Introduction to Project work - Informatik, Umeå … · Introduction to Project work Mikael Söderström Department of Informatics Umeå University [email protected]

Introduction to Project work

Mikael Söderström Department of Informatics

Umeå University [email protected]

Institutionen för informatik Umeå universitet

Outline

• Project work in general • Your assignment

1 Mikael Söderström


Project work in general

• 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)




• Most projects follow the same phases - Initiation; idea/task + preliminary study - Project plan - Execution -  Completion





Initiation

Idea Prel. study

Project- Plan

Execut- ion

Completion

Decision points

Suggestion task

Report prel. study Investment decision Task decided

Approved project plan

Final report

Partly done in your instructions



• 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.




• Gantt Chart • Pert Chart



•  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-of-

the-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


•  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


•  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


•  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


•  Risk analysis Case Proba-

bility Conse-quence

Risk Value

Intervention

Delayed delivery of X

5 4 20 Change to other supplier

Lack of competent staff

2 5 10 Hire consultants

New version of operating system

1 5 5 Rewrite program code

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


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!



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!


Documents

Introduction to Project work - Informatik, Umeå … · Introduction to Project work Mikael Söderström Department of Informatics Umeå University [email protected]