For the purpose of this assessment, you are to assume you are a Senior Project Manager of IT Biz Solutions, which offers a wide range of Information and Computer Technology services to businesses of all sizes.

The company is made up of the following staff:

Name	Area of speciality
Roy Belk	Software including website design
Dani Chen	Software
Maurice Berry	Software
Zakary Pineda	Hardware
Martha Johannsson	Hardware
Jen Moss	Networking
Roland Morris	Project management
Muhammad Patel	Client support/ help desk
Ali Reynholm	Project administration

The company often manages projects for clients, following its Project Management Policy and Procedures at all times.

You have been assigned a new client, Build Australia, based in Sydney.

Established in 2010, Boutique Build Australia is a small building company specialising in the design and building of high-quality designer homes for the Sydney metropolitan and surrounding areas.

The company’s overall business objectives for the next three years are to expand into Queensland and to set up and operate a permanent model home.

The company is currently quite small in size and everyone except for the site managers work in the same building. At this stage the business is using an old server which often has problems. Management have preferred not to upgrade their systems as they did not believe it was worth the expense and everyone just ‘got on’ with any software of hardware issues. Anything ‘dramatic’ required a tech from IT Biz Solutions to come and address.

Staff have been saving their documentation on their hard drives, which is against procedure. This process has in some cases led to data loss and file corruption. Recently there was a situation in which data in a client’s directory was corrupted. This information was being held on one of the Customer Service Officer’s laptops and had not been copied to the server. The client was not impressed at the loss of data that they needed to resend to Boutique Build, and they questioned the organisation’s IT processes. It took some days to obtain information from suppliers and other sources to replace what was corrupt.

Management realised that this mistake was quite costly in terms of their reputation and the time that was wasted in gathering all the required information. They decided to contract IT Biz Solutions to implement new hardware and software, with a focus on applications that will allow the team to work remotely – as they are looking to expand interstate, they will need effective systems to keep the business running and keep all staff connected.

As well as the issue with the hardware and software as described above, the company would like you to design a new website for them. Their current one is adequate but very basic. A new high quality web site designed to attract more customers and create a better brand image.

The new website should be simple but engaging and stylish. The website will need to include information about the company, details of the products (ideally videos of each type of house), have a contact page and have a blog page for the latest news.

Your job is to develop two project management plans so your team and those at Boutique Build have a road map to project completion.

The information you have been provided with to develop the project management plan related to the hardware and software project is as follows:

• • IT Biz Solutions will replace the outdated IT systems and hardware of Boutique Build Australia and implement user-friendly, accessible products and services. This will include use of cloud-based applications to allow remote access for all staff, upgrading existing hardware to ensure all staff are able to remain efficient and productive, implementing applications that are able to be integrated to ensure maximum productivity.

• • The budget for this project is $40,000 and is not negotiable. The full amount will be provided upfront for the project and will be spent accordingly.

• • Hardware and software decided upon:
    • Accounting software: Xero
    • Office application: Microsoft Office 365 Business Premium
    • Anti-virus: Webroot Secure Anywhere
    • File management: Dropbox
    • Project management application: Wrike
    • Tablet devices: Apple iPad 32GB, Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity
    • • Hardware:
        • All customer service staff – desktop computers with specifications appropriate to general administrative duties 
        • Three customer service officers – new monitors up to 27 inches in size
        • • All managers – new laptops no larger than 15 inch

• • Major milestones to include
    • Hardware installation and configuration
    • Installation of all required applications
    • Setting up of user accounts
    • Data backup and migration
    • Testing of hardware and software
    • • Rollout

Roles and responsibilities for this project will be as follows:

Name	Role	Responsibilities
Student name	Senior IT Project Manager	Develop and manage the project Liaise with CEO and Operations Manager of Boutique Build AustraliaMonitor project progressPerformance manage the team
Roland Morris	Assistant Project Manager	Provide information from project manager to the teamKeep team focused during meetings Ensures project schedule is being metRefers to project manager where difficulties are encountered
Zakary Pineda	Hardware Specialist	Order and acquire hardware as per project resources requirements Configures hardware to specifications Installs hardware Tests hardware Refers to Assistant Project Manager
Dani Chen	Software Specialist	Order and acquire software as per project resources requirements Installs softwareSets up user accounts Configures softwareTests software Refers to Assistant Project Manager

The information you have been provided with to develop the project management plan related to the website project is as follows:

• • The new website should be simple but engaging and stylish. The website will need to include information about the company, details of the products (ideally videos of each type of house), have a contact page and have a blog page for the latest news.

• • The budget is $10,000. The full amount will be provided upfront for the project and will be spent accordingly.

• • Call to action is watch videos and buy products.

Roles and responsibilities for this project will be as follows:

Name	Role	Responsibilities
Student name	Senior IT Project Manager	Develop and manage the project Liaise with CEO and Operations Manager of Boutique Build AustraliaMonitor project progressPerformance manage the team
Ben Nguyen	Project Assistant	Provide information from project manager to the teamKeep team focused during meetings Ensures project schedule is being metRefers to project manager where difficulties are encountered
Dani Chen	Software Specialist	Designs and builds website as per WBSRefers to Assistant Project Manager

 

Roles and responsibilities

Role	Name	Responsibilities
CEO	Judith Lee	Company success
Operations Manager	Ishtar Kahn	Plan and direct operations and improve productivity and efficiency
HR Manager	Erin Close	Co-ordinate human resources activities
Marketing and Sales Manager	Susan Morgan	Oversee marketing, advertising and sales activities
Customer Service Manager	Lucas Ngan	Team coordination and training
Customer Service Officers	Ben Nguyen Sasha Quinn Salma Vallin	Liaise with customers and suppliers
Site Manager	Ingrid Kowalski	Coordinate employees and subcontractors
Site Manager	Anwar Chen	Coordinate employees and subcontractors
Site Manager	Manuel Hermes	Coordinate employees and subcontractors

Executive Summary

Established in 2010, Boutique Build Australia is a building company specialising in the design and building of high-quality designer homes for the Sydney metropolitan and surrounding areas.

Our vision – to be the best home builder in Australia – drives everything we do, from the friendly greeting we give to customers at our display centre, to our supplier relationships and to our employees’ professional development. 

Our values are:

The core values underpinning our activities are:

In order to meet our core values, we have policies in these areas:

• • Quality control

• • High-quality and timely customer service

• • Continuous improvement

• • Customer complaints and feedback

• • Respectful, sensitive and transparent work practices

• • Work health and safety, to protect our staff and our customers

• • Compliance against relevant Australian Standards, state and federal legislation and regulations

Strategic Goals

To be well led, high performing, profitable and accountable

Set up and operate a permanent model home

• • Give potential customers the experience of being in a high-quality home

• • Demonstrate new environmentally friendly building techniques

• • Provide a point of reference for customers

• • Improve brand recognition.

Attract, engage and develop the best staff

• • Continuing the drive to a customer centred, high performance workforce and culture

• • Strengthening the skills of our people, to better support customer needs

• • Continuing to enhance the diversity of our workforce.

Situation Analysis

Strengths	Weaknesses
Value and qualityStrong management Customer loyaltyFriendly organisational culture Level of available finance for investment	Focus on Sydney market onlyBrand name not developed as yetHigh turnover of casual workforcePoor IT infrastructureLack of diversity in workforce
Opportunities	Threats
Housing sector experiencing growthPotential for growth in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast marketInnovation in environmental housingMany advertising channels unexplored	Environmental effectsChanges in Industry/ Government legislation affecting construction industryPossible adverse effects of government policy formulation High level of competition Predicted uncertainties in the world economy impacting level of demand for housingLow price competitors Failing to satisfy client demands

Marketing Strategies

Our marketing strategies aim to:

• • build trust

• • generate leads now and convert those leads quickly

• • demonstrate our commitment to deeper customer engagement.

We plan to develop our market share by:

• • Improving our marketing and advertising

• • Setting up a permanent model home near a popular shopping centre to increase interaction with potential customers.

• • Placing brand recognition advertisements in the Sydney Domain Magazine

• • Continually improving communication channels with all our stakeholders, ensuring a flow of timely and accurate information to facilitate effective planning and decision making

• • Targeting identified growth markets with planned, market appropriate campaigns employing a variety of promotional strategies and advertising mediums

• • Offering attractive fee structures to our clients

• • Continually improving the skills, knowledge and effectiveness of Boutique Build Australia through our commitment to training and development

• • Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of all our operations and making improvements when and where necessary.

Project management plan

Project 1

Implementation of a Building Information Modeling (BIM) System

Project overview:  

The project aims to implement a Building Information Modeling (BIM) system in Boutique Build Australia. This project is part of the company’s strategic plan to upgrade its IT infrastructure and improve the quality and efficiency of its design and building processes.

Project methodology:

We will use the Agile project management methodology for this project. Agile is suitable due to its iterative and flexible nature, allowing for changes and improvements as the project progresses. This is particularly useful for a technology implementation project where requirements might evolve during the project. Tailoring for this project will involve incorporating elements of Scrum for team collaboration and sprints for phased delivery.

Objectives:

The main objectives of the project are:

1. 1. Improve the quality and efficiency of design and construction processes.

1. 1. Facilitate the company’s expansion into new markets.

1. 1. Upgrade the company’s IT infrastructure.

Scope:

The project will cover:

1. 1. Selection of a suitable BIM system.

1. 1. Installation and setup of the BIM system.

1. 1. Training for staff on using the BIM system.

1. 1. Integration of the BIM system into existing processes.

Assumptions and constraints:

Assumptions:

1. 1. Adequate resources will be available for the project.

1. 1. Staff will be receptive to the new system and willing to learn.

Constraints:

1. 1. The project must be completed within a set budget.

1. 1. The project must be completed within the timeline.

Deliverables:

1. 1. A functional BIM system installed and ready for use.

1. 1. Trained staff capable of using the BIM system.

1. 1. Integration plan for incorporating the BIM system into existing processes.

Roles and responsibilities

Project Manager: Overseeing the entire project.

IT Specialist: Led the selection, installation, and setup of the BIM system.

Training Manager: Organizing and conducting training for staff.

Risk management plan

Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Treatment/control methods
Resistance from staff to new system	Medium	High	Proper communication about the benefits of the system, hands-on training
Overrunning of project budget	Low	High	Regular budget monitoring, reserve funds allocation
Delays in project timeline	Medium	Medium	Regular progress monitoring, buffer time allocation
Technical issues with the system	High	High	Involvement of experienced IT specialists, vendor support
Data migration issues	Low	High	Careful planning and testing of the data migration process

Likelihood		Impact
		Negligible	Minor	Moderate	Significant	Severe
	Very likely	Low Medium	Medium	Medium High	High	High
	Likely	Low	Low Medium	Medium	Medium High	High
	Possible	Low	Low Medium	Medium	Medium High	Medium High
	Unlikely	Low	Low Medium	Low Medium	Medium	Medium High
	Very unlikely	Low	Low	Low Medium	Medium	Medium

Project management plan

Boutique Build Australia’s Expansion into the Queensland Market

Project overview: 

The project aims to establish a presence in the Queensland market, specifically in Brisbane and its surrounding areas. This initiative aligns with the strategic goal of Boutique Build Australia to expand its services beyond the Sydney market and establish itself as a national player in the home building industry.

Project methodology:

Given this expansion project’s complexity and long-term nature, we propose using the Waterfall project management methodology. This approach will ensure systematic and sequential execution of project phases. While Waterfall is less flexible than Agile, it is more suitable for this project due to the clearly defined objectives, stages, and end goal. Some tailoring will be made to include periodic reviews to assess the progress and make any necessary strategic adjustments.

Objectives:

The main objectives of the project are:

1. Expand Boutique Build Australia’s market reach to Queensland.
2. Establish at least 100 new homes in Brisbane and its surrounding areas during the Strategic Plan period.
3. Boost brand recognition and reputation in the new market.

Scope:

The project will cover:

1. Market research and analysis to understand the Queensland housing market.
2. Development of a strategic entry plan tailored to the Brisbane market.
3. Design and construction of a minimum of 100 new homes in Brisbane and surrounding areas.
4. Marketing and sales activities to promote the newly built homes.

1.  

1.  

1.  

1.  

Assumptions and constraints:

Assumptions:

• The housing market in Queensland will continue to grow.
• Resources needed for the expansion will be available.

1.  

1.  

Constraints:

The project must be completed within the timeline and budget outlined in the strategic plan.

Compliance with Queensland’s building regulations and standards.

1.  

Deliverables:

• Comprehensive market research report on the Queensland housing market.
•  
• Strategic entry plan.
• At least 100 newly built homes in Brisbane and its surrounding areas.
• Increased brand recognition in the new market.
• Roles and responsibilities

1.  

1.  

1.  

Project Manager: Overseeing the entire project.

Market Research Team: Conducting market research and analysis.

Construction Team: Designing and building new homes.

Marketing Team: Conducting marketing and sales activities.

Risk management plan

Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Treatment/control methods
Slowdown in the Queensland housing market	Medium	High	Diversify into other growth areas, flexible planning
Delays in construction	Medium	High	Adequate scheduling, backup suppliers
Failure to gain market share	Medium	High	Aggressive marketing, competitive pricing
Non-compliance with local regulations	Low	Very High	Thorough research on local regulations, consultation with local experts
Overrunning of project budget	Low	High	Regular budget monitoring, reserve funds allocation

Likelihood		Impact
		Negligible	Minor	Moderate	Significant	Severe
	Very likely	Low Medium	Medium	Medium High	High	High
	Likely	Low	Low Medium	Medium	Medium High	High
	Possible	Low	Low Medium	Medium	Medium High	Medium High
	Unlikely	Low	Low Medium	Low Medium	Medium	Medium High
	Very unlikely	Low	Low	Low Medium	Medium	Medium