Network Project Management

Question: Discuss about theNetwork Project Management. Answer: Introduction: The Computer Security Department (CSD) found that they need to replace their outdated computer systems in order to manage the public clients efficiently. The prepared a budget of $ 2.3 million for the replacement of their computer systems [3]. But the government sanctioned only $1.5 million for the project add thus there was a shortage of funding [1]. To reduce the costing of the project no project manager was deployed and the Finance manager was assigned the task of the project manager. The report discusses about the never ending project scope for the Computer Security Department (CSD). New version of the software was implemented in the system and there was a requirement to constantly improve the software to manage its clients. Current Status of the Project The project of implementing new computer technology in the Computer Security Department is ongoing. The proposed deadline for the completion of the project has missed and the software company who was given the contract for the delivery of the software for the new system have failed. They are constantly evolving the software and providing new updates and currently they are working on the last update which they believe would mitigate all the issues associated in the current system. Structure of the Report The structure of the report is done following the benefits that can be obtained following the structure. The report structure is based on the recommendation given to the CEO for choosing project manager and the skills that the project manager should possess and the strategy the CEO should follow for the future development of CSD. Comparison of the Project with JPACE (AProject Management Practice) Here the JPACE approach is used for the comparison of the project with the sound project management practices. JPACE stands for Justify, Plan, Activate, Control and End [6]. It captures the life cycle of the project and helps to keep track on the each stage of the project. Justify: The need for the project is identified and the objectives of the projects are explained. Plan: The works that are required to be carrying out are broken down into small parts according to the proposed budget [7]. The risk associated with the work is assessed and at the end the plan is approved by the manager are the other stakeholders associated with the project. Activate: This is the phase when the stakeholders and the other personnel has approved the plan [4]. Meetings are conducted with the stakeholders to confirm that the participants have agreed with the budget and the time limit to complete the project. Control: The project manager must have a grip on the project and he should keep track on the progress of the work and monitor the employees assigned with a task [5]. End: In this phase the loose ends are tied up and it is make sure that the project has been properly disseminated and the expenditure of the project has clear justification [8]. Recommendation to Bring the Project to a Close In a race to complete activities, the project manager often overlooks the project close out step. The close out step of the project helps to improve the activity of the process for any future development. The best way to bring the project to a close is to define the end in the beginning of the project. In the given case study the project of Computer Security Department (CSD) has not closed. In order to close the project a meeting is necessary in between the team members and the new CEO and have a detail assessment of the project. The CEO have to make it sure that the fund that was allocated for the project was properly utilized and thus proper assessment of the project is necessary. Creation of project history would be a good idea for the proper assessment of the project and the team members should be involved for handling the project documents. Recommendation to Improve CSDs Future Project Management Practices. To improve the project management practice in future CSD can implement A Five-Step Approach for developing the project within their organization. A Five-Step Approach Figure 1: Five Step Approach to Developing a Project Management Best Practice [2] If a very similar project had to be done again, what attributes and/or skill sets should be followed for selecting a project manager? The project manager should have the following attributes and skills to efficiently handle this kind of projects. Should setup and manage budgets- the project manager should have good skills of estimation and certain other knowledge regarding finance. He should be a negotiator and influencer- The project manager should not have any issue working with the other peoples and he should have the capability to influence other people and make them work in his way. He should be a problem solver- he must have the capability to identify the root of problem and analyse possible options to resolve it. The project manager must be a consistent planner- The project manager must have good logical sense and ability to apply these logics in creating an effective plan. Advice given to the CEO The new CEO of Computer Security Department is advised to have a proper analysis on the ongoing project. He should properly understand the project before taking any further step regarding the project. The CEO should have a unique strategy to run the organization and the strategy should make the organization to run for a long time. He should appoint a project manager with all the important skills and attributes discussed above in the report. It is the responsibility of the CEO to build a good culture in the organization and work in teams. Conclusion The report states the current status of the Computer security department (CSD) in implementing new computer system and new technologies for managing the public client. The assignment is compared with the sound project management practices and recommendation is given to close the project. Further recommendation for the improvement of the CSDs future management practice is also given in the report. The skills that a project manager should possess to properly manage the project are discussed in the report and lastly some advice is given to the CEO for managing the project. References [1] J. Davidson Frame, "Reconstructing Project Management",Project Management Journal, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. e2-e2, 2014. [2] M. Snyder, "integrating performance management, asset management and ssmp into csd 1's strategic business planning process",Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, vol. 2005, no. 15, pp. 1104-1113, 2005. [3] J. Rodney Turner, "Viennese Project Management-Days Project and Emotions",International Journal of Project Management, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 271-272, 2004. [4] S. Blackburn, "The project manager and the project-network",International Journal of Project Management, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 199-204, 2002. [5] J. Turner, "INBAM: The International Network of Business and Management Journals",International Journal of Project Management, vol. 31, no. 1, p. 1, 2013. [6] K. Zdanyt and B. Neverauskas, "SELECTION APPROPRIATE PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR ADVANCED ORGANIZATION",ecoman, vol. 17, no. 2, 2012. [7] J. Wellman, "Right-brain project management: A complementary approach",Proj Mgmt Jrnl, vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 72-72, 2007. [8] R. Atkinson, L. Crawford and S. Ward, "Fundamental uncertainties in projects and the scope of project management",International Journal of Project Management, vol. 24, no. 8, pp. 687-698, 2006.