Introduction to Project work. Mikael Söderström Department of Informatics Umeå University

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1 Introduction to Project work Department of Informatics Umeå University

2 Outline Project work in general Your assignment Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet 1

3 A project is typically described as [ ] a collaborative enterprise, frequently involving research or design, that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim. Projects can be further defined as temporary rather than permanent social systems that are constituted by teams within or across organizations to accomplish particular tasks under time constraints. (Wikipedia) Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet 2

4 Most projects follow the same phases - Initiation; idea/task + preliminary study - Project plan - Execution - Completion Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet 3

5 Partly done in your instructions Initiation Idea Prel. study Project- Plan Execution Completion Decision points Suggestion task Report prel. study Investment decision Task decided Approved project plan Final report Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet 4

6 Typical tools that are used in projects includes among others - Microsoft Project (or similar software) for project management - Gantt charts, pert charts, etc. for time scheduling - Redmine, etc. for managing versions (of e.g. Software) - Document handling, e.g. Google docs, Projectplace - Communication, e.g. e.-mail, Skype, Video conference, etc. Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet 5

7 Gantt Chart Pert Chart Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet 6

8 Preliminary study The purpose is to generate material that can be used to make decisions regarding the project. Often includes the following activities Information gathering within the own business Literature studies, Internet searches (laws, state-ofthe-art, competitors, etc.) Market survey, might include some benchmarking Idea gathering and evaluation Requirements specification Financial analysis Risk analysis Report containing recommendations for the continuation

9 Project planning (project plan) During this phase many of the decisions that will guide the project work is made Typical activities Summarize preliminary study for those who are affected by it Formulate goals for the project, or at least suggestions for such. Look for reference projects Conduct a risk analysis Structure and plan the activities required to accomplish the goals Compile a list over the the resources needed to perform the activities Make a time schedule based on the planned activities Suggest project organization Develop and decide on documentation routines

10 Work breakdown structure Work packages Normally, projects are broken down into work packages (activities). Each work package should be of such a range that it is possible to estimate how much time it requires to complete the package Working time vs. calendar time Working time is the time it takes to conduct a certain activity Calendar time is when the activity is performed => An activity may be short in working time but long in calendar time

11 Risk analysis Many risks are general, but they often have special consequences for a project. Examples; delays, higher costs, withdrawal, miscounts Risks are evaluated based on consequence and probability Disaster, serious, slight effect. High probability, possible, not likely Risks are often estimated in a risk table. Each possible problem is evaluated on a 1 to 5 scale with respect to probability and consequence. The value for probability and consequence is multiplied to get a risk value

12 Risk analysis Case Delayed delivery of X Lack of competent staff New version of operating system Probability Consequence Risk Value Intervention Change to other supplier Hire consultants Rewrite program code

13 Your assignment To work in groups of 4 to 5 students developing a strategy for Bonnier based on the Bonnier case You must conduct the following activities Decide on and describe the purpose & goals of the project Set up and describe the work packages (WPs) you need in order to fulfil your goals. This includes deciding on a time schedule for both the whole project and its respective WPs A preliminary study that includes business intelligence in the meaning that you must study the world surrounding Bonnier, both nationally and internationally. This study should cover similar businesses and state-of-the-art tech. An analysis that clearly shows which parts of Bonnier s business that can benefit from new digital products and services A budget showing how many hours the project group has spent on the different work packages

14 Your assignment Reporting - Written final report Use the report template (download from course web) Maximum of 20 pages, but appendices are allowed Distinguish your own work from others work that you use - Verbal presentation June 7, 9-11 Each group will have 30 minutes presenting their work, including time for questions from the audience COMPULSORY SESSION! Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet 13

15 Your assignment Status reports Are done once a week, both in writing and verbally May 16, 22 and 29 and June 5 Use the status report template (download from course web) All group members must attend all tutoring sessions Read the instructions carefully! Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet 14

Ideas for technology modules that may be incorporated into group projects.

May 22, 2008 Session Objectives Ideas for technology modules that may be incorporated into group projects. New cost effective technical / productivity tools that students can master to improve performance