INFT 1021: IT Project Management

IT Project Management Methodologies

Question 1

Many organisations use a standard such as the PMBOK Guide that describes best practices for what should be done to manage a project. Different organisations, however, often have different ways of doings things and as a result may use a particular methodology to assist them with how things should be done throughout a project.

Investigate and discuss the differences between the PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile project management methodologies. In addition, provide examples of two organisations that have transitioned to using PRINCE2 Agile. Your examples should include an introduction to each organisation, a discussion of the problems they faced before using PRINCE2 Agile and how the use of PRINCE2 Agile has improved their management of projects.

You must cite at least three scholarly references and/or published case studies as part of your discussion. Ensure you include “in-text” references within your discussion and a complete reference list at the end of your assignment.

Project Management Software

Question 2

There are a range of project management software tools available to assist Project Managers in effectively managing projects. These software tools can be divided into three general categories based on functionality and price, which are listed as follows:
• Low-end tools
• Midrange tools
• High-end tools

Several free or open-source tools are also available to support project managers in planning, monitoring and controlling projects.

Investigate Microsoft Project 2013, 2016 or 2019 (a High-end tool) and two other project management software tools (from two of the other categories specified above) and answer the following:

a. Discuss how the different tools compare with Microsoft Project based on the cost of the tool, key features, project management specific criteria (e.g. estimating, scheduling, tracking, reporting, etc.) and any other relevant criteria. At the end of your discussion, include a table showing the tools and the similarities and differences between each of the relevant criteria. Ensure you include “in-text” references for your sources of information and a complete reference list at the end of your assignment.

b. If you were a project manager, which one would you use to help support your job and why? Justify your answer by comparing and contrasting the tools you investigated in part a.

Question 3

Enter the work breakdown structure (WBS) provided on the following page into Microsoft Project and one other project management software tool of your choice (does not need to be one of those discussed in question 2) to create a Gantt chart, taking the following into consideration:

a. Carry out your own research to determine dependencies and approximate durations for each task. Include the durations and appropriate dependencies in your WBS.
b. The total project duration as specified in the WBS must be adhered to. Assume that people do not work on weekends and Public Holidays.
c. You must display the entire Task Name column and indent tasks as shown to create the WBS hierarchy.
d. Provide a copy of the two resulting Gantt charts, clearly specifying which tool has been used for each version. The charts MUST be clear, legible and professionally presented.
e. Lastly, write a summary of your experience using each of the project management software tools. Discuss areas such as ease of use, the graphical user interface and any other relevant features of the tools. Conclude with your opinion on which tool you preferred to use and why.