Dec1999 PM217 : Project Management (Question 1)Suggested Solutions

(a)	Define what is meant by the term Software Project . Do not award half marks. Alternative correct answers should be given credit,unless otherwise indicated in the marking scheme. (a)A software project has two essential characteristics: •It is a set of activities that starts and ends at identifiable points in time (1 mark). •It produces quantifiable and qualifiable software deliverables (1 mark).	[2]
(b)	Describe the relationship to risk of each of the following aspects of project management. (i)Time horizon.[1 mark ] (ii)Rewards.[1 mark ] One mark should be awarded for each of the following points: •The highest risk is found at the very outset (1 mark). •We are more willing to assume risk because we anticipate that the rewards of our venture will more than offset the losses (1 mark).	[2]
(c)	Briefly describe three approaches used to build a sense of team identity on a project. •Make the project team tangible (1 mark). •Focus on identifying rewards for good behaviour (1 mark). •Make use of the personal touch (1 mark).	[3]
(d)	Identify and explain any four ways a system can be implemented. The four ways mentioned in the Study Guide are: •Parallel run (1 mark). •Direct cut-over (1 mark). •Pilot study (1 mark). •Phase cut-over (1 mark). In each case,a further mark should be awarded for a satisfactory elaboration.	[8]
(e)	(i)What is a structured walk-through?[2 marks ] (i)One mark should be awarded for each of the following points: •It is a relatively friendly and informal approach to evaluating project efforts (1 mark). •It demonstrates that with a bit of creative thinking,management techniques can be developed to deal with seemingly intractable problems (1 mark). [2 marks ] (ii)Briefly describe any two rules for conducting a structured walk-through. [2 marks ] (ii)Candidates may choose any two rules from the following list. •Rule 1 The group being evaluated chooses the judge and jury (2 marks). •Rule 2 The group being evaluated determines the rules of the evaluation effort (2 marks). •Rule 3 The group being evaluated runs the evaluation meetings (2 marks). •Rule 4 No upper-level managers should be present at the evaluation sessions (2 marks). •Rule 5 Customers should not be present at the evaluation sessions (2 marks). •Rule 6 Maintain good documentation throughout the whole evaluation process (2 marks).	[4]
(f)	Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the graphical approach used in Project Management? Advantages: The pictorial nature the simultaneous use of Gantt charts and cumulative cost curves is that managers can determine the status of their project at a glance (2 marks). ––Pictures make it easy to communicate this information to others,such as management and project staff.(2 marks). –Well-supported by project scheduling packages (2 marks). Award (2 marks)for one advantage,properly explained.[2 marks ] Disadvantages: •–The main drawback is that it is diffcult to analyse a picture properly;this makes it diffcult to deduce important information,such as the rate at which the budget is being spent (2 marks). Award 2marks for one disadvantage,properly explained.[2 marks ]	[4]
(g)	Give three essential characteristics of a good system development method. Any three answers from the following list: •Discrete stages. •Stage-limited commitment. •Sign off of interim end products. •In-stage and end-stage review. •Generic task lists. •Review boards or Committees. Award 1 mark for each answer,up to a maximum of 3 marks.[3 marks ]	[3]
(h)	List four qualities that you would look for in hiring a good needs analyst. Any four answers from the following list: •The analyst must have the ability to deal with customers and extract from them a sense of what they really need. •They must have good political skills. •They must be technically competent. •They must be open minded and possess a good imagination.•They must have high tolerance for ambiguity. •They must be articulate. Award 1 mark for each answer,up to a maximum of 4 marks.[4 marks ]	[4]