Question: work breakdown structure and Gantt chart
"I'm writting in regards to section 7 mainly. However, I have partially managed with section 6 by creating 4 work packages which is Design, data migration, training and support desk (hope thats ok) But when it comes to using it on section 7 I really don't understand it, what's the easy way of implementing or referring it to. Thank you so much for your time in advance."
Reply:
The work packages identify what needs to be done; the activities give more detail, but you are not asked to specify tasks (the most detailed level) for this assignment. The Gantt chart shows when they are to be done (by whom, and whether in parallel with other activities, in sequence, perhaps depending on a previous activity before a subsequent one can start.
Kay
Question: cost of software
"I have a question about the assignment do we have to find out the cost of bespoke software? For the FROSTIE AND SCIMITAR systems because it is proving impossible without actually ringing a developer and giving them the spec required ??"
Reply:
You should undertake some research and use the amount of time allocated to you for the project as a guide. What we are looking for is that you can construct a reasonable plan using the tools and techniques available to you. If you were working in a company you would have access to data on costs and timing of similar projects given the skills and experience of the staff, and the complexity of the project.
You might find the following links helpful, but please bear in mind we no longer cover functions points in the module (these are mentioned in the context of estimating):
http://www.comentum.com/web-development-cost-rate-comparison.html
http://www.softwaremetrics.com/Articles/estimating.htm
http://www.hotscripts.com/
Kay
Question: data migration
"Regarding the case study, for how long shall i assume that SMARTS is operating? (I need this to have an idea about how much data will need to be migrated and imported in case of paper-based)"
Reply:
You can make a reasonable assumption - and state the impact this has on the project. You might want to assume that it is a new company, or that the original company was set up to create hand-tailored garments and how things have change over the years... The assumptions you make need to make sense in the context of the rest of the plan. Please don't make unnecessary difficulties for yourself! The SMARTS company is not going to be Christian Dior or Yves Saint Laurent (not likely to be taking alterations from dry cleaners!) but have a look at some websites for tailors and see what you can find...there are plenty to choose from, and they give details of their prices and time to complete orders for garments. You can put this kind of research in the appendix to your report.
Kay
Question: number of PCs
"Another thing… How many computers i should assume they have on each workshop? Ill certanly be able to use whatever they have as the systems will be web based."
Reply:
You need to make a reasonable assumption, based on the number of staff at each workshop. One would not be reasonable, but then neither would be five hundred! You can explain how you have arrived at the figure you select (e.g. for each workshop) by stating how the PCs are distributed among the different types of staff (administrators, tailors, pattern cutters, etc). You should also state whether the equipment is adequate for the new software, or whether it needs to be replaced or upgraded. It is an assumption that you need to make; providing it is reasonable and the implications are recognised in the rest of your project plan, then you should have something that would work. It is quite possible (indeed likely) that different people will have made other assumptions, and that their project plans and costings will be different from yours a a result.
Kay
