Project Management

Abstract

This document describes the process in which a fast growing sporting goods company called SG Inc. identifies a need for Information Technology improvements to include: the purchase and implementation of an advanced inventory tracking system, the rebuilding of their Information Technology infrastructure, and the creation of an updated website presence to further promote the company's business. Program management components discussed in this document include: background and statement of need, project objectives, missions and goals of the project, project (plan) approach, project (plan) organization and the task/responsibility matrix. This document further provides a discussion of a work breakdown structure (WBS), task flow network/critical path, project schedule and timelines, and project reporting methodology. This document continues with a discussion on cost plans, project baselines, performance measurements, project evaluation and reporting. Lastly, the document addresses approaches to project termination.

Introduction

The discipline of Program Management has come a long way in the past twenty years. Today, there are highly developed processes and software tools that allow Project Managers to better perform their jobs. This document describes the process in which a fast growing sporting goods company called SG Inc. identifies a need for Information Technology improvements to include: the purchase and implementation of an advanced inventory tracking system, the rebuilding of their antiquated Information Technology infrastructure, and the creation of an updated website presence to further promote the company's business. Some of the program management components discussed in this document include: background and statement of need, project objectives, missions and goals of the project, project (plan) approach, project (plan) organization and the task/responsibility matrix. This document proceeds to address a work breakdown structure, critical path analysis, and project scheduling. This document concludes with discussions of key elements that can be used to gauge a project's overall success to include the importance for developing a cost plans, project baseline, performance measurements, and project evaluation and reporting. Further, the document identifies the importance and methods of an effective project termination strategy.

Project Plan

SG Inc. is a small sporting goods store located in Phoenix, Arizona. The store is located in the Phoenix metropolitan area and is owned by two individuals. The company has been open for three years. In that time the owners have developed a consistent client base. SG Inc. offers a variety of sporting goods including men, women and children sports apparel, accessories, equipment, and food and drink products. Client demographics mostly range between the ages of 18 to 45 and expand within a 15-30 mile radius of the store.

Events That Led to the Need For a Management Plan

Recently, the owners of SG Inc. decided to try and expand their client base and hired an advertising company to help them with their goal. Initially they decided to only advertise through local radio stations to see the response they would receive. The response was significant enough to move towards television advertising. The increase of business from advertising has developed a need for the company to purchase a software inventory program, rebuild their Information Technology infrastructure and build a website for their growing customer base.

Problems Needing to be Solved

SG Inc. has tripled their client base and now envisions a need for expansion to include another store. The owners have decided there are needs for the original store as well as the new store they are looking to open within the next six months. Initially, they will need more manpower to handle the increased cliental. There is also a need for an advanced software program to handle the increase of inventory. The new inventory program requires a need for new computers and training for their employees.

The owners have also decided to hire a web developer to create a website for their expanding company. This will further expand their client base and provide up-to-date information to their new and existing customers.

Benefits of a Successful Completion

A new software program to handle their inventory needs will significantly improve the stores efficiency as well as customer satisfaction. For example, if a product is out of stock in the store the customer can pre-order the product. Having the inventory software program will allow the store to track the product and call the customer when it is expected to arrive. Previously there was a longer waiting period for the product to come in if it was not initially available. The customer would also wait longer to receive the product and have no update of an expectant arrival time. The new inventory software program will also allow them to handle the increase of inventory with less manpower, thus costing the company less in the future.

Updating their inadequate IT infrastructure will increase efficiency and productivity thus allowing for more customer traffic. The increase in productivity and efficiency will also improve customer satisfaction thus increasing profit for the company.

A new website provides another avenue for the company to advertise and reach their client base. Furthermore, the website will provide updated information about sales events, grand opening events and information about SG Inc. products and services.

Overall, implementation of a software inventory program, IT upgrades and a new website for the company should increase business, improve efficiency, reduce inventory problems, improve customer satisfaction and overall assist with the expansion of the new store.

Project Objectives

Identify Planned Objectives

As mentioned previously, The SG Inc. system upgrade project involves three distinct phases:

1. Purchase and implement an advanced inventory tracking system.

2. Rebuild the Information Technology infrastructure that no longer supports the rapid growth the business is experiencing.

3. Create an updated business-to-customer (B2C) website presence to further promote the company's business.

Quantify the Measurable Performance Expectations

Inventory