Measures

What are the types of performance measures that could be used for assessing systems development projects?

Some performance measures that could be used for assessing systems development projects are weekly surveys, status reports, blogs and peer reviews along with peer systems evaluations and quality assurance checks that can not only monitor the system development project processes but also the quality being put into the projects.

How will the use of outsourcing impact the way in which a project is managed?

 

Outsourcing may impact the way in which a project is managed in many ways. By outsourcing a small piece of a project or entire portions of a project, the entire scope can be altered in a very good way as far as deliverable times go. It will alter deliverable times and cost which will increases the amount of meetings with the client and the funding agent, increasing attention around the company in regards to the project portion being outsourced. Depending on the amount of cost versus time, the company may alter their interest in either continuing the project or terminating it. Typically outsourcing may reveal an inverted relationship between time and money in accordance to the project completion date requiring the project manager to re-assess the details of the project. Outsourcing can be pricey but the time constraint can be minimized because of having a contractor who specializes in the specific trade that may create a deliverable to meet the need sooner rather than later. If time is of the essence and a certain deliverable is of high priority, spending on outsourcing is likely to occur. If time is worth money, sometimes spending the extra dollar is worth it, but then the project scope and costing are affected in which the project manager must then modify the project plan to incorperate the cost and time. The project manager must then look at the project in a different perspective because now since outsourcing is involved, the project team may contribute their time to other duties involved which might shorten the entire project delivery date in a beneficial way and makes everyone look good. Sometimes a project incorporates an outsourcing agent in the plan and sometimes not. Anticipating outsourcing services by assessing risk can save time, money and ultimately show project leader integrity through effective management skills.

How is this course going so far?

I feel that this class as a project has been a flood of emotions as far as productivity goes. In the beginning we were talking about ways to make a project happen. In order to do this we were able to meet with the stakeholders and get an idea of what we were able to do as far as implementation for this Website construction project, just to find out that the project was terminated, to be revamped given simulation type of stipulations to continue with the project. This was a good experience to see how people get together and come through to bring their dedication to the table and come through for the team. Team work is amazing when people come together and hammer out the wrinkles in any situation. As for now, documentation is in getting organized, closing processes are about to take place in the next few weeks, but overall, so far so good.

During the progress review, how might a project manager assess the contribution of each member of the project team?

During the progress review, the project manager can assess the contributions of each member of the project team by weekly evaluations, setting goals, milestones and monitoring the members individual performance. The military is very picky on how they evaluate their members, but considering civilian jobs, I feel that professionalism can be scrutinized even more. Evaluating things that are universal to any job that is not biased to certain tasks can be used as a universal tool in deciphering team productivity and contributions. If I assessed evaluations, I would have a numbering system, 1-5 for several categories such as overall professionalism, appearance, time management, communication, team collaboration skills and punctuality because time is money and money makes money.

Why is user-centred development critical to successful systems development projects?

User-centered development is critical to successful systems development projects because the users are the main part of the system being and the most important part of the system. To form a project around a user is like custom fitting an outfit. When clothes are custom fitted they just look and feel better to the person wearing them and is appealing to the people looking at them. In the sense of a project, the user can operate at a more functional rate with increased effectiveness because of the detail in user compatibility provided to help the user be a more important asset to the company. To have users not be able to comprehend a system because it is too technical can cause a lot of wasted time and money to the company. To make a system less foreign to a user can cause a company to save time, money, make money and grow larger all because of user productivity. That is why it is important that user centered development be recognized as a critical part in a successful system development project.

My Strength, Improvement and Insight on my presentation methods

Simply put, I really enjoy talking about anything. I love sharing ideas and learning new perspectives. When I present I like to think that people are there to support me and my success, as well as me being there for them. I find that my strength in public speaking is that, since I like talking anyway, to a larger crowd, I get a little excited and like to speak loudly for everyone to hear to keep the audience awake and involved. I like to use references that reinforce my topics and use personal stories. I also like to use a pyramide structure of points starting at the top with the main topic, then a problem and solution along with a way to assess the problem, then take the show on the road.

I think I can work on my time, because I like talking and not  reflecting on topics covered already.

As far as insight, I find that the more I speek the better I get, but what I have learned makes me a more confident speaker and flowing is by saying a little prayer before presenting.


Thanks for reading =)

Tips on presenting

When a person presents in front of a crowd, don't ever think they are naked and try not to use um's and uh's. Also note: Do not drink tons of coffee, moderation is key =)

Usually, in a good presentation, the person presenting is calm, cool and collective. They speak from memory because they believe what they are saying. When a person believes in what they are saying, they are able to give the presentation that they are telling the truth and the crowd can be won simply by being genuine and not rushing, studdering, sweating profusely, shaking or seeming confused about the topic. A smooth transition from topic to topic, consice, clear and recaping the main idea at the end.

What makes a great speech?

When Sandra Bullock gave her speeck at the Oscar Awards she:

1. Opened with a joke
2. Didn't read anything
3. Was sarcastic
4. Fit her role
5. Looked around instead of staring at one focal point
6. Thanked everyone
7. Was sentimental and hit a sensitive nerve
8. Mentioned everyone is deserving of love no matter what
9. She looked amazing too!

Everything Saundra Bullock did was overall flowing, to the point and she didn't have to think about it which made her look like she believed what she was saying.

What aspects of the workplace might motivate people's acceptance of change?

The aspects of the workplace that might motivate people's acceptance of change is most influential when it is something that is derived from the top down. Usually when the leaders of anything begin a trend, such as a business, military or athletics team, people usually follow. Typically the subconscious reality of this is the fact that, if people who have achieved more success in a job or sport, the less successfull people would want some of that action and the "follow the leader" game aka. conga line begins. Many people would want to rub elbows with successfull people to try and get ahead and become more successfull. If the CEO is wearing a pink tie for breast cancer awareness, chances are that possibly 1/3 of the people in a company, that wear ties, will be wearing pink ones. Trends follow with certain types of pins and donating to foundations.
Changes are accepted when the leaders show that they accept the changes, then the trickle effect happens. Not sure why, but some people in workcenters just love to follow, as if there is a trechourous bridge to cross and if a leader can make it, they will follow.
At least in a large workcenter, ideas can be bounced around from co-worker to co-worker to extrapolate ideas on the pros of what ever change is involved. Small workcenters, not so much, it's more like do what your told and accept it. I guess it all depends on the personality of the people in the workplace and how well they are treated. If they're treated bad, expect a failure to adapt response. If they are treated good, change will be accepted with less conflict.

How does the IT environment contribute to the success or lack of success in systems development processes?

The IT environment contributes to the success in the systems development process because it permits the mentatlity of exploring technological theory in developing something that stems from an idea that can be made into a reality. Systems development takes a standard format behind it's creation. First you have to know what is needing to be created, then it gets mapped out from beginning to end, then after all of the blueprints are complete, physical developement takes place. It is true that a person does not need to have technical expertise in being a project manager, but as far as a systems developer, the tools required for creating or updating a system are in fact derived from a team containing sets of unique technical skills.

The only problem I can comprehend in an IT environment involving failure in systems development is simply, a team being so technologically advanced that not enough time was ever spent learning about effective communication. By having a break in communication, a team is no longer a team but a group of individuals pulling all different directions. This seems to be the common theme in many tech workcenters as most people do not care about the operation of the team. If ever someone finds themselvs in a technology workcenter that operates like a well oiled machine, consider yourself blessed and appreciate that experience because they are few and far between.

An effective workcenter in an IT environment as well as other fields, sometimes is not about everyone talking sweet and gentle to eachother, but sometimes "motivating" a co-worker and even a supervisor to get on track and get the job done.

When it gets down to conflict in personalities, another person's perspective involved usually helps straighten any problems out, if someone is willing to step up to the plate and fill the role, usually people don't like getting involved which makes personality conflicts very interesting, especially when two people are duking it out.

My presentation today

Today I gave a five minute presentation about technology. I was certain the topic was about anything in technology, not necessarily using technology to present my topic considering we were only told that we couldn't use power point but may use anything we would like. Using a white or black board would have sufficed, but I feel it went well either way. I feel that my voice carried well, I faced the crowd and made eye contact with the eight people in the crowd. I asked questions in the beginning and asked if there were any questions at the end, so there was some interaction. I was able to speak all the way through without many breaks, um's or ah's, but I still feel like I get carried away with my public speaking, there is just so much to say and such little time. I really wanted to hop into another speech about interviewing for companies because I have so many wonderful stories.

Since this was my first presentation of the semester, I feel I started off a little slow but soon, got the ball rolling. I introduced some other ideas to express my main idea / system that I was initially talking about. I ultimately feel that it was a good presentation. It was not a formal presentation, so my gym clothes that I was wearing, probably offered a more at ease, relaxed presentation. I even got a question at the end which was encouraging because I know for sure, at the very least, I got one person's attention because discussing pharmaceutical drug development and analysis is so very interesting to listen to for a non biotech crowd. At least it offered an expanded horizon for those wondering down the path of the ever so popular " tech career road ".

How often and in what ways might internal politics factor into project success?

     Internal politics are what allow people, who work together, the oppertunity to find a dynamic in their relationship to find difference, acceptance and collaboration within themselves. This variable will ultimatly define the functionality between members of a team through role identification. To most people, internal politics is a noughty word that makes people cringe or even grit their teeth but, truth of the matter is that on every team, there is a lead dog and followers or the head chief and the little indians.
     The way internal politics factor's into project success is the same exact way the military operates. In the military sometimes lives are at stake and there are no second chances so the chain of command is something that everyone must obide in to the point of being prosecuted if someone is ever insubordinate, no matter the degree. That's extreme but it is the military way. I'm just saying, internal politics can have the structure of an identifiable chain of command that allows people to know their role and let's the leader lead. I believe internal politics plays a huge role 100% of the time in project success.It promotes success by contributing to the authority's pursuasion and enabling effective communication through a common understanding of the way things should run by minimizing conflict and allowing for the team to work as a well oiled maching to get ahead, instead of a bunch of seperate individual parts that are unable to work together.

Class question: What is Failure?

     A general, more common, understanding of failure is when a person does not complete a task on time. The term fail is usually referred to in scholastics as receiving a grade of an "F". A students grade is a sum of points that equal a percentage. That percentage is a reflection of points earned in the class through completing assignments. When a student does not complete all assignments to the teachers satisfaction, they will most likely get a grade lower then an "A". When a student does not complete most assignments with a satisfactory grade of "C" or higher, they either get a letter grade of "D" or "F". A letter "F" means the student receives zero credit and will presumably retake the course for a passing grade.
     In life there are many instances where people fail, but just as in scholastics they learn to get back up. Some of the ways people fail in life is through their personal relationships with others. It is easy for people to fail in the way they communicate, the way they show respect and the worst way to fail is to not be emotionally supportive when someone is in emotional distress. Failing someone in a time of emotional distress can cause a seperation that may potentially take years to mend. For a person to be unavailable with support shows a lack of communication, respect and emotional support. Being a three time loser is very bad because it is proof that there was never any connection and will make almost every occasion with that person uncomfertable and distracting. The most important part of failure in any instance, whether it be a person that failed you or you failing yourself, is forgiveness. Forgiving yourself and others sets you and them free from a bondage that can be very destructive. Jesus Christ showed us how to do it.

Project Me

I think it is important to look at myself as a project because I am always looking to develope a better way for everything I do. The application of insight I have gained through my experience has helped other people on their path in this life as information is shared. I don't think I will ever know everything about this world but I do know how to build a stronger, more efficient me.


Here are the ways I will do this:

Being a team contributor

• Unafraid to speaking up 
• Asking for help
• Studying with classmates
• have mature and prudent but fun experience

Self work

• Personal reflections
• Knowing when to ask for help
• Self discipline

Wise Time Investment

• Making time for work and play

Life tech integration

• Recognizing technology in daily activities with a tech mind

Sharing life integration

• Sharing recognized activities

Research and reporting

• Reflect on the research and reports and make them relevant to our lives

Taking Notes

• Strong notes reflect responsability and a strong grade

Last but not least is exercise. Having a good workout routine helps maintain good focus, good attitude and great relationships.

By focusing on me as a project, I hope to see and reflect developmental milestones and accomplishments that I normally would not focus on. Through this life perspective, I hope to set my standards and accomplishments a little bit higher and have more fun experiencing life using this idea as a tool for success.

Why Projects Fail

     A project is a temporary solution to a problem. A temporary solution means that in time the solution will have to be upgraded or completely changed in order to fit into the needs of the company as they fulfil their requirements to the world. In creating a solution there are certain things that have to happen in order to be successfull. There has to be a client with a need, a competent team to formulate a plan, and an estimated time of completion because time is money when it comes to business. It sounds simple but in actuality, there are obstacles on top of obstacles that can completly obliterate the completion of a project.     
     The first thing I would like to mention in a plethora of things that can make a project fail is actually the client being indecicive about what they want. This is why it is important to make a plan to include a legality rights so that every request is done with an understanding specifying what the client wants and services will accomodate specific requests before hand so things do not get confused. A project can not be completed if the client pulls out too early because they wanted to save money due to being indecicive about the project in the first place.
     A terriffic way to maintain integrity on sticking to the plan is making a plan with tasks and duties, that way one type of task does not morph into five other tasks. If a member of a project team is not able to stick to one task, they will hold everyone else back. Prudent personality traits with sticking to a task can make a difference. Sometimes daily routines such as meetings, phone calls, e-mails and other distractions can take away from completing even the smallest of tasks. Outlining the tasks that the team as individuals have to complete can allow for much progress just in itself. Without being able to stick to a task, the time of completion will be pushed back and may contribute the the failure of completion.
    
     Some other quick points that can make a project fail are:
1. Bad leadership skills. Making people feel important, placing them in a position of competency and making them feel worth their weight not only maintains employee retention but also enhances quality of work. It is also important to know who the boss is so they can ask for help.

2. Shakey project plan. Having a shakey project plan means not having a reasonable time of completion in regards to tasks that might take longer to complete, not giving proper quotes on funding for the project, team members being unclear about project assignments. Milestones have to be met, and the product requested must be delivered. Without assessing the possible risk of a project, a small obstacle can be the most detrimental. It is also important to have a bases covered when finalizing a plan to properly look over everything and close the project successfully.

3.Bad communication. It is important to be able to have an effective line of communication with the team and the client. The team should be on the same page as the project manager and the client should know what the project manager tells them they need to know. If the team does not have great communication with eachother, they will not ask for help when they need it. When a team member falls behind, it can get frustrating and tempers may flare more then usual causing a team to not function at full potential.