The Pros And Cons Of Each Approach

The Pros And Cons Of Each ApproachThe estimate fuckment team at pair Services is having a debate around how to define chores in the move break cumulation grammatical construction utilise to construct a Gantt chart. Ann, the swan manager, wants to break tasks down into the sm completelyest possible units. For example, she objected to a broad task statement c completelyed Develop a training schedule. Instead, she suggested three subtasks (1) Determine availability of training room, (2) Determine availability of attendees, and (3) take on specific dates and training convictions.K ben, a nonher attend team member, disagrees. She feels that the broader task statement is better, beca hire it allows more flexibility and will produce the same result. Karen says that if you break tasks into pieces that are in like manner small, you risk over-managing the work and spend more time on monitoring than actually performing the tasks.(a) Discuss the pros and cons of severally approac h.Breaking down tasks into little and manageable units, makes the inter relationship between those units clearer, effectively helps the planning process, easier to revise and update plans when needed, assign work packages to appropriate skill groups, which makes it easier for the project manager to macro manage the project. Tracking the build of work packages is more accurate because the timeline feature of Gantt chart carries over to WBS.Smaller tasks also carry some disadvantages like need for undue communication, unending status reporting, loss of productivity and more.For example, the below figure shows that a project that is twice as bombastic will be frequently more than twice as multifactorial. Only unity interaction among team members exists in Project A. In Project B, as umpteen as six distinguishable interactions terminate take place. Unless carefully coordinated, multiple interactions can lead to misunderstanding and delays.Large work packages (Broader tasks) c an be unclear as team members whitethorn not be sure of what they are supposed to do. There are chances that your team members could assure you about meeting the delivery date of the large lump of work and approach you for schedule extension just when you thought the work would leave been done. In totalition below are some more disadvantages of large/broader tasks.You receive less feedback to overcome this, smaller tasks are better because bulk can learn sooner if the tasks are smaller and provide better feedback. spirt index expand after the initiation of a project. Large tasks usually receive long due times. Hence in that respect might be no sense of urgency which leads to low motivation.Tasks fail if they are big After spending half of the budget, you discover that resources are not enough to finish the task on time. The only dissolving agent would be fight with neighbor projects to find more resources which is a polish off expensive because you cannot just cancel the project after spending half of the budget. So, your task would drag on forever, and consume even more resources.(b) Explain which approach you would advocate and justify why.I would like to concentrate smaller tasks. Project manager plans, monitors and tracks the work done by the team members, so tasks should be small and manageable. Trying to manage a project as one large task would be impossible. Instead, i would like to break the project down into m each smaller tasks that can be easily managed. People who drag ones heels often comment that when they wait to the last minute to complete a project, they often feel overwhelmed, and the task seems insurmountable. Breaking the task into smaller units and setting priorities, the work would be more manageable and less intimidating.Finding the correct size for the work packages is very important when planning on work breakdown, not besides big, not too small, but just correct size. If the tasks were smaller we always have option to inc rease it later if needed. However the opposite is always not possible.Work breakdown structure would help assigning tasks to individuals, monitor the work status on a regular basis and also hold people accountable for the work assigned to them. Preparing the work breakdown structure properly, you can easily maintain your schedule and people will be responsible for their digress of work (tasks assigned to them). A project task can be represented by one or several team members. In a workgroup, to complete a task, the workgroup leader should consult with the workers in order to develop the task list. A task should be broken down in to a level where an individual is able to do a task without further breaking it down into smaller units. The project task list does not necessarily describe task sequence, but the task leaders will often think in these terms. It is important for the project manager to keep in wit that these tasks must be broken down into smaller, discreet, independent wor k units, and that none are left out. Breakdown is satisfactory when individuals are identified who can regulate exactly what has to be done, how long it will take, and who will do it. If, on one unit of perspiration, several groups are each working independently of each other, the unit needs even further breakdown. Each autonomous team should have its own task. Below is a simple example of work breakdown structure. interrogation 2Point foster 10M any(prenominal) companies are under exhalation server virtualization. This is the concept of putting multiple virtual servers on to one tangible device. The payoffs can be significant fewer servers, demoralize electricity and cooling costs, lower stem and administrative costs, increased flexibility, more effective use of space, and lower maintenance costs. The costs of doing so include licensing virtualization software package, labor costs in establishing the virtual servers on to a physical device, costs of updating tables, and acce ss. However, determining throw on enthronement can be a challenge. Some companies have lost money, while others claim that they have gained a positive return on investment.(a) Suggest ways in which a company could determine its actual return on investment from server virtualization and how this would be accomplished.Server virtualization increases the rate of investment for an organization. Below are some of the ways in which server virtualization can help the organization to increase their ROI.1. bring down server maintenance, storage and interlockinging costs2. Reducing growing ability, cooling and costs pertaining to facilities3. Increased IT productivity4. Reduce business risksServer virtualization allows an organization to save money on computer hardware, floor space and resources. Virtualization uses actual servers to provide better performance without adding additional capacity, which results in savings from hardware. For example, deploy three virtual servers on one phy sical machine and it saves the need to acquire three separate machines, which may be used less frequently that too at full capacity. When the physical number of servers in an organization is decreased, this content less storage space is required. Office rents are a major expense for any business, so less space is definitely a plus. It is necessary to calculate the money to be spent on the licenses for virtualization products. Buying more RAM and software licenses are more feasible than buying innovative machines. In the long run virtualization can save money because it reduces energy consumption.Server virtualization makes an organization more effective by making use of the existing infrastructure in a better way. Migration is easier in virtualized environment.With virtualization we can just deploy an image of the existing or a new agreement or solution on the present server without a need for a new server deployment.(b) Discuss whether this is a role of project in which a ar rangings psychoanalyst would become involved and why.A organisations analyst would be involved in this type of project. Though server virtualization is a great choice there are factors to consider prior to the implementation of product. The abridgment and planning phase should be done properly to avoid any type of virtualization failure. A arrangings analyst should have better understanding of server virtualization concepts before trying to implement it in an organization. The leading virtualization solutions are easy to deploy and substance abuser friendly however might require close inspection based on the requirements of the organization. This doesnt mean that you shouldnt consider virtualization, but you should look carefully at the numbers and run a mental test bed before committing to the idea. Below are some of the notable factors that a systems analyst needs to consider before deciding on server virtualization idea. iodine point of failure When failures occur on a serve r on which all the virtualization solutions are hosted and raceway, when the virtualization solution itself fails, the system crashes.Need for powerful machines Virtual servers contain powerful hardware. It is still possible to deploy virtualization solutions with less powerful systems however the performance decreases greatly if there is no sufficient RAM and CPU power on the main system.Lower performance Issues Problems show up after the coating has been virtualized. Application performance would differ when it experiences lot of stress from different processes running on the same server. Performance issues cannot be predicted in advance.Not always possible There are applications where virtualization is not possible or not feasible. unrivaled practical example is infobase, since databases require frequent disk read and write operations, virtualization, which takes time to perform is not at all suitable for the database environment. auspices Security configurations and con cerns must also be considered when analyzing a virtualization solution.It is the job of systems analyst to carefully weigh the pros and cons while considering to go for a virtualization solution. psyche 3Point value 15The vice president of accounting says to you, the IT director, This systems development life cycle stuff takes too long. She tells you that her people know what they are doing and that all systems requests coming from her segment are necessary and important to the organization. She suggests that the IT department bypass the initial steps for any accounting department request and immediately get to work at the solution.(a) Justify your departments use of the SDLC and the consequences of omitting stages of the lifecycle in systems analysis.The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model that describes the stages involved in a system development project moveing from Identifying problems, opportunities and objectives through maintenance of the application . There are several models developed to guide the process involved. Documentation is crucial regardless of the type of model elect for any application and is usually done in parallel with the development process. Success of a project depends on how closely the plan was followed and implemented throughout the project development. During the initial phases, systems analyst is concerned with correctly identifying the problems, opportunities and objectives. The success of the rest of the project depends on this because if the problem is not identified correctly at the initial stages or skip this stage then the rest of the team would be addressing the wrong problem. The cost of fixing a defect in the early stages of the project is very less when compared to fixing a defect at later stages of the project development because it would cost a lot to fix the defect when project is in production stage. Below is a simple graph of cost and time graph that can explain the cost of change as we pro gress in the project.http//www.ambysoft.com/artwork/costOfChangeCurve.jpg(b) Explain to her the alternative design method actingologies used in systems analysis, how they are similar to and how they differ from the SDLC, and the appropriateness of each for different types of projects.Agile methodological analysis and object oriented methodology are the other two alternative methodologies used in systems analysis. Agile methodology is an approach based on values, principles and mettle practices. Agile methodology not only reduces the risk of misunderstanding, it also minimizes the cost of addressing any defect. Object oriented best suits situations where complex systems undergo continuous maintenance, adaption and redesign. Understanding the organization, budgeting time and resources, developing a project proposal, gathering information and sampling data from existing reports are the activities that are common in all the three methodologies (SDLC, Agile and Object Oriented methodol ogies). SDLC and object -oriented approaches require extensive planning and diagramming. The Agile and object-oriented approach allow subsystems to be build one at a time until the entire system is complete. The agile and SDLC approaches are concerned about the way data logically moves through the system. SDLC approach can be used when there are adequate resources and time to complete the full SDLC. Agile methodologies can be used when applications need to be developed speedily in response to a dynamic environment. Object-Oriented methodologies can be used when organization supports the UML learning and when systems can be added gradually, one subsystem at a time.Question 4Point value 20 pointsFlexTime is a regional chain of seaworthiness centers that provides workout facilities as well as a variety of seaworthiness classes to its members such as aerobics, martial arts, yoga, Zumba, and kickboxing. The chain has 50 facilities located in the northeastern region of the United States. Each facility employs approximately 80 individuals including managers, individualized fitness trainers, fitness instructors, receptionists, on-site physical therapists, and maintenance personnel. The owners of the chain would like to switch over their antiquated database system with an integrated system that keeps track of payroll, employee and class scheduling, inventory, and rank and file dues at each of its facilities. They have asked your systems analysis team to conduct a feasibleness analysis and to develop the system for them, assuming that it is feasible.(a) Explain how you would conduct the feasibleness analysis for FlexTime.I would start with defining the potential impact of the integrated system which can help decision makers to determine whether or not to replace their antiquated database system with an integrated system. Feasibility study report should be prepared in such a way that FlexTime can decide about cost estimation, funding and important decisions which are very essential for them to be stable and run profitably. Systems analyst should analyze the current system with the proposed integrated system and prepare detailed report that contains information related to technical, stinting and operational impact and will also include both pros and cons of both the current system and proposed system. Interviewing managers, personal fitness trainers, fitness instructors, receptionists, on-site physical therapists, and maintenance personnel, developing and managing questionnaires to interested sponsors, such as potential users of the information system, monitoring users of the current system and determine their requirements as well as their like and dislike with the current system, gathering, investigating, and analyzing documents, specifications, reports, procedures, user guides, and any other documentation relating to the operations of the current system, modeling, detecting, and simulating the tasks of the current system are some various metho ds a systems analyst can use to collect data. It pursues to determine the resources required to develop an information systems solution which includes the cost and benefits and the feasibility of the new solution(b) Provide three examples of why this project might lose technical feasibility.This project may lack Technical feasibility because Flextime doesnt have enough information technology staff to execute the project. The existing resources (hardware or software) might not be able to support the business needs. Lacks financial resources to support the proposed system. The organization might lack the expertise, time or personnel required to implement the new project.(c) Provide three examples of why this project might lack operational feasibility.This project is not adequate in terms of operational feasibility because the project might not be easy to operate. The users (managers, personal fitness trainers, fitness instructors, receptionists, on-site physical therapists, and maint enance personnel) of the project lack proper training or knowledge of the system. The project procedures might be too complex for the personnel as the system has integrations with multiple applications.(d) Provide three examples of why this project might lack economic feasibility.This project might lack economic feasibility because they might lack the finances required to wait for return on investment, so the project implementation might halt due to semipermanent payback period. They can use the profits gained with this and reinvest in other technology. In addition, benefits and costs can both be intangible, hidden and/or hard to estimate. substitute financing arrangements like renting or leasing or purchasing required hardware or software. When compared to existing system the proposed system would be integrated with many other applications, the organization may want to invest more on labor. Costs may have been underestimated (However, we did compare our costs to a comparable wor k startup costs). Furthermore, although we hoped to exhaust the potential list of project costs, there will likely be items that we must purchase.(e) Explain which of the systems development methodologies discussed in the text would you adopt to use to develop the system for FlexTime and why.I would like to use SDLC to develop the system for FlexTime. SDLC model can answer questions like Do we have the hardware or software to handle the system?, Do our computers have enough memory?, Does the new proposed system do what it is supposed to do? and many more. SDLC is used to identify the need for the system initiation, ship out the new system to the user(implementation), and de support when no longer needed(Disposition) because if we dont have a clear plan for doing all these, then it can become an expensive mistake. As each phase of SDLC requires documentation, reporting and approval, it assures that a project does not go out of hand both by changing the direction or becoming a finan cial black hole. There will not be any surprises when the system is shipped to the user because the management is aware of every step and it is documented. In short because of the planning, approval, testing and documentation activities SDLC can assure that the system can, and will work as expected.Question 5Point value 45 pointsCity College is considering introducing a new online system through which faculty and students will place textbook orders which will be implemented in fall 2011. As the systems analyst assigned to this project, you have been asked to obtain information from different user groups who will be using the new system.(a) Identify the different user groups that you would want to gather information from, and explain why.Administrators They are responsible for setup and maintaining user accounts, maintaining system, verifying whether all the hardware and software used are working properly, monitor system performance, creating backup and recovery policy to use whenev er there is a disaster, setup security policies for users, monitor network communication.Librarians It is always important to collect information from librarians because they create records for library catalogs, process library seculars for collection, assist users in locating materials, circulate library materials and handle neglectful processes, managing user records, operating customer service points, in fact librarian is the person who would have knowledge of everything in the library.Students They use library more than any other user groups identified in this case so it is very important to gather information from students to build the new online system.Faculty/Reviewers/Evaluators/Teaching Assistants As most of these people use library for traditional printed resources, inter-library loan, electronic journals, and electronic databases/article indexes. Gathering information from them would help developing online system and provide all options they need.(b) Develop an ques tion protocol that you would use to interview members of the user groups. In doing so, identify the types of questions that you might ask as well as the appropriate structure for conducting the interview.When interviewing administrators and librarians I would like to follow the protocols that include open ended questions and then move on to closed ended questions to be more focused with the interview and finally with some open ended questions and appreciate the interviewee for taking time out of his/her schedule. I might even use general probes in interviews to enable the user being interviewed to be as informative as possible in their responses. I might ask questions like Is there anything else you would like to add?. I would like to use diamond structure for conducting the interview as this structure combines the strengths of the both pyramid and funnel structure.When interviewing students and faculty I would like to start with open ended questions and then narrow the possible res ponses by using closed ended questions. I might ask questions like How do you use the library resources?. I feel funnel structure best suits to conduct the interview for this users group.(c) Make a case for or against the use of joint application design (JAD) sessions to gather information.Joint application design (JAD) sessions to gather information would not suit becauseJAD sessions require commitment of a large block of time from all participants, JAD requires minimum of two to four day commitment where participants may not do any other activities con soon.Inadequate JAD session preparations in any regard or if the follow-up report and documentation of specifications is incomplete.The necessary organizational skills may not be sufficiently developed to enable the concerted effort required to be productive in a JAD session.JAD may not be possible in our case as students may have their classes/exams going on or faculty may be busy belief in class at the time of JAD schedules.(d) D evelop a questionnaire that you would use to beset information from members of each user group.Students GroupWhich Department are you in?What courses are you taking?What types of books are required for your course?What authors books do you prefer or are preferred by your instructors?Any specific publications?Is there anything else you would like to add?Faculty GroupWhich Department are you in?What courses are you teaching?What type of books do you propose to the students?Any specific authors?Any specific publications?Is there anything else you would like to add?Librarians GroupLibrary catalogs?Any library material for collection?Any overdue processes?What books do you see students using/requesting most?Any new journals/magazines required?Any editions of books to be updated?What type of user records?Is there anything else you would like to add?Administrators GroupTypes of user accounts?What type of tools required to upgrade the search capabilities in the online library system?System performance monitoring options?What type of security policies?Is there anything else you would like to add?(e) Explain how the questionnaire might be distributed to members of each user group. Make sure to describe the benefits and drawbacks of each distribution method that you suggest, and provide a final recommendation with justification.I think we can distribute questionnaire to users in all groups via e-mail and web survey because we can orbital cavity the users quickly. Cost of taking opinions from the groups with paper is completely reduced since the surveys are taken electronically and email is free, user privacy is maintained. Responses can be automatically put in and stored electronically at users convenience. Reminders can be sent easily and are inexpensive via email and by using software we can turn email data into data tables for use in spreadsheet.(f) Determine what sampling methodology you would use to distribute the questionnaire. Justify your selection.I would use stratified sampling methodology to distribute the questionnaire. To develop an online system for text book orders the data gathered should be effective and stratified sampling methodology is often essential in such cases. Using this sampling methodology a systems analyst can gather information from different group of users/people say for example you may want to use a survey to gather data from students, faculty but you might prefer to use personal interviews to gather similar data librarians and administrators.(g) Suggest a strategy for analyzing any existing documents that are used in the textbook ordering process. Explain why you would choose this strategy and why you would select certain documents (You can be general in specifying the types of documents.)Systems analysts should consider both quantitative and qualitative documents for analyzing. Quantitative documents include analyzing reports, records and forms to determine where the organization stands currently and what the vi sion for the proposed system is. Qualitative documents include email messages, memos, web pages, procedure manuals and policies because they contain details of the expectations of behavior, the ways in which users expect to interact with information technologies. Systems analysts can take help of guidelines to systematically approach to this sort of analysis. The focus of the document analysis should be a critical investigation, rather than a mere description, of the documents. The analysis should include questions about the educational purpose of the document how librarians, faculty and students are using it, and how it is contributing to learning. Records provide periodic updates of what is occurring in the business, it can provide much useful information to the analyst. Systems analyst should make a note of performance measurement. This measurement can help analyzing the actual and intended performance of the system. Analyzing policies allows the systems analyst to gain an awaren ess of the values, attitudes and beliefs guiding the organization.