IT Project Management: Systems, Tools, and HR Acquisition

System Requirements and Data Architecture

Online vs. Interactive Systems

Online systems require a higher processor than interactive systems because they necessitate a very short response time, and data is constantly being analyzed. Associated costs are often higher.

Data Architecture

• Centralized: Information resides in one location once all systems are centralized.
• Distributed: Instead of using one large PC, several smaller systems are utilized (Distributed System).

Example: In a centralized system (e.g., Kobe City), updating all users simultaneously can be challenging.

Software Development Tools (SW Tools)

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

• UPPER CASE Tools: Ranging from requirements capture to generating the database scripts.
• LOWER CASE Tools: Used when the system has a well-defined base code.
• SYNON: A tool that provides either the previous functionality or the latter, but not both simultaneously.

Specific Tools and Environments

• IBM WebSphere
• PowerDesigner: Generates the relational model, provides necessary scripts, and suggests code for stored procedures. Useful for testing systems by filling tables with data.

Programming Languages and Platforms

Visual .NET, Java, Visual Studio, PHP, C++, COBOL.

Infrastructure Components

Server Characteristics

• Multi-processor/Multi-core
• Multiple disks (storage)
• Increasing capacity
• Automatic backup
• Fault tolerance

Connectivity Equipment

Hub, Switch, Router, Modem.

Human Resources (HR) Management

Acquisition and Cost

Human Resources is usually the most expensive component of a project.

HR Acquisition Decisions

1. Define the required technical profile.
2. Call for contest/tender (e.g., through the newspaper) to allocate budget.
3. Do not disclose the company's email address to avoid potential external pressures during the selection process.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Components

• Personal history/background (listed from earliest date to most distant date).
• Work experience (include company details and specifics of the person in charge, such as telephone and contact data).
• Courses developed.
• Projects carried out (specific details).
• Language proficiency.
• Development environment experience.
• Signature.
• Declaration of interest in joining the organization.

Team Management and Feedback

Controlled Group

Recommended, as it allows the rest of the group to understand the work being done, producing a general understanding of project requirements within the development group.

Feedback Schedule

Typically scheduled for Friday at the end of the day, or first thing Monday morning.

Performance Evaluation

Requires experience. The Project Manager is in the best position to perform this assessment.

Contract Elements

The contract defines the relationship between who requested the work and who provides it.

• Monitored development + Prototype delivery.
• Cost and Payment schedule (based on milestones).
• Fines and benefits (often reviewed weekly).
• Warranty terms.
• Training provisions.

Software Acquisition and Proposals

Software Licensing and Warranty

Sale/Licensing: Providing access to the source program software usually voids the warranty. (Note: Companies often wait a couple of years before allowing the client to use the source code.)

Types of Proposals (Tenders)

Public Proposals

Focus on technical details, warranty, economic ballot, and offers made by candidates.

Private Proposals

A specific company is invited to participate. There is no charge for the foundations (tender documents), and usually, no warranty is requested upfront.

System Acquisition Methods

Software systems can be acquired via:

• Buying (off-the-shelf software)
• Service (custom development)
• Outsourcing