Hardware Replacement Project Analysis Essay Example
Hardware Replacement Project Analysis Essay Example

Hardware Replacement Project Analysis Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1254 words)
  • Published: March 31, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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There is a new CRM solution being introduced by the IT department for the corporate offices.

The current hardware being used is outdated and incapable of supporting the CRM application. When planning to replace a business's hardware system, it is important to assess the scope, time, cost, quality, and risks involved. Furthermore, project leaders in IT hardware replacement management must also consider the issues that impact project risk. Their responsibility lies in finding the most effective hardware replacement solutions for this company, at the lowest possible cost and risk.

Project management ensures satisfaction among all parties involved in achieving successful results for the hardware replacement project. It involves the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to adhere to specified budgets and time constraints. Key project management activities for hardware replacement include planning, risk assessment, resource estimation, work organizatio

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n, resource acquisition, task assignment, activity direction, project execution control, progress reporting, and result analysis. The five variables of project management (scope, time, cost, quality, and risk) significantly affect the hardware replacement project. They contribute to the formulation of an effective working strategy towards accomplishing the hardware replacement objective (Laudon and Laudon, 2009).

The aim of the hardware replacement project is to include computer hardware, integrate it with the new CRM application, conduct testing and provide training for the new system. The project's scope encompasses all the necessary work for successful completion while ensuring that the project does not deviate from its original intention. The scope must also account for unforeseen events such as illnesses, scheduled time off, and inclement weather. Going beyond the project's goals risks delaying its completion. The time required for the hardware replacement project will be

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determined by project management, who will assess the duration needed for major components and break them down into activities and tasks (Laudon and Laudon, 2009).

To illustrate, a significant aspect of this project to replace hardware is the installation of the new hardware. Although "hardware" may seem like a straightforward term, it encompasses various areas of expertise where diverse skills and tasks must be executed before utilizing the new hardware. The danger of improperly evaluating time is exceeding the project's scope, which would necessitate additional time and raise expenses. The cost for the hardware replacement project will be determined by multiplying the time required to finish the project by the daily cost of human resources essential for its completion. Developing a budget and overseeing project expenditures falls under the accountability of project management.

To ensure the success of a hardware replacement project, it is crucial to have a financial budget that considers unexpected events requiring additional spending. If costs are inaccurately calculated, there can be negative repercussions such as limited resources for employees and materials, a scope exceeding expectations, project delays, and potential job loss for the project team and management. In the worst case scenario, underestimating costs can lead to desperation in project management and result in reduced quality of the hardware replacement project. The final quality of the project depends on how well it fulfills management's objectives, including producing accurate and timely information through the new system and satisfying its users. By staying within scope, meeting deadlines, and adhering to budget constraints, the project will ultimately achieve a high level of quality.

Project managers often make the mistake of being so content with their current actions

that they start to view the world optimistically. This optimistic viewpoint, also known as wearing rose-colored glasses, hinders their ability to recognize when mistakes are being made and when there is a high level of risk during and after the project. After all the pleasant interactions and agreements, the project management team may find themselves facing challenges and legal issues, wishing they had been more realistic and aware of the risks. Risk refers to potential problems that could jeopardize the hardware replacement project's success (Laudon and Laudon, 2009).

According to Laudon and Laudon (2009), potential problems can hinder a project's objectives by increasing time and costs, reducing quality, or even preventing completion of the project. It is crucial to have recommended strategies for minimizing risks in the hardware replacement project. The risk factors in this project include inaccurate estimation of scope, time, costs, quality, and overall risks. Moreover, there is a risk of costs outweighing benefits without a viable solution and compatibility issues when collaborating with and training end users. As mentioned in the introductory chapter of my first IT class, an organization's success relies on the capabilities of its staff.

Collaboration between hardware replacement project management and end users is crucial to ensure a seamless transition from the old system to the new system. Cooperation between tech specialists and end users is essential throughout the project. To facilitate smooth conversion of hardware replacement projects, it is highly recommended to use joint application design (JAD) and prototyping as a strategy. JAD expedites information requirements generation and initial systems design by bringing together end users and hardware replacement specialists in an interactive session. The system-building approach involves rapidly

building experimental systems for assessment by end users.

Users engage with the prototype several times to ensure the highest satisfaction and guarantee quality. By combining JAD and prototyping, intensive involvement of end-users is fostered throughout the hardware replacement process, leading to systems that effectively accomplish the project's objectives. A crucial component of JAD and prototyping entails training end-users during the process. This enables them to learn from the system's successes and failures, potentially saving the company from outsourcing its IS needs for error rectification.

According to Laudon and Laudon (2009), having a well-trained IT department can be invaluable. The hardware replacement project management will utilize certain tools in order to minimize risk and ensure the success of the project. One approach is to assess the profitability of client investment through capital budgeting. Additionally, information systems will be evaluated using scoring modules and analysis portfolios.

The Ghantt charts are utilized for planning the duration of the project, while the PERT charts are employed for task scheduling, organization, and coordination. By utilizing these tools, the project management team will be able to maintain control and have reliable support during the hardware replacement project (Laudon and Laudon, 2009). In essence, adequate preparation, effective product management, and control over the project are crucial in employing a customized impact analysis that meets the customer's needs. The implementation of the hardware replacement project can be best achieved through a well-structured project plan that ensures control and proper support. It is imperative to stay updated with the devices and tools that mitigate project risk.

The correct analysis of the size and structure of a project, along with taking control and considering the five variables of project

management, the level of training of all those involved, and the right methodology, play a crucial role in determining the effects of the project's risk level. By following formal planning using Ghantt and PERT charts, implementing control measures, and involving employees/end-users in the process, the risk factors can be minimized. This smart strategy not only helps reduce risk but also acts as an intangible asset that can save money for the business in the long run while increasing customer satisfaction and profit. In conclusion, the success of the hardware replacement project depends on the willingness of both management teams to establish a meaningful relationship for their mutual benefit. With a thorough explanation of the project processes, recommendations, methods, and strategies, we are confident in our ability to serve as your hardware replacement project management firm.

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