Project Deliverable 1: Project Plan Inception
Overview
This assignment consists of two sections: a project introduction and a project plan. You must submit both sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for. Additionally, you may create and/or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.
You are currently the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for an innovative Internet-based company with gross revenues of more than $35 million dollars per year. During an executive leadership meeting, you were told that your company will be merging with a multinational company of equal size and you will be responsible for developing a project plan to strategically integrate all systems, including databases and infrastructure. The Chief Executive Officer has given you 60 days to deliver an information technology project plan in anticipation of the company merger. Your company will be expanding from one floor to three floors within six months.
Since this merger will be bringing two fairly equal-sized companies together under one roof, the infrastructure must be redesigned to accommodate the increased needs. Your company currently uses operational systems and relational databases but desires to expand into data warehousing. All information technology (hardware and software) must be redesigned to meet organizational needs. The solution should be implemented in either a hosted solution, on-site solution, or a hybrid model. The CEO is expecting you to integrate different technologies from different solution providers and incorporate industry best practices in connection with the development of technological systems. In addition, the CEO is extremely interested in cloud technologies and virtualization but is leery of security issues; however, the CEO is sure that you will implement proper security protocols. The company currently consists of twenty-five employees but is expected to increase to 65 employees when the merger is complete.
Instructions
Section 1: Project Introduction
Write a 4–6 page project introduction that documents the current state of the organization prior to any development or enhancements, takes into account all the information given above, and includes the following:
1. Background information of the company.
2. Details regarding the type of business activities that the company is engaged in.
3. Speculation on outsourcing and offshoring opportunities.
4. A description of the current information systems that the company has to support the business. The description should include an overview of the following: operational systems, databases, and data warehousing; cloud technology and virtualization; and network infrastructure and security.
5. The use of at least two quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Section 2: Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project to create a project plan (summary and detailed) template. The project plan should:
6. Record all tasks, subtasks, resources, and time related to the project.
7. Outline the planning, analysis, design, and implementation phases.
8. Develop in accordance with the SDLC.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
. Create a project introduction document and project plan template to initiate a project.
Project Deliverable 2: Business Requirements
Overview
This assignment consists of two sections: a business requirements document and a project plan. You must submit both sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for. Additionally, you may create and/or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.
Documenting the existing IT network and system is an important first step, but you, the CIO, know that capturing the needed changes can be critical to your success as an executive. You know that procuring and documenting quality business requirements is an important step toward the design of quality information systems. Completion of a quality requirements document allows user needs and expectations to be captured, so that infrastructure and information systems can be designed properly. Using the requirements document provided in the online course as a part of the requirements gathering process, you are to assess the needs of the company as it prepares to become a multinational organization. You must consider current and future trends and requirements; however, assumptions should be realistic and carefully considered. The needs of the organization should be documented. Later deliverables will focus on specifics of all requirements.
Instructions
Section 1: Business Requirements Document
Write a four to six page original business requirements document for the project plan using the Week 4 Business Requirement Document Template . Note: The template can also be found in the Student Center of the online course.
Describe the project needs, including the following:
1. Describe the scope and analyze how to control the scope.
2. Speculate and give justifications for how to control scope.
3. Identify possible risks, constraints, and assumptions.
4. Describe the needed integration with other systems and infrastructure. Note: database and data warehousing, cloud technology and virtualization, and network infrastructure and security.
5. Assess the human capital that may be needed to complete the project, ensuring that necessary skill sets are identified.
6. Speculate on possible outsourcing or offshoring needs that may be required to accomplish project.
7. Define relevant terms that will be used throughout the project.
8. Include cost projections for staffing, infrastructure, and other resources.
9. Use at least two quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as quality resources.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Section 2: Revised Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project to:
10. Update the project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 1: Project Plan Inception, with 3–5 new project tasks, each consisting of 5–10 subtasks.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
. Write a business requirements document for a project plan.
Project Deliverable 3: Database and Data Warehousing Design
Overview
This assignment consists of two sections: a design document and a revised project plan. You must submit both sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for. Additionally, you may create and/or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.
One of the main functions of any business is to transform data into information. The use of relational databases and data warehousing has gained recognition as a standard for organizations. A quality database design makes the flow of data seamless. The database schema is the foundation of the relational database. The schema defines the tables, fields, relationships, views, indexes, and other elements. The schema should be created by envisioning the business, processes, and workflow of the company. Since your company is an innovative Internet-based company, movement toward data warehousing seems to be one of the most viable options to give your company a competitive advantage; however, these concepts must be explained to the executive board in a manner to garner support.
Instructions
Section 1: Design Document
Write a 6–10 page design document in which you:
1. Support the need for the use of relational databases and data warehousing. From a management standpoint, it may be important to show the efficiencies that can be gained for executive oversight.
2. Create a database schema that supports the company’s business and processes. Explain and support the database schema with relevant arguments that support the rationale for the structure. Note: The minimum requirement for the schema should entail the tables, fields, relationships, views, and indexes.
3. Identify and create database tables with appropriate field-naming conventions. Then, identify primary keys and foreign keys, and explain how referential integrity will be achieved. Normalize the database tables to third normal form (3NF).
4. Identify and create an Entity-Relationship (E-R) Diagram relating the tables of the database schema through the use of graphical tools in Microsoft Visio or an open source alternative such as Dia. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length but must be included in the design document appendix. Explain the rationale behind the design of your E-R Diagram.
5. Identify and create a Data Flow Diagram (DFD) relating the tables of your database schema through the use of graphical tools in Microsoft Visio or an open source alternative such as Dia. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length but must be included in the design document appendix. Explain the rationale behind the design of your DFD.
6. Illustrate the flow of data including both inputs and outputs for the use of a data warehouse. The diagram should map data between source systems, operational systems, data warehouses and specified data marts. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Section 2: Revised Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project to:
1. Update the project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 2: Business Requirements, with 3–5 new project tasks, each consisting of 5–10 subtasks.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
· Prepare a design document proposing the configuration of database and data warehousing technologies to meet business requirements for a project.
Project Deliverable 4: Cloud Technology and Virtualization
Overview
With the merger of your company with a multinational company, you have come to realize that progressive solutions are necessary to defray some of the associated information technology costs. Company executives believe that using cloud technology and virtualization is becoming the standard for companies that are engaged in Internet-based technologies. Your company is on the verge of global marketing and competition; therefore, your company needs to make smarter decisions and improve global business performance. Cloud technology and virtualization are believed to provide business insights without enormous infrastructure enhancements. The executive board is aware of the profound benefits of cloud technology and virtualization but is apprehensive because they are unfamiliar with the look and feel of the technology. The executive team is interested in your recommendations and eagerly waiting for your forward-thinking viewpoint.
Instructions
Section 1: Design Document
Write a 4–6 page design document in which you:
1. Support the need for the use of cloud technology and virtualization within the company.
2. Assess expected cost savings in hardware infrastructure.
3. Determine the possible reductions of human capital that can be realized from implementing cloud and virtualization technologies.
4. Create a diagram through the use of Microsoft Visio or an open source alternative such as Dia to illustrate how cloud and virtualization technology could align with the company’s business processes and assist with attainment of organizational goals. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length but must be included in the design document appendix.
5. Provide a compelling recommendation for solution providers and partners that could help the company secure a firm competitive advantage by using cloud and virtualization technologies.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Section 2: Revised Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project to:
6. Update the project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 3: Database and Data Warehousing Design, with 3–5 new project tasks each consisting of 5–10 subtasks.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
. Evaluate the benefits of using cloud technology and virtualization for an organization.
Project Deliverable 5: Network Infrastructure and Security
Overview
This assignment consists of two sections: an infrastructure document and a revised project plan. You must submit both sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for. Additionally, you may create and/or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.
With the parameters set forth at the onset of the project, present the infrastructure and security policy that will support the expected development and growth of the organization. The network solution that is chosen should support the conceived information system and allow for scalability. The network infrastructure will support organizational operations; therefore, a pictorial view of workstations, servers, routers, bridges, gateways, and access points should be used. Since the company will be merging with a multinational company, virtualization and cloud technology should be taken into consideration. In addition, access paths for Internet access should be depicted. A narrative should be included to explain all the nodes of the network and the rationale for the design. Lastly, using the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA) Triangle, define the organizational security policy.
Instructions
Section 1: Infrastructure Document
Write a 5–10 page infrastructure document in which you:
1. Identify possible network infrastructure vulnerabilities. Address network vulnerabilities with the appropriate security measures. Ensure that consideration is given to virtualization and cloud technology.
2. Design a logical and physical topographical layout of the planned network through the use of graphical tools in Microsoft Word or Visio, or an open source alternative such as Dia. Explain the rationale for the logical and physical topographical layout of the planned network. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length.
3. Illustrate the possible placement of servers, including access paths to the Internet and firewalls. Note: facility limitations, workstations, printers, routers, switches, bridges, and access points should be considered in the illustration.
4. Create and describe a comprehensive security policy for the company that will:
1. Protect the company infrastructure and assets by applying the principals of CIA. Note: CIA is a widely used benchmark for evaluation of information systems security, focusing on the three core goals of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
2. Address ethical aspects related to employee behavior, contractors, password usage, and access to networked resources and information.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Section 2: Revised Project Plan
Use Microsoft Project to:
5. Update the project plan (summary and detail) template, from Project Deliverable 4: Cloud Technology and Virtualization, with 3–5 new project tasks each consisting of 5–10 subtasks.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
. Prepare a design document proposing the configuration of a secure network infrastructure and a security policy to protect company assets.
Project Deliverable 6: Final Project Plan
Overview
This assignment consists of four sections: a written project plan, a revised business requirements document, a project plan PowerPoint presentation, and the finalized project plan. You must submit the four sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for. Additionally, you may create and/or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.
While taking all business and project parameters into consideration, make quality assumptions to support the following requirements.
Instructions
Section 1: Written Project Plan
You are now in the final stage of the project plan development. All previous documentation should be combined into one document that will serve as the statement of work for the project. Your goal is to have the project approved by the executive team. The project plan should be very detailed, which is appropriate to accomplish the monumental task of implementation; however, the executive team is only interested in a 30-minute summation. Therefore, you also must create a compelling executive summary that is supported by your detail that convinces the executive team that it should move forward with your solution.
Develop a 30–40 page project plan in which you:
1. Write a 5–10 page executive summary in which you provide a high-level technical overview of your project where you address the following:
1. Describe the scope of the project and control measures.
2. Describe the goals and objectives of the project.
3. Give a detailed, realistically estimated cost analysis of the entire project, including technical resources (human capital) that may be needed to complete the project.
4. Relate the value of the project plan solution to the competitive advantage that information technology will afford the organization.
5. Provide all aspects of the information technology implementation into the project plan.
6. Recommend solution providers who can assist with development and implementation. Include a cost analysis of at least three providers.
2. Combine all previous documentation for Project Deliverables 1–5 in which you:
1. Provide all aspects of the information technology implementation into the project plan.
2. Revise the documentation based on feedback from the earlier evaluation of the deliverable.
3. Use at least five quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Section 2: Revised Business Requirements Document
Document all revisions made to the written project plan in the Document Control section of the business requirements document from Project Deliverable 2: Business Requirements. Note: This documentation must outline the revisions made to the previous deliverables required in Section 1: Written Project Plan.
Section 3: Project Plan PowerPoint Presentation
Additional to your detailed executive summary, you must present your findings to the executive team and the venture capital group; that, along with the executive summary, will convince the group that your solution is optimal.
Create a 10–15 slide PowerPoint presentation in which you:
4. Illustrate the concepts from the executive summary in Section 1 of this assignment.
5. Create bulleted speaking notes for your presentation to the executive board in the Notes section of the PowerPoint. Note: You may create or assume any fictitious names, data, or scenarios that have not been established in this assignment for a realistic flow of communication.
6. Use a professional technically written style to graphically convey the information.
Section 4: Finalized Project Plan
Use Microsoft project to:
7. Finalize your project plan from Project Deliverable 5: Network Infrastructure and Security to include all necessary changes in assumptions, tasks, and subtasks.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
. Develop a comprehensive project plan proposal.
