Investigate the principles and methodologies of IT project management used in industry
Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
What are IT projects?……………………………………………………………………………………………………….2
Project Scope……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
Project Beginning & End.………………………….………………………………………………………………………2
Project Life Cycle..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Methodology 1 – Agile………………..……………….……………………………………………………………………..4
Description………………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………………….4
Stages………………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Benefits & Limitations……………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Methodology 2 – PRINCE2………..……………….………………………………………………………………………..6
Description………………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………………….6
Stages………………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Benefits & Limitations……………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Methodology 3 – Waterfall………..……………….……………………………………………………………………….7
Description………………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………………….7
Stages………………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Benefits & Limitations……………………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Case Study 1 - Agile………..……………….………………………………………………………………………………….12
Case Study 2 – PRINCE2………..……………….……………………………………………………………………………12
Case Study 3 - Waterfall………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………..14
Comparison…………………………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………..14
,Assignment Introduction:
I have been recently recruited by a new software development company, as a trainee
project manager.
In this unit, I have been asked to produce an evaluative report of three different chosen
projects that are delivered using different methodologies that the company can use, and I
will be choosing PRINCE2, Waterfall and Agile.
I will be going through in this assignment what is involved at each stage of the project,
covering a comprehensive range of benefits and limitations of each methodology based on
the context of the project. As well as explaining and evaluating the structures used in the
delivery of each project.
What are IT Projects?
IT projects are undertaken by organisations to use technology to deliver solutions for a
business or organisational needs. These projects can be small and focused on a specific task,
or they can be large and complex, involving the integration of multiple systems and
technologies. Examples of IT projects include:
● Developing a new software application or website
● Implementing a new computer system or network
● Migrating data to a new platform
● Upgrading existing technology infrastructure
● Building a new mobile app
What is Project Scope
Project scope refers to the work that needs to be done in order to deliver a product or a
service. It includes all of the tasks, deliverables, and resources needed to fulfil the project
objectives.
Defining the scope of a project is an important part of the planning process, as it helps to
clarify the objectives and goals of the project and ensures that resources are used
efficiently. A well-defined scope also helps to manage stakeholders’ expectations and
prevent scope creep, which is the tendency for a project to grow beyond its original scope.
Project Beginning and End
The beginning of a project is the start of the project planning and execution process. It is the
point at which the project team is formed, and the project scope is defined. This is typically
when the project charter is developed, which is a document that outlines the project goals,
, objectives, resources, and timeline. Whereas a project plan, is a detailed document that
describes how to accomplish the project objectives.
The end of a project is the point at which all of the project objectives have been met and the
project is considered to be complete.
The beginning and end of a project are typically defined in the project plan. It is important
to clearly define the beginning and end of a project in order to set expectations and to
ensure that the project stays on track, while providing a clear reference point for progress
and status updates.
Project Lifecycle
1. Initiation:
In the initiation phase, you’ll define the project. You’ll sort out the project goals, scope, and
resources of the project, and what roles are needed on the team. Clarifying what
stakeholders expect out of the project, and what exactly the project is aiming to achieve
(and why) will give the project and team clear direction.
2. Planning:
The planning phase, arguably the most important project phase in the life cycle. You’ll
determine the steps to actually achieve the project goals – the “how” of completing a
project.
Planning is where you define all of the work to be done and create the roadmap that you
follow throughout the project. Generally, activities that may take place during the planning
phase could include:
● Defining the project scope and objectives in more detail
● Developing a schedule and timeline for the project
● Identifying and securing resources
● Developing a budget and financial plan
● Identifying risks and developing a risk management plan
● Defining communication and stakeholder management strategies.
Tools you could use in this phase could be a Gantt chart or a Risk Register.
3. Execution:
In this phase you’re executing the project meaning putting your plan into action and your
team does the actual work. As a project manager, your job is to establish efficient workflows
and carefully monitor the progress of your team.