Question 2 (Marks: 30)

Question

Identify any project of your choice and answer the questions in this section:
NB: Only IT projects based on the design and development of systems/applications will be
accepted
Q.2.1 With regards to identifying and selecting projects:
Q.2.1.1 Briefly explain the IT project selected then discuss any two (2)
factors relevant when developing a selection criterion for the
project.
(8)
Q.2.1.2 An RFP may include evaluation criteria. Discuss why this would be
required, in relation to the IT project chosen.
(2)
Q.2.2 With regards to developing project proposals:
Q.2.2.1 Discuss the importance of each section of a proposal and include
one element to include under each section in relation to the
chosen IT project.
(10)
Q.2.2.2 Discuss four (4) important contract terms and conditions to include
in the IT project’s contract.

Answer 1

For the purpose of this response, I have selected an IT project that involves the design and development of a customer relationship management (CRM) system for a company.

Q.2.1.1: The IT project selected is the development of a CRM system. A CRM system is a software application that allows businesses to manage their interactions and relationships with customers. It serves as a centralized database for storing customer information, tracking customer interactions, and managing sales and marketing activities. Two factors relevant when developing a selection criterion for this project are:
1. Business Needs: The CRM system should align with the specific business needs and goals of the company. It is important to identify the challenges and pain points related to customer management and develop selection criteria that address those needs.
2. Scalability and Integration: The selected CRM system should be scalable to accommodate future growth and should integrate seamlessly with existing systems and applications. Scalability ensures that the system can handle an increasing volume of customer data, while integration allows for efficient data exchange between the CRM system and other systems or tools used by the company.

Q.2.1.2: An RFP (Request for Proposal) may include evaluation criteria for the CRM system project. This is required to ensure that the proposed CRM solution meets the specific requirements of the company. The evaluation criteria help to evaluate and compare different proposals from vendors or development teams based on various factors such as functionality, scalability, integration capabilities, cost, and support services. By including evaluation criteria in the RFP, the company can make an informed decision and choose the best CRM solution for their needs.

Q.2.2.1: The proposal for the CRM system project typically includes several important sections, each serving a specific purpose. The importance of each section is as follows:
1. Executive Summary: This section provides a concise overview of the project, highlighting the main objectives, benefits, and expected outcomes. An element to include in this section for the CRM system project could be the current challenges faced by the company in managing customer relationships.
2. Project Scope: This section defines the boundaries of the project, specifying what is included and excluded. It outlines the deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements. An element to include in this section for the CRM system project could be the specific modules or features that the CRM system should have, such as contact management, sales pipeline tracking, and reporting capabilities.
3. Methodology: This section describes the approach and methodology to be used for the development and implementation of the CRM system. It outlines the steps, activities, and tools that will be employed. An element to include in this section for the CRM system project could be the use of agile development methodology to ensure flexibility and iterative improvements.
4. Team and Resources: This section provides details about the project team members, their roles, and the resources required for the project. It highlights the skills and experience of the team members and their availability. An element to include in this section for the CRM system project could be the need for a dedicated project manager, software developers, database administrators, and quality assurance testers.

Q.2.2.2: Four important contract terms and conditions to include in the IT project's contract for the CRM system are:
1. Scope of Work: Clearly define the scope of work, stating the specific functionalities and deliverables that the CRM system should have. This includes specifying any customization or integration requirements.
2. Payment Terms: Outline the payment terms, including the payment schedule, milestones, and payment modes. It is crucial to clearly define the payment amount, due dates, and acceptance criteria for each milestone.
3. Intellectual Property Rights: Specify the ownership and rights related to the CRM system and its associated intellectual property. This includes determining who will own the source code, copyrights, and any proprietary information.
4. Change Management: Define the process for handling changes or modifications to the project scope, requirements, or timelines. This includes outlining the procedure for requesting and approving changes, and the impact on project cost and schedule.

Overall, the selection criteria, evaluation criteria, proposal sections, and contract terms and conditions play crucial roles in the successful development and implementation of an IT project such as a CRM system.