Topic: Managing Project (Changing Accounting Software)

Scenario Your firm is adopting a new software tool to support its accounting functions. Almost all staff within the firm will use the software, from the accounting staff who used the most advanced functions, to the line employee who will use it to enter requisitions and purchase orders. In many cases, employees who have not previously used software to accomplish accounting tasks (having completed them in paper form) will now use the new software. Your team is responsible for planning and executing the installation and implementation of the new software and planning for follow-up training and technical support. Part 1: Business Case (Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, equivalent to 2,500 words): To complete the PowerPoint presentation: • Unit 1: A definition of the project scope, aims and objectives (1–2 PowerPoint slides) • Unit 2: An analysis of stakeholder groups, stakeholder issues and stakeholder management strategies (1–2 PowerPoint slides) • Unit 3: An analysis of project tasks and phases using key project management planning tools (2–4 PowerPoint slides) • Unit 4: Proposed key performance indicators that could be used to monitor the project’s performance (1–2 PowerPoint slides) • Unit 5: An analysis of risks involved in the project and proposed risk mitigation strategies (1–2 PowerPoint slides) 2. Add a final 1–2 slide summary of what you have learned from completing your Individual Assignments entries, highlighting specific attributes that would help in securing funding for your project plan. Part 2: Critique of two project management planning tools: • Refer back to the two project management planning tools you analyzed: Except: Bottom-Up Analysis’, which is used to improve the accuracy of the overall estimate of the project. The advantage of this tool is that the project is broken into smaller components, which allows for better accuracy in estimating. A disadvantage is that it is a very time consuming process to complete. So, a Bottom-Up Analysis could be helpful on a large project that had many tasks and milestones with a lengthy schedule, but not helpful on a project that has a very quick turnaround time. To complete the critique, compose an essay of approximately 1,500 words that includes: 1. An introduction explaining what project management planning tools are and how they can positively and negatively impact a project. 2. A description of the two project management planning tools you selected, including a brief explanation of why you find these tools interesting or relevant to your work. 3. An analysis and critique of the two tools, including: • Strengths: How the tools you selected might aid your understanding and experiences with managing projects. • Limitations: How the tools might make managing projects more challenging, and ways to overcome those challenges. • A comparison of the two tools as appropriate. 4. A conclusion summarizing your thoughts on the project management planning tools you selected, including any insights gained from completing your critique. 5. References in Harvard format. Part 3: Critical review of a current debate in project management literature: • Select a current debate in project management literature. • Search the Internet and Library and identify a relevant article about a current debate in the project management literature. To complete the critical review, compose an essay of approximately 1,000 words that includes: 1. An introductory paragraph identifying the current debate you selected and why it interests you. 2. A section critically reviewing the debate as presented in the article. 3. A conclusion explaining how you think the current debate could be resolved in the future. 4. References in Harvard Format. Examples of current debates in project management you might address are found in readings throughout the unit. Some of these include: • Projects as a temporary organisation • Stakeholder involvement in project management • Impact of organisational structure and/or culture on projects • Project risk drivers • Project completion • Project planning tools. In many cases, different authors use the same terms to describe different concepts, or different terms to mean what are essentially very similar ideas. Do not let terminology worry you; discuss your chosen concepts or theories in specific, descriptive language, without too much jargon.