Project Management

Assignment Brief

Project Management

Assessment Information

This assignment is designed to assess learning outcomes:

1. Evaluate current issues in project management and its application in the business environment.
2. Critically evaluate different tools and techniques used in project management
3. Assess the impact of hard and soft skills on the management of a variety of different projects.

Project Scenario

University of Warwick plans to upgrade their IT systems and change all computers in their 24/7 access computer labs. All the equipment has been already bought and is currently stored in one of the warehouses on the outskirts of Coventry. You have been appointed as the project manager to oversee the transition, making sure the computers are successfully transported from the warehouse and installed in 20 computer labs within the next three months. You are also responsible for organising a demonstration of the new computers to the IT support managers before the end of the project. A Business Case has been
prepared and a budget of £20 000 has been approved by the Project Board

Coursework Task

Your task is to prepare a project initiation document (2500 words), drawing on appropriate project management theory and frameworks, to present to the company’s board of directors for approval.

Sample Answer

Project Initiation Document (PID): University of Warwick IT Lab Computer Upgrade

Executive Summary

This document outlines the plan to upgrade IT systems in 20 computer labs at the University of Warwick. The project includes transporting and installing new computers that are currently in storage. The goal is to complete the full installation and a demonstration to IT managers within three months, with a fixed budget of £20,000. This document provides details on objectives, scope, deliverables, timelines, project structure, risk management, and project control methods.

Project Objectives

The main objectives are:

• Transport new IT equipment from the Coventry warehouse to 20 labs on campus.

• Install all computers within the 3-month timeline.

• Organise and deliver a demonstration to IT support managers.

• Stay within the approved £20,000 budget.

• Minimise disruption to students and staff during the process.

Project Scope

In-Scope:

• Coordination with warehouse and transport.

• Scheduling delivery to avoid class times.

• Installation of computers in each lab.

• System testing and configuration.

• Training/demonstration for IT support staff.

Out-of-Scope:

• Upgrades to networking equipment or software.

• Purchase of any new hardware (already acquired).

• Refurbishment or physical alteration of lab spaces.

Project Deliverables

Project Timeline (Gantt Chart Overview)

Project Budget

The budget will be managed closely with monthly reporting to the Project Board.

Continued...