Project Planning Report James Peterson

Step 1: Understand the Problem or Opportunity

Implementing a Web site will boost sales and recognition of the company. The Web site will offer information about the company’s mission, vision, and values. Consumers will always be able to learn more about the product, check availability, arrange delivery, and choose payment methods in a single convenient method. Additionally, Web-based processing costs are lower than traditional methods. The availability of the internet in the US leads to the continual growth of E-commerce, even past that of traditional retail stores. Without a functional Web site the company will not be able to compete in the future.

Step 2: Define the Project Scope and Constraints

The project scope is to provide online development, marketing, selling, shipment, returns, customer service and payment for products and services. The website will be conducted as if it were a physical location with the customer in mind. The project will not be launched until the security of consumers and the company is in place. The new Web site must be operational by May 8, 2015.

Step 3: Perform Fact-Finding

Social media drives shopping trends, so the bulk of fact finding will be from interviews, surveys, and beta testing. It is important to understand what people want and their opinion of the service. Firstly, surveys should be conducted to see if your product or service is even marketable online. Offering beta-testing will smooth out the kinks and hopefully increase usability and positive feedback. Review user needs, requirements, and expectations.

Send email to let people know about the investigation and explain my role. Meet with key managers, users, and IT staff to describe the project, explain my responsibilities, answer questions, and invite comments. Observe operations to help understand how integration of the new inputs from online transactions will affect current systems. Conduct interviews with department managers for their opinion of their role in the project and whether they would need additional resources.

Step 4: Analyze Project Usability, Cost, Benefit, and Schedule Data

A new web site would need a web support team to design and construct web pages, monitor traffic, manage hardware and software, and link Web-based applications to the company’s info systems. An in-house system would add more risk than it is worth to the company. However, IT department will be essential in determining the specific project requirements. The project will need additional financing and marketing so the consumer is aware of its existence. We must guarantee improved, valuable service for increased customer satisfaction. It is cheaper and more viable to expand virtually then to add more assets, utilities, and overhead.

Step 5: Evaluate Feasibility

Operational – The project has user and management support. It is very practical in obtaining more sales. The project will open more tech savvy jobs and if successful, company growth might increase available

[Type text]

jobs. Users will have a huge say in the presentation of the final project to achieve the goal of being user-friendly. This project will aim to maintain the company’s good image with quality performance.

Technical – The company currently lacks the technical resources for this project and would need to hire a Web vendor to develop and maintain the Web site. There are many reputable companies that offer this service. The systems will be able to handle future transaction volume and company growth.

Economic – The cost of the project consists of acquisition and maintenance cost. The projected benefits outweigh the estimated costs and will see profits within 2 years. The current systems will continue to run while during completion of the project. Overall, the goal is to have loyal customers and repeat business, which in turn enhances the company image.

Schedule – the company will not implode if the project goes over the suggested time. Quality and first impressions take priority over an accelerated schedule. This project represents our company image and consumer experience. Still the project seems manageable within the give timeframe.

Step 6: Present Results and Recommendations to Management

[Type text]

Preliminary Investigation Report: Web Site Development March 11, 2015

Introduction

The IT department completed a preliminary investigation on March 6, 2015 for the introduction of a Web site. This investigation was the result of a systems request submitted by Jay Pete, President of Sales, on Feb. 6, 2015.

System Request Summary

One problem/opportunity was mentioned in the request: The lack of a Web site is a loss of potential revenue.

Preliminary Investigation Findings

Every company modern day has some presence online. Implementation of a Web site will increase company sales, knowledge of company and product, and company image. Trends in shopping habits lean more and more toward online consumer research and purchases. This is due to the availability and usability of the internet anywhere and anytime. The introduction of a Web site will meet the demands of the current systems.

Recommendations

There are multiple solutions for long-term growth of the company. What is clear is that technology is on the rise and is changing the way individuals’ complete everyday tasks. The IT department recommends the company adapt to these technological changes by appealing to the consumer online. The most efficient method is to hire a qualified Web vendor.

Time and Cost Estimates

The process of researching, interviewing, and hiring a Web vendor will take approximately a week. Once selected, they will have until May 8, 2015 to get the Web site up and running. The systems analysis phase is estimated to cost $1,200 for that one week.

If the decision is to move forward with the project, the cost is estimated at $2,400 per week. Therefore, if all goes according to plan within the 9 week timeframe the total cost to launch the project will be roughly $21,600. Once to project is completed, additional costs will be required for maintenance at a cost of about $250 per month. If the decision is not feasible, a revised cost estimate will be submitted based on flat amounts for each feature. An in-house project may also be an option.

Expected Benefits

Internet sales will drastically grow the company in the next 5 years. Economic forecasts, tech trends, and competitive threats have shown the need for a Web site aimed at long-term survival. During the systems analysis phase, the IT department will investigate various strategies and solutions. Every department has an important role for the overall success and identity of the company.