˜ ˜When I am working on a problem I never think about beauty. I only think about how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.
”Buckminster Fuller
Project development is the time it takes to execute the project. For software projects this might be the time it takes programmers to write the software. For hardware projects this might be the time it takes to identify solutions, negotiate contracts, and order products.
IT is the functional area responsible for programming, managing, and integrating the project s hardware and software. They are also responsible for defining, designing, and developing a project, as well as for conducting its initial testing and fixing any errors before it is released. IT is the key member on the project team and needs to be available to provide technical information both written and verbal to all members of the team.
The Business Development person is responsible for directing and driving the project, for analyzing the industry and the competition, and for understanding the customer. Business Development works with all areas of the company to make sure the project is focused on the user and is presented in the best possible light.
The Project Manager s responsibility is to make sure each member of the team understands his or her interdependencies. The Project Manager facilitates communications among departments, manages processes, and confirms that the deliverables within each stage of the project life cycle have been met. When deliverables slip, it is the responsibility of the Project Manager to escalate this information and to facilitate resolution. In smaller companies the Project Manager s duties usually incorporate those of Business Development and Communications.
For projects that entail the purchase of hardware, software, and network services, the Project Manager works with IT to identify possible vendors and negotiate contracts. By the end of Phase 3, the Project Manager will update the integrated schedule and Baseline Cost Document with actual costs based on negotiated contracts.
Quality Assurance (QA) is responsible for defining, designing, developing, and implementing a test plan. QA tests the project to confirm that it meets the design specifications outlined in the Design Document and the PRD. QA uses the manuals and help files developed by Documentation to ensure that it correctly explains how to install and use the project along with identifying how errors are to be handled. QA is responsible for managing the user test procedures defined in the Beta Plan and for confirming that bugs have been fixed.
Help Desk is responsible for defining, designing, and developing a detailed plan that articulates how the company will support a project after it is released. The Support Plan defines how Help Desk personnel will be trained, how users will access help, how bugs will be tracked and fixed after release, what training will be available to end users, and how updates and fixes will be sent to users.
Documentation is responsible for defining, designing, and developing all the documentation required to install, support, and answer any questions a user may have regarding a project. Documentation defines what publications will be produced in the Doc Plan, which may include online help, E-Learning courses, or manuals. Documentation works closely with IT to develop these documents and works closely with QA to assure the documents are appropriate for end users.
Phase 3 ”Project Development is the time spent developing a project that satisfies the requirements created in the Design Document and the PRD.
IT creates the project and then tests and verifies that it works.
QA creates sample test procedures and begins testing the project.
Documentation begins creating user documentation for the project.
For projects that require hardware, software, or services to be purchased, vendors are identified, contracts are negotiated, and final prices and delivery dates are confirmed.
The players needed to execute the plan are:
IT
Business Development
Project Manager
Quality Assurance
Help Desk
Documentation