Question 2 (Marks: 30)
Identify any project of your choice and answer the questions in this section:
NB: Only IT projects based on the design and development of systems/applications will be
accepted
Q.2.1 With regards to identifying and selecting projects:
Q.2.1.1 Briefly explain the IT project selected then discuss any two (2)
factors relevant when developing a selection criterion for the
project.
(8)
Q.2.1.2 An RFP may include evaluation criteria. Discuss why this would be
required, in relation to the IT project chosen.
(2)
Q.2.2 With regards to developing project proposals:
Q.2.2.1 Discuss the importance of each section of a proposal and include
one element to include under each section in relation to the
chosen IT project.
(10)
Q.2.2.2 Discuss four (4) important contract terms and conditions to include
in the IT project’s contract.
For the purpose of this response, I have selected an IT project that involves the design and development of a customer relationship management (CRM) system for a company.
Q.2.1.1: The IT project selected is the development of a CRM system. A CRM system is a software application that allows businesses to manage their interactions and relationships with customers. It serves as a centralized database for storing customer information, tracking customer interactions, and managing sales and marketing activities. Two factors relevant when developing a selection criterion for this project are:
1. Business Needs: The CRM system should align with the specific business needs and goals of the company. It is important to identify the challenges and pain points related to customer management and develop selection criteria that address those needs.
2. Scalability and Integration: The selected CRM system should be scalable to accommodate future growth and should integrate seamlessly with existing systems and applications. Scalability ensures that the system can handle an increasing volume of customer data, while integration allows for efficient data exchange between the CRM system and other systems or tools used by the company.
Q.2.1.2: An RFP (Request for Proposal) may include evaluation criteria for the CRM system project. This is required to ensure that the proposed CRM solution meets the specific requirements of the company. The evaluation criteria help to evaluate and compare different proposals from vendors or development teams based on various factors such as functionality, scalability, integration capabilities, cost, and support services. By including evaluation criteria in the RFP, the company can make an informed decision and choose the best CRM solution for their needs.
Q.2.2.1: The proposal for the CRM system project typically includes several important sections, each serving a specific purpose. The importance of each section is as follows:
1. Executive Summary: This section provides a concise overview of the project, highlighting the main objectives, benefits, and expected outcomes. An element to include in this section for the CRM system project could be the current challenges faced by the company in managing customer relationships.
2. Project Scope: This section defines the boundaries of the project, specifying what is included and excluded. It outlines the deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements. An element to include in this section for the CRM system project could be the specific modules or features that the CRM system should have, such as contact management, sales pipeline tracking, and reporting capabilities.
3. Methodology: This section describes the approach and methodology to be used for the development and implementation of the CRM system. It outlines the steps, activities, and tools that will be employed. An element to include in this section for the CRM system project could be the use of agile development methodology to ensure flexibility and iterative improvements.
4. Team and Resources: This section provides details about the project team members, their roles, and the resources required for the project. It highlights the skills and experience of the team members and their availability. An element to include in this section for the CRM system project could be the need for a dedicated project manager, software developers, database administrators, and quality assurance testers.
Q.2.2.2: Four important contract terms and conditions to include in the IT project's contract for the CRM system are:
1. Scope of Work: Clearly define the scope of work, stating the specific functionalities and deliverables that the CRM system should have. This includes specifying any customization or integration requirements.
2. Payment Terms: Outline the payment terms, including the payment schedule, milestones, and payment modes. It is crucial to clearly define the payment amount, due dates, and acceptance criteria for each milestone.
3. Intellectual Property Rights: Specify the ownership and rights related to the CRM system and its associated intellectual property. This includes determining who will own the source code, copyrights, and any proprietary information.
4. Change Management: Define the process for handling changes or modifications to the project scope, requirements, or timelines. This includes outlining the procedure for requesting and approving changes, and the impact on project cost and schedule.
Overall, the selection criteria, evaluation criteria, proposal sections, and contract terms and conditions play crucial roles in the successful development and implementation of an IT project such as a CRM system.
Q.2.1.1 The IT project selected is the development of a mobile banking application for a bank. This application will allow customers to perform banking transactions, such as checking account balances, transferring funds, and making payments, through their mobile devices.
Two factors relevant when developing a selection criterion for the project are:
1. Technical Feasibility: This factor assesses whether the project can be successfully implemented from a technical standpoint. It involves evaluating the availability of the required technology and infrastructure, as well as the expertise and resources needed to develop and maintain the mobile banking application.
2. Market Demand: This factor considers the potential demand and acceptance of the mobile banking application in the target market. It involves conducting market research and analysis to understand the needs and preferences of the target customers and to assess the competition in the mobile banking sector.
Q.2.1.2 An RFP (Request for Proposal) may include evaluation criteria for the IT project chosen to enable the selection of the most suitable vendor or development team. This is required because the RFP serves as a formal document that outlines the project requirements and expectations to potential vendors or developers. The evaluation criteria specified in the RFP help in objectively assessing and comparing the proposals received, ensuring that the selected vendor or development team meets the project's needs and requirements.
Q.2.2.1 The sections of a project proposal are crucial for providing a comprehensive overview of the project and addressing key aspects. The importance of each section in relation to the chosen IT project are as follows:
1. Executive Summary: This section provides an overview of the mobile banking application project, including its purpose, objectives, and expected benefits. It should include information about the target market, competition, and the overall success factors of the project.
2. Project Scope: This section defines the boundaries and deliverables of the project. It specifies what functionalities and features the mobile banking application will include, as well as any constraints and limitations. For example, an element to include under this section could be the integration of biometric authentication for enhanced security.
3. Project Timeline: This section outlines the proposed timeline for the project, including milestones and key deliverable dates. It helps in understanding the overall project duration and the expected timeframes for different phases, such as development, testing, and implementation.
4. Budget and Resources: This section provides details about the estimated project cost and the required resources. It should include information about the budget allocation, resource requirements (such as skilled developers and infrastructure), and any potential risks or challenges related to budget constraints. An element to include under this section could be the allocation of a dedicated team of developers and testers.
Q.2.2.2 Four important contract terms and conditions to include in the IT project's contract are:
1. Intellectual Property Rights: This term ensures that the bank owns the intellectual property rights to the mobile banking application, including the code, design, and any related assets, such as logos or trademarks. It also clarifies that the vendor or development team does not have any rights to use or sell the application to other parties.
2. Confidentiality and Data Security: This term ensures that the vendor or development team adheres to strict confidentiality and data security measures. It protects sensitive customer information, such as account details and transaction data, from unauthorized access or disclosure. It should include provisions for regular security audits and compliance with relevant regulations, such as GDPR or PCI DSS.
3. Acceptance Criteria and Quality Assurance: This term defines the criteria for accepting the final deliverables of the project and ensures that the mobile banking application meets the agreed-upon quality standards. It should include provisions for testing and bug fixing, as well as penalties for any significant deviations from the specified requirements.
4. Change Management and Maintenance: This term addresses the process for managing changes and updates to the mobile banking application after its initial development and deployment. It clarifies responsibilities, procedures, and costs associated with updates, bug fixes, and ongoing maintenance and support. It should include provisions for a dedicated support team, service level agreements (SLAs), and mechanisms for handling change requests.
Q.2.1.1 To begin with, an IT project that could be considered is the development of a mobile banking application. This application would allow users to conduct various banking transactions like checking account balances, transferring funds, paying bills, and accessing other banking services through their mobile devices.
When developing selection criteria for the project, there are two relevant factors to consider:
1. Feasibility: This is an important criterion to assess the project's chances of success. Factors such as technical feasibility (e.g., availability of required resources and skills), economic feasibility (e.g., cost-benefit analysis), and operational feasibility (e.g., compatibility with existing systems) should be evaluated.
2. Strategic alignment: The project should align with the organization's strategic goals. It is important to assess whether the project contributes to achieving the organization's vision, mission, and objectives. For example, in the case of the mobile banking application, the project should align with the bank's goal of providing convenient and accessible banking services to its customers.
Q.2.1.2 In the context of the chosen IT project, an RFP (Request for Proposal) may include evaluation criteria to ensure the selection of a qualified vendor or development team. This is necessary because the success of the project depends on the expertise and capabilities of the vendor or development team.
The evaluation criteria in the RFP could include factors such as:
1. Technical expertise: The RFP may require vendors/development teams to demonstrate their technical knowledge and experience in developing mobile applications, specifically in the banking sector.
2. Past experience: The RFP may consider the vendor's/development team's track record in delivering similar projects successfully. This helps assess their ability to meet deadlines, manage risks, and deliver high-quality products.
Q.2.2.1 When developing project proposals for the chosen IT project, each section holds significance. The importance of each section can be summarized as follows:
1. Executive Summary: This section provides a concise overview of the project, its objectives, key stakeholders, and expected outcomes. It should capture the reader's attention and highlight the project's value proposition.
2. Project Description: This section provides detailed information about the project, including its scope, deliverables, timeline, and resource requirements. It should outline the specific functionalities and features of the mobile banking application.
3. Project Approach/Methodology: This section outlines the approach or methodology that will be followed during the project's development and implementation. It could include details about the software development life cycle (SDLC) to be used, the Agile or Waterfall approach, and any specific development frameworks to be applied.
4. Project Team: This section introduces the project team members and their roles and responsibilities. It should highlight the relevant experience and expertise of the team members in similar projects.
Under each section, one element to include for the chosen IT project could be:
1. Executive Summary: Include the estimated impact of the mobile banking application on customer satisfaction and the potential increase in the bank's customer base.
2. Project Description: Identify the specific security measures to be implemented, such as encryption techniques and multi-factor authentication, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of customer data.
3. Project Approach/Methodology: Describe the iterative development approach, such as Agile, which allows for frequent feedback and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure a user-centric design.
4. Project Team: Highlight the experience and certifications of the development team in mobile application development, especially in the financial industry.
Q.2.2.2 In an IT project contract, there are several important terms and conditions to consider. Here are four examples:
1. Scope of Work: Clearly define the deliverables, tasks, and milestones of the project. This helps avoid misunderstandings and scope creep during the project's execution.
2. Intellectual Property Rights: Address ownership and usage rights of the developed software and any associated intellectual property. This ensures that the organization retains the rights to the application and its source code.
3. Payment Terms: Define the payment schedule, including milestones or specific deliverables tied to payment. This helps manage financial expectations and maintain a healthy cash flow during the project.
4. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: Establish provisions to protect sensitive information, trade secrets, and customer data obtained during the project. This helps maintain the confidentiality and privacy of the bank's information and its customers.
It's important to note that these terms and conditions may vary depending on the specific requirements and preferences of the organization and the project. Legal advice is recommended when drafting or negotiating contracts.