Friday, February 27, 2009

Project Planning & Scheduling

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Project Planning & Scheduling (Word 2007)

Gant Chart Sample (Microsoft Project)

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1 Table of Contents

2 Introduction. 3

2.1 Scope and Purpose: 3

2.2 Overall System Scope. 3

2.3 Project Motivation and Objectives. 3

3 Software Engineering. 4

3.1 Process Model 4

3.2 Project Team Structure. 6

4 Project Scheduling & Task. 7

4.1 Gantt Chart 7

4.2 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) 8

5 Project Resources and Cost Estimation. 9

5.1 Calculating Function-Oriented Metrics. 9

5.1.1 Calculation of the unadjusted function points (UFP): 9

5.1.2 Calculate Adjusted Function Point 10

5.2 COCOMO EVALUATION.. 11

5.3 FUNCTION POINT BASED APPROXIMATIONS. 12

5.4 LOC BASED APPROXIMATIONS. 12

5.5 Summary. 13

6 Project Management Methods and Monitoring. 14

6.1 Project Monitoring Methods. 14

6.1.1 Weekly Team Meetings. 14

6.1.2 Schedule Tracking. 14

6.1.3 Meet with Customer. 14

6.1.4 Process Reviews. 14

6.2 Project Management Methods. 15

6.2.1 Risk Management 15

6.2.2 Requirements Management 15

6.2.3 Tracking and Oversight 15

6.2.4 Process Management 15

6.2.5 Training. 15

2 Introduction

2.1 Scope and Purpose:

RCBA is business oriented application targeting an organization and provide the solution for their employees and executive to communicate with each other via Unified Communication & Order Management System.

2.2 Overall System Scope

RCBA application will also available on PDA version that communicates with database underlying our web application. This tool allows the sales representative to capture the salient encounter information in real time, upload customer order forms and organize their meetings, contacts, calendar and local email of organization.

2.3 Project Motivation and Objectives

The solution is intended to increase the productivity of outside sales forces, whose products are installations and furnishings for homes, hotels, and office buildings. In the past during customer visits, sales representatives had to manually fill in sales orders on paper-based forms. This process was restrictive, time-consuming and source of errors, which need to be update using following object:

· Office Everywhere

· Unified Communication System

· Order Management System

· Conferencing

· Manage Personal Information

3 Software Engineering

3.1 Process Model

During software development the developer apparently has to undergo a certain process named the SDLC (system development life cycle) by using one out of several software process models. This is to establish “the order of the stages involved in software development and evolution and to establish the transition criteria for progressing from one stage to the next.” (Barry W. Boehm, A spiral model of software development and enhancement p.61).

The spiral model allows for a non-linear and more flexible development method. Phases can be revisited at any stage in the process and as many times as need be. The four phases in the spiral model are:

1. Planning

2. Evaluation

3. Risk analysis

4. Engineering

Although the waterfall model “looks very good on paper” better than the spiral method, a product development process is not this simple. It’s said that a waterfall model's success is determined by the “time spent early on” as there is no turning back. However when does one know that enough time has been spent? When is the cut-off period? In fact, it’s said that the closer a “particular plan... [is] followed” the more successful the development, however in the case of such a strict, non iterative model I think that the closer the waterfall model is followed the more chance of failure!

What makes the spiral so robust is the fact that not only does it begin with a hypothesis that if at any time fails then "the spiral is terminated" but also each cycle of the spiral begins with the aims identified, "alternative means of implementing...the product... [and] the constraints imposed". Progression is constantly under scrutiny so there is little chance of mishaps being overlooked. Moreover, the early steps involve a first prototype that is made from the preliminary design; its "strengths, weaknesses, and risks" are evaluated and a second prototype is constructed from this analysis and is tested. This prototype is also evaluated by the customer and the "preceding steps are iterated until the customer is satisfied."

SPIRAL MODEL

3.2 Project Team Structure

To make the team model's "team of peers" concept work, you need to understand and support the roles and dynamics of the team members. Rather than being directly responsible for the day-to-day project direction and tracking, the project manager becomes a facilitator. Depending on the corporate structure, this manager might be the designated Project Manager, Business Manager, or Information Systems Manager.

The following diagram illustrates an overall project structure that includes the suggested project team roles.

The Project Management team includes the Project Manager and the individual leads for each of the team roles. They share the responsibility for planning schedules and resources, assessing risks, and tracking the project. Because each team must deliver on its commitment by completing a set of tasks, each lead should participate in project planning and management. The following items describe examples of this participation.

  • Although the Project Manager might do an initial assessment of how the team model will be applied by considering the characteristics of the project, each team lead should have an opportunity to consider all the factors and determine if the risks are manageable.
  • All team leads participate in negotiating the functional specification. Any proposed changes to the functional specification baseline require agreement from all team leads.
  • Rather than having scheduling and estimating imposed from the top down, each key player should have an opportunity to contribute to the overall schedule and estimates.
  • As the project progresses, each team lead is responsible for assessing risks and participating in tradeoff decisions.

When necessary, the Project Manager may make top-down decisions if the team members cannot reach consensus. Obviously, this can have a tendency to migrate gradually to a more traditional top-down project management style. Only the corporate culture can assure that it will not.

4 Project Scheduling & Task

4.1 Gantt Chart

Gantt Chart

4.2 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

5 Project Resources and Cost Estimation

5.1 Calculating Function-Oriented Metrics

5.1.1 Calculation of the unadjusted function points (UFP):

image 

5.1.2 Calculate Adjusted Function Point

To calculate the Complexity adjustment value, several factors have to be considered, such as Backup and recovery, code design for reuse, etc.  All the factors and their estimated values in this project are shown in the following table.

The adjusted function point denoted by FP is given by the formula:

FP = total UFP * (0.65 + (0.01 * Total complexity adjustment value)) or

FP = total UFP * (Complexity adjustment factor)

Total complexity adjustment value is counted based on responses to questions called complexity weighting factors in the table below.  Each complexity weighting factor is assigned a value (complexity adjustment value) that ranges between 0 (not important) to 5 (absolutely essential). 

Table Adjusted Function Points

Sno.

Complexity Weighting Factor

Value

1

Backup and recovery

5

2

Data communications

5

3

Distributed processing

5

4

Performance critical

4

5

Existing operating environment

3

6

On-line data entry

4

7

Input transaction over multiple screens

1

8

Master files updated online

4

9

Information domain values complex

5

10

Internal processing complex

4

11

Code designed for reuse

4

12

Conversion/installation in design

4

13

Multiple installations

4

14

Application designed for change

4

Total complexity adjustment value

56

Calculate the Source Lines of Code (SLOC) and the formulas used

·       Total Unadjusted Function Points (UFP)        = 138

·       Product Complexity Adjustment (PC) = 0.65 + (0.01 *56) = 1.21

·       Total Adjusted Function Points (FP) = UFP * PC => (138 * 1.21) = 167

5.2 COCOMO EVALUATION

COCOMO is one of the most widely used and discussed software cost estimation models. LOC value will be calculated from FP to do the COCOMO calculation. To find LOC and effort we have to choose the programming language also. We will use .NET. LOC/FP for programming languages which we will use in .NET is approximately 46. This value is found from approximating LOC/FP’s for programming languages.

LOC = FP x 46

LOC = 167 x 46 = 7682 LOC ≈ 8 KLOC

According to COCOMO, effort E and duration D are

E = ai * KLOC bi * EAF

D = c E d

Where a, b, c and d are constants depending on your project type. We consider that our project will be embedded. For our project, EAF (Cost Driver) is approximately 1.01(after calculations).

E = 3.6 x (8)1.2 x 1.01

= 44 person-month

D = 2.5 x (44)0.32 = 8.39 months

Average staffing = (44 Person-Months) / (8.39 Months) ≈ 5 people

COMMENTS: In our project, we have 4 people in our team. According to calculations from COCOMO2, we found that we need 5 people to finish the whole project in 8.39 months. We believe that when we work hard, we can finish this project on time.

5.3 FUNCTION POINT BASED APPROXIMATIONS

This part is to use some other estimation techniques on the same FP information and to produce some other comparative approximation.

Albrecht and Gaffney Model: E = -13.39 + 0.0545 * FP

= -4.2885 person-month

Kemerer Model: E = 60.62 x 7.728 x 10-8* FP3

= 21.81 person-months

Matson, Barnet ,Mellichamp Model: E = 585.7 +15.12*FP

= 3110.74 person-month

These results are very far from the effort evaluated in the COCOMO estimation.

5.4 LOC BASED APPROXIMATIONS

We used two LOC based estimation techniques to produce a better approximation.

Walston-Felix Model: E = 5.2 x (KLOC) 0.91

= 34.49 person-months

Boehm Simple Model: E = 3.2 * (KLOC) 1.05

= 28.40 person-month

Doty Model: E = 5.288 * (KLOC) 1.047

= 46.64 person-month

All results are near to COCOMO estimation when compared with FP based estimations. We can use these results for further estimations.

5.5 Summary

Inputs

Development

Delivered Source Instructions (thousands) (KDSI)

8

Development Mode

Embedded

Average Cost Rate (Rs./PM)

10,000

Maintenance

KDSI added (annual)

0

KDSI modified (annual)

0

Average Cost Rate (Rs./PM)

0

Results

Effort

44

person-months (PM)

Schedule

8

months

Development Cost

440,000

Rs.

Productivity

182

instructions per person-month

Average Staffing

5.5

full-time-equivalent software personnel

Annual Maintenance Effort

0

person-months

Annual Maintenance Cost

0

Phase Distribution

Effort (PM)

Schedule (mo.)

Staff (avg.)

Cost

Plans and requirements *

3.5

2.2

1.6

35,000

Product Design

7.9

2.6

3

79,000

Programming

25.1

3.5

7.2

251,000

Detailed Design

11.9

119,000

Code and unit test

13.2

132,000

Integration and test

11

1.9

5.8

110,000

* The plans and requirements phase is calculated in addition to the nominal COCOMO estimate for effort and schedule.

6 Project Management Methods and Monitoring

6.1 Project Monitoring Methods

6.1.1 Weekly Team Meetings

Weekly team meetings will be facilitated by the project supervisor and attended by all team members. Each Team members will be required to submit a progress report for each of their respective teams. At this time problems or potential problems will also be discussed. Suggestions will be made for resolution.

6.1.2 Schedule Tracking

The schedule will be regularly reviewed comparing actual milestones to planned milestones as denoted in the project schedule. In addition, the task start dates will be reviewed to ensure the schedule is not slipping. If there are start date delays or if it looks like milestones may not be achieved on schedule, the appropriate Team Leader will be contacted to discuss and resolve the potential delays.

The critical path will be closely monitored to foresee any upcoming project delays. One method for minimizing these delays is maintaining a somewhat flexible schedule and by staffing the team with members who have both similar and complimentary skill sets.

6.1.3 Meet with Customer

There will be regular meetings with the customer to review the progress. Current requirements will be also reviewed to ensure that the project requirements have not changed.

6.1.4 Process Reviews

Monthly software process reviews will be performed to ensure that the project is headed in the intended direction and in a timely fashion.

6.2 Project Management Methods

6.2.1 Risk Management

As a part of risk management, sources of risk will be identified, addressed, and mitigated before they threaten successful completion of a project. The two primary risk management elements are risk assessment (identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing) and risk control (management planning, resolution, and monitoring).

6.2.2 Requirements Management

Initial requirements will be established but these requirements are subject to change and must be monitored and managed. Managing requirements will include capturing, tracking, and controlling requirements, as well as any changes to them. This will establish and maintain a common understanding, between the customer and development team, of the requirements to be addressed by the project. This agreement should be the basis for planning and managing the project.

6.2.3 Tracking and Oversight

The project accomplishments will be tracked and reviewed with respect to the project plan. Corrective action will be taken as necessary based on actual accomplishments and results.

6.2.4 Process Management

In addition to managing the project, the processes involved in managing the project will also be continuously monitored and reviewed. This will include to planning, defining, implementing, monitoring, measuring, and improving processes under project management and producing process documentation and improvement plans.

6.2.5 Training

The engineers working on the project will receive any necessary training to support product development. This will ensure individuals responsible for software engineering activities have the appropriate skills and knowledge relevant to procedures, tools, and domain knowledge.

Project Defense Presentation

Download File (Microsoft Office PowerPoint Presentation 2007) 

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Project Proposal Sample

Download File... (Word 2007)

Real-time Collaborative Business Application

(RCBA)

By

  WAQAR ATTARI

2005-CS-14

KAMRAN USMANI

2005-CS-22

ZAKA UDDIN KHAN

2005-CS-17

AFAQ SHAKEEL

2005-CS-48

Department of Computer Science

Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi

Table of Contents

1 Motivation. 1

2 Overview.. 1

2.1 Significance of the Project 1

2.2 Description of the Project 1

2.3 Background of the Project 1

3 Methodology. 2

3.1 Designing Phase. 2

3.2 Implementation Phase. 2

3.3 Testing Phase. 2

3.4 Evaluation Phase. 3

4 Features. 3

5 Hardware and Software Requirements. 4

5.1 Hardware Requirement: 4

5.2 Software Requirement: 4

6 Diagrammatic Representation of the Overall System.. 5

7 Appendices. 6

7.1 Expected Internal Advisor. 6

7.2 Expected External Advisor. 6

8 Citations and References. 7

1 Motivation

Real-time Collaborative Business Application (RCBA) as title of project already defines meaning of project to provide a strong communication system for the employees and executives of an organization without concern of their region.

2 Overview

RCBA give the concept of Office Everywhere.

2.1 Significance of the Project

RCBA is business oriented application targeting an organization and provide the solution for their employees and executive to communicate with each other via Unified Communication & Order Management System.

2.2 Description of the Project

RCBA application will also available on PDA version that communicates with database underlying our web application. This tool allows the sales representative to capture the salient encounter information in real time, upload customer order forms and organize their meetings, contacts, calendar and local email of organization.

2.3 Background of the Project

The solution is intended to increase the productivity of outside sales forces, whose products are installations and furnishings for homes, hotels, and office buildings. In the past during customer visits, sales representatives had to manually fill in sales orders on paper-based forms. This process was restrictive, time-consuming and a source of error.

RCBA required an automated collection process to equip sales forces with Pocket PC devices, while requiring a Pocket PC-based custom application to automate order management.

3 Methodology

Our development process is a customized, multi-phase method of delivering projects on time and on budget. The methodology is designed to adapt to both the requirements of each individual engagement and the pressures of larger industry forces. Leveraging our technical knowledge with this methodology enables us to empower our clients, streamline decision-making processes, expedite production, and cut costs. (Akri Consulting n.d.)

3.1 Designing Phase

· Initial understanding is established with the targeted organization, by acquiring any existing document related to the software project.

· A preliminary software development timeline and the approximate cost are determined, based on the functional point analysis.

· The number of customer interactions required to finalize the project plan is determined.

· A project plan document is made.

· Exploring the sources of business knowledge.

· Evaluating the process logic and business rules.

· Outlining business model formally valid with the customer is made.

· Ensuring that the detailed business model is up to date.

· Designing of Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) is brought forth, for consideration.

· Designing of end-user interfaces.

· The technical software design document is revisited if necessary.

3.2 Implementation Phase

· The final Technical Software Design Document is completed and freezed.

· Developing database on SQL Server 2005 based on ERD from previous phase.

· Coding is done by Programmers with class level, method level and inline software documentation.

· Establishing Intranet & Internet for RCBA.

3.3 Testing Phase

· White box Testing will be carried out.

· Unit testing by individual developers facilitated.

· 10 Orders will be placed manually as well as via RCBA for testing purpose.

· 10-15 emails will be sent via RCBA for testing purpose.

· Testing Data and system documents that are produced.

· Software design accuracy and completeness is verified.

3.4 Evaluation Phase

· Measuring performance of system with maximum no. of users.

· Comparing it with existing system.

· Addition of demanding features in RCBA.

4 Features

· Office Everywhere

RCBA give facilities to employees to access organization from anywhere.

· Unified Communication System

RCBA introduce authenticated communication system for an organization.

· Order Management System

RCBA can facilitate sales representative to book order from customer without any delay and paperless and update organization in real-time.

· Manage Personal Information

RCBA can facilitate employees to manage their contacts and meetings and email

5 Hardware and Software Requirements

5.1 Hardware Requirement:

Description

Requirements

Processor

PC with a Pentium III-class Processor, 1 GHz or above

Operating System

Windows Server 2003, Windows XP or later

RAM

512 MB (Recommended : 1GB)

Available Hard Disk Space

5 GB Approx

PDA

Required

Internet

Required

Headphone

Required

 

5.2 Software Requirement:

Description

Requirements

Platform

Windows® Server 2003, Windows XP or later

Front End (User Interface)

Microsoft Visual Studio 2005

Back End (Database)

SQL Server 2005

Database Connectivity

Microsoft ADO .Net

CASE Tools

MS Office

Smart Draw 2007

 

6 Diagrammatic Representation of the Overall System

RCBA NETWORK DIAGRAM

Figure 1. RCBA NETWORK DIAGRAM


7 Appendices

7.1 Expected Internal Advisor

Sir. Muhammad Kashif Khan

Project Coordinator

Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology.

7.2 Expected External Advisor

Syed Fakkhi Iftikhar

G.M. Events Operation

Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan Pvt. Ltd.

fakkhi@ecgateway.net

8 Citations and References

Akri Consulting. Software Project Methodology. http://www.akriconsulting.com (accessed February 26, 2008).