance optimization	$3,000
Integration and Third-Party Services
Social media integration	$2,000
CRM integration	$5,000
Email marketing integration	$3,000
Analytics and reporting tools integration	$2,000
Testing and Quality Assurance
Functional testing	$3,000
Cross-browser and device compatibility testing	$2,000
Performance testing	$2,000
Bug fixing and quality assurance	$4,000
Training and Documentation
User training materials	$2,000
Technical documentation	$3,000
Contingency Reserve (10% of the total estimated cost)	$11,200
Total Estimated Budget	$153,200

Notes:

1. The estimated costs for each deliverable are based on research, cost estimates from vendors, and consultation with subject matter experts.

2. The contingency reserve addresses unexpected risks and uncertainties, calculated at 10% of the total estimated cost.

3. The total budget for the project is $153, 200 including all deliverables and contingency reserve.

In conclusion, by identifying potential sources of risk, implementing effective risk mitigation strategies, and developing an initial high-level budget, Chris Johnson can proactively address the critical elements of risk and budget management for the online store project at A&D High Tech. These actions will help minimize the impact of risks, ensure project success, and align the project's costs with the expected deliverables.

References

Ahmed, R. (2017, August 30). Risk Mitigation Strategies in Innovative Projects. Key Issues for Management of Innovative Projects. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.69004

Krane, H. P., Rolstadås, A., & Olsson, N. O. E. (2009). Categorizing risks in seven large projects—what risks do the projects focus on? Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2009—EMEA, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.

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3-1 Final Project Milestone One: Project Introduction, Overview, Tasks, and Resources

Jacob Wright

Southern New Hampshire University

QSO-355: Resource Estimate & Schedule

Professor Duchac

28 May 2023

Table of Contents

Introduction

I. Project Overview

A. Roles and Responsibilities

B. Scope and Schedule

II. Tasks

A. Description

B. Time

C. Dependencies

III. Resources

A. Alignment

B. Evaluation

IV. Risk

A. Sources

B. Strategies

V. Budget

VI. Schedule

Introduction

A&D High Tech is a technology business that offers services to clients and small business enterprises and sells computer hardware and accessories. Ted Walter established the business in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1988. Mr. Walter insisted on providing customers with courteous service, and this principle was at the very heart of the Midwestern culture, where Walter spent his whole life. The corporation has experienced enormous growth in just ten years, bringing in roughly $400 million during the fiscal year 2000. Most of the firm's early clients were from states in the Midwest, making it primarily a regional player. However, the entrepreneur prepared to expand the business's reach by catering to the global market.

Purpose:

Background Information:

The company sold its products mostly in Midwest shopping malls and by phone. The Lincoln call center handled phone orders. Phone orders were written on paper and sent to order entry clerks, meaning that order processing took longer, delaying shipment and lowering accuracy. Due to stock constraints, salespersons had to communicate with clients to correct inaccurate information or provide other solutions. The company called back 30% of orders, whereas its primary competitor called back 5%.In 1999, the corporation reorganized. The J. D. Edwards ERP program was the first to be implemented. This software was selected because it could control the company's multiple production elements. An outstanding team of technologists and professionals planned and executed this programming, but they left almost as soon as the software was installed. This raised concerns about how the system would be maintained without trained employees. Despite this hurdle, the project was a commercial breakthrough that reduced customer callbacks to less than 1% of phone orders. After integrating the enterprise resource planning system in 2001, A&D invested in more technology to manage its operations. These gave the company lower production costs and more profits.

Purpose of Project Plan:

The purpose of this project plan is to guide the successful execution of A&D High Tech's online store project. It is a contract between the project manager, executive sponsor, project team, and stakeholders. The plan defines the project, its business goals, and its objectives. It aligns with the company's strategic initiatives to leverage technology, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. The CEO places Urgency on the project, aiming to regain competitive advantage through online sales. Despite time constraints and the absence of the current project manager, the plan will provide recommendations to expedite progress and ensure a timely launch.

Pro

Project Approach: Explain how the various behavioral and team management techniques, methodology, and task structure will be utilized most effectively to meet the requirements and objectives of the project.

Project Approach:

To effectively meet the requirements and objectives of the project, a combination of behavioral and team management techniques, methodology, and task structure will be utilized. The project will employ effective communication and collaboration strategies, promoting open dialogue and fostering a cohesive team environment. Agile project management methodology will be implemented to ensure flexibility, adaptability, and quick responses to changing requirements. Clear task structures and assignments will be established, allowing for efficient resource allocation and accountability. Regular progress tracking, milestone reviews, and performance feedback will be incorporated to monitor and manage project deliverables effectively. By leveraging these techniques, methodology, and task structure, the project team will work synergistically toward achieving project success.

Project Overview

Introduce the project overview section. Only a couple of sentences are needed. This section should also indicate the below upcoming subtopics.

Project Overview:

Despite the company's success in embracing technology, it has mostly ignored a pressing issue: the online market. A team headed by Johnson was formed in 2003 to find ways for the business to control the online market by creating an online store from which customers worldwide could make purchases. Clearly, if the corporation neglected the online market, it would lose its leading position in the current market.

A. Roles and Responsibilities

· CEO, Ted Walter: Provide overall vision and support for the online store project.

· CIO Matt Webb: Guide technology aspects and ensure alignment with IT strategy.

· VP of Sales, Jeff White: Provide input on sales and customer requirements.

· Current project manager, Eric Robertson: Assist with knowledge transfer and support during the transition.

Their duties included:

· Describing the business requirements

· Defining the process flows

· Making the architectural design of the project

· Making a simple model of the system

· Develop a structure for how the project's work will be broken down

· Estimating the resources needed for each task in the work breakdown structure (WBS)

· Describing the project's resources and assigning each task an amount.

Other functional employees include:

1. Chris Johnson (Project Manager)

2. Ryan Neff (Functional Lead),

3. Stacy Lyle (Functional Analyst)

4. Rick Burke (Infrastructure Lead)

5. Ryan Neff (Functional Lead),

6. Rick Burke (Infrastructure Lead)

B. Scope and Schedule

Scope: What is the project scope? Identify the key deliverables that are part of the project scope. Note that the scope statements should include what is in scope as well as specifically call out what other considerations are out of scope.

Schedule: When does the project need to be completed? Describe the timeline for the project. This section of the schedule should only identify a high-level timeline of the major deliverables. A full schedule will be requested later in the project plan.

Scope:

This project has a very broad scope. It includes everything from creating an online brand to offering a forum for clients to interact with the business and provide feedback on how well their products meet their demands. Both the number of customers and their satisfaction rise as a result.

Schedule:

This team has just over two months to develop the online market, so the project's timeframe is extremely constrained. The business's proprietors aim to attract students who will soon return home for the summer. To ensure the project is operational when the students return from their vacations, they should take full advantage of every available minute.

Tasks

Introduce the project tasks section. Only a couple of sentences are needed. This section should also indicate the below upcoming subtopics.

Tasks Overview:

A&D sells most products that govern the Windows 2000 operating system; most applications are specialized. The architecture of the online store was N-tiered to increase flexibility and allow for future enhancements. The first layer was the web server. Determining the business's requirements and defining the process flows are just a few of the activities involved.

A. Description

Describe the tasks and sub-tasks that will fulfill each of the project deliverables. What impact do the tasks and sub-tasks have on the project schedule? In industry practice it is common to use a work breakdown structure (WBS) Dictionary to capture this information. A sample document and template has been provided for this section entitled “WBS Dictionary Template.” You are free to use other templates, tools, or formats to convey the requirements outlined within the Final Project Part I Document as long as you satisfy the rubric requirements.

B. Time

Impact of Time Estimates on Project Schedule:

Accurate time estimates play a critical role in determining the project schedule. They directly impact the project's timeline, resource allocation, and overall management. If time estimates are underestimated, it can lead to unrealistic deadlines, increased risk of delays, and potential quality issues due to rushed work. Conversely, overestimating time can result in inefficient resource utilization and unnecessary delays. Accurate time estimates enable effective project planning, sequencing of tasks, and identification of critical path activities. They allow for realistic project scheduling, helping to manage expectations, allocate resources appropriately, and ensure timely delivery of project milestones. Thus, the impact of accurate time estimates on the project schedule cannot be over