MBA642 Project Initiation, Planning and Execution Report Sample
Your task
Individually, you are required to record a 10-minute video in which you are to compare and contrast three different examples of project management software by incorporating an accompanying set of PowerPoint slides.
Assessment Description
The purpose of this individual assessment is to foster students' ability to evaluate overall project performance and compliance with quality standards.
Assessment Instructions
Presume that you have been employed as the project management consultant for the project you have chosen to analyse in the first assessment and that project supervisors have asked you to explore various project management software to determine the best suitable option.
Based on this task, you have been given instructions to identify three different software solutions explicitly designed for project management and review each by referring to the specifications and functionalities publicly available for review through their various sales communications and through the actual practice of free trials (if available).
After your review, the project supervisors have asked you to record a 10-minute video, in which you are to explain to the project supervisors how each software program could assist the project manager and project team of the chosen project in the first assessment with each of the IPECC stages by:
• Comparing and contrasting the strengths and weaknesses of each software choice in relation to the project you chose in the first assessment.
• Showing that you have tested the PMS and that your findings are based on research and usage/trial.
• Identify the software you would recommend for use in the project you have chosen in the first assessment by providing the rationale for your recommendation.
The findings presented in this video must be accompanied by a set of PowerPoint slides and be based on a minimum of 8 sources of information, such as websites, government publications, industry reports, census data, journal articles, and newspaper articles. These sources must be presented in the video in the form of in-text citations and a reference list adhering to Kaplan Harvard Referencing Style. Wikipedia and other 'popular' sites are not to be used. *
** IMPORTANT ** Please utilise free software that doesn't require any sensitive, personal, credit card or bank details. ** STUDENTS ARE NOT ENCOURAGED TO PAY OR ADD THEIR CREDIT CARD DETAILS TO PRACTICE OR HAVE ACCESS TO ANY TRIAL SOFTWARE. **
Solution
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Melbourne Tunnel Projects, also known as Metro Tunnel, creates a rail line from Sunbury. It is an important project as it is expected to improve traveling time and journey from West of Melbourne city to another region. Thereby, this presentation will aim to provide software solutions for this project.
The main importance of using software in project management techniques is improving decision-making and overall project productivity. The software helps to alert or track the project's success, and it helps to identify roles and responsibilities while also helping to detect project-related risks (Schwalbe, 2015). University assignment help, The traditional approaches lacked connectedness, but various stakeholders could be connected and share information through the software. Hence, using software in complex projects helps make informed decisions within a short- period. It also simplifies cross-functional partnerships within teams, helping to communicate with members correctly (Verzuh, 2015).
Trello was founded in the year 2011 by Joel Spolsky and Michael Pryor. It is very popular because of the features developed in three tiers. Once the project information is input within the software, it is reorganised into Boards that are further sub-categorised into lists. Now, these pre-defined lists will have titles with cards. The software helps the team and project managers customise the tasks and store and share them. This software was used, and test results are presented as strengths and weaknesses.
It has a free and business version, while the business versions will cost around $25, which includes a host of Google applications. It allows the users to add deadlines to the cards created; hence, when the deadlines are near, the colour will change to red. Also, it could be used seamlessly on mobile devices or other devices. While testing the software, Trello largely depicts the functions and principles of Kanban systems.
It has many disadvantages, one of them using in offline modes. None of the functions could be operated without a stable network connection. Also, it is efficient for using smaller projects. Thus, big and complex projects could not be operated through this. In addition, while creating cards, the users can upload attachments only up to 10MB. Although, if one has a membership, the file limit exceeds 250 MB.
The Melbourne Tunnel project is big and complex. Hence, it will require uploading and sharing a big file size above 250 MB. Thus, storage could be a big issue for such projects when managed with Trello. However, project tracking and scheduling features could be very effective as large projects often have issues aligning with deadlines and covering all elements within the stipulated time. However, the set-up of the project is done in a way that suits the small-scale software development process.
Zoho Projects is also an online project management platform that provides unique services to users. It includes automating documents, using access controls, reviewing and tracking, and retrieving (Project Management. Com., 2022). It helps solve errors within project management tasks, eases sharing of documents, and allows the use of portals on all platforms.
Zoho projects operate on project management principles. Thus, the portal supports project planning in detail by the team members. Thereby, one can also create subtasks and add deadlines, breaking big projects into small achievable timelines. Furthermore, communication forms the core part of project management; hence, this project management technique allows users and team members to use a range of communication patterns like chatting, activity streaming, forum, wiki and others (Burke, 2013). In addition, there are many features like Global Timers, Timesheets and using resources to improve productivity. Finally, Zoho Projects has integrated invoicing systems that help to bill very accurately.
Although, the software lacks reporting process if any bugs are detected while using the project. The dashboard function is comparatively poor, especially client names are added and searched. The software will not arrange the names alphabetically. Hence, one finds it difficult to find client names if they do not have an ID. The platform focuses on the learning curve; hence, the tutorials are developed in detail so that all can use them. Although, it could be time-consuming to check the templates and tutorials before using the software.
The Zoho Projects were typically designed for managing big construction projects that will be helpful for Melbourne Tunnel Projects. It has many features that align with project management's basic and foundational principles. Thus, it will effectively connect with the huge stakeholder base that the metro tunnel will have (Gardiner, 2017). Although it might be challenging to introduce the software to all team members as the tutorial are time-consuming, the learning pace of every member varies. This could have an impact on productivity.
It has many features which help to manage projects of different complexities
The dashboard has been designed considering the project manager as it displays all required information during the life cycle of projects. In addition, the software can be integrated with other applications like Google Drive, Gmail, One Drive and others.
For example, the application provides similar features if five members are handing over the project. Although, if the project has more members, then paid version should be used. The customer service is high; thus, bugs and related issues are resolved quickly. In addition, the application has a good dashboard which provides all details required to keep track of the projects and scheduling (Kerzner, 2017).
It could be overwhelming for new users. The learning takes a long time for new users to learn about the applications. Also, it is difficult to add new users; hence, managing big teams could be very time-consuming. Furthermore, there is a lack of user interface features. The project managers do not have the option to customise the information displayed on the dashboard. Also, the application speed is much lower than the others.
Wrike software is also designed for large construction projects like Zoho. Also, this software has the highest integration compatibility with different Google and other applications that could be advantageous for the Melbourne tunnel project. Although the project lacks dashboard filter options, it is slow and poses issues when new members are added.
To reduce time consumption for a learning curve, the members could be trained through classroom training and breaking the tutorials into self–learning ones. The features that will benefit the Metro Project will be easy set-up, application usability on all devices, advanced set-up options and others. However, lower customer support could impose a threat of productivity loss.
Thus, ensuring efficient and appropriate project management techniques is vital for project success. Furthermore, since technology has developed, seamless software solutions have helped reduce project complexities. Hence, Zoho Project is selected for the Melbourne Tunnel Project based on its features and research.
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