Project Management Essay #2

As we noted introduction, project lifecycle models are particularly helpful in terms of laying out decisions to be made in sequence, so that you're not tempted to make certain decisions, and therefore cut yourself off from other possibilities, any sooner than you need to. Of course, this depends on the model being an appropriate reflection of the actual decision process. The more general model, the more twisting and shoving one might have to do to make it really applicable in any particular instance. Thus, there are numerous formulations of such models, of varying utility in varying circumstances. All they all may share the same general ideas, when examined in detail they may result in different sorts of recommendations.

This case asks you to make some comparisons and decide the most effective formulation of a lifecycle model. Let's begin with a good general introduction to the topic:

Higher ED CIO (2012, July 26), IT organization structure and operating models, Retrieved from http://blog(dot)thehigheredcio(dot)com/2012/07/26/it-organization-structure/

University of Saskatchewan, (2010). Project management - project life cycle. Information Technology Services. Retrieved from http://www(dot)usask(dot)ca/its/services/itproject_services/managing_projects/life_cycle.php

Here is a very good short video presentation on the topic, laying out some of the specific content involved:

Project Management Success Net.(2010). PMBOK explained session 2 project life cycle and organization. [Video presentation]. Retrieved from http://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=_q31kS3YQbQ

Now let's look at three specific versions of the model for comparison purposes. All of these come from the same general source: PMHut.com, a well-respected general source site for project management information. As you'll notice, they were generated by different people at different times. Look them over carefully in comparative terms, and think about their relative utility.

NYS Project Management Guidebook (n.d.), Project management lifecycle, Retrieved from http://www(dot)its(dot)ny(dot)gov/pmmp/guidebook2/Origination.pdf

Barron, M., & Barron, A. (2011, May 19). The project life cycle agile development. The Project Management Hut. Retrieved from http://www(dot)pmhut(dot)com/the-project-life-cycle-3.

Carr, J. (2009, February 14). The project life cycle. The Project Management Hut. Retrieved from http://www(dot)pmhut(dot)com/the-project-life-cycle-2.

In addition, the optional readings expand on many of the central points; you may also want to do some independent Internet-based research of your own to clarify any issues that concern you.

When you have read through the articles and related material, please compose a 4-6 page critical analysis paper on the topic:

"Discuss various stages in project life cycle based on the type of IT organization structure you have seen"

Your task is to synthesize the different versions and descriptions of the project life cycle that you've heard and read about into what you regard as a single formulation that would be of the most help to you in terms of planning a household move -- a project with which most of you are already familiar, with experiences both good and not so good. You are to use the various formulations of the model found in these sources; some are likely to be better supported by the literature and the evidence than others. Obviously, as noted below, this will obligate you to actually be able to present such evidence in an academically respectable manner.

Assignment Expectations

Your paper should be short (4-6 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structured in the following manner.

You are expected to:

• Begin this paper by stating your position on this question of stages, clearly and concisely
• Citing appropriate sources, present the reasons why you take this position. Be sure to make the most effective case you can. Use a household move, either one of yours or one you might be contemplating, or even someone else's experience, as a source of real-world examples to shore up your argument.
• Then present the best evidence you can, again citing appropriate sources, against your position -- that is, establish what counterarguments can be made to your original position.
• Finally, review your original position in light of the counterarguments, showing how they are inadequate to rebut your original statement.

By the end of your paper, you should be able to unequivocally re-affirm your original position.

You will be particularly assessed on:

• Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.
• Your informed commentary and analysis -- simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
• Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of communications and information systems correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately.
• Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to the Purdue University APA formatting and style guide (see required readings) for the proper formats.