AICT5 – eProject Project Planning for ICT

Process Centre receives Scenario Group Work Scenario on website in October Assessment Window Individual Work 15 Hour Controlled Conditions Revised client requirements introduced

 Scenario will be live for both the winter and summer 2014 examination series.  However, the Revised Client Requirements will be different for each of these series.  Scenario presents a business environment with plenty of opportunity for the group to research other similar businesses and learn about their pricing policies.  Scenario gives precise requirements for the client which need to be addressed in the numerical model solution. The design and prototyping of this numerical model can be done by the group outside the controlled time.  Candidates are expected to use the spreadsheet skills acquired during the completion of AICT1 for the numerical model part of this module. The Scenario

Caution This is a Project Management module and the actual numerical model represents only 30% of the marks for this unit. The majority of marks available for this unit are for effective project management where candidates effectively demonstrate their time management skills and show how they respond to delays and/or changes to the project.

 This will usually take place before the start of the window.  Candidates should work in small groups of between 3 and 5.  Candidates will need to organise a series of meetings in order to:  Establish an understanding of the client’s requirements for the project through the analysis of a given brief.  Use Project Planning software to establish a plan and identify deadlines to achieve the client’s requirements.  When applicable, allocate roles to suit individual strengths and take responsibility for a delegated role.  Follow standard procedures for the organisation of formal meetings including preparation of agenda and minutes.  Contribute appropriately during formal meetings in the development of the project proposal and keep records of the decisions made.  Produce an Initial Project Proposal. Group Work

Future Scenarios Please note that future scenarios may require the group to consider issues other than those described above, as described in the Specification. These might include identifying stakeholders who are affected by the project and/or prepare costings for the proposed project.

 This takes place inside the 15 hours of controlled time.  Candidates can have access to the agenda and minutes that recorded the groups activities prior to the controlled time starting. These minutes can be taken into the controlled environment and should be used to produce a Project Proposal using the outcomes of the group work.  The groups Initial Project Proposal can also be taken into the controlled environment.  At the start of the 15 hours controlled time, candidates will be presented with the Revised Client Requirements. This will alter the numerical model in some way and consequently, affect the plan.  Candidates will need to use Project Planning software to alter the plan in light of the Revised Client Requirements to ensure that there is time to address these requirements.  Candidates will also need to use Project Planning software to communicate their progress throughout the 15 hours controlled time, taking into account those subtasks that take longer than expected and those subtasks which took less time than expected. Individual Work

 15 hours of controlled time.  Candidates can have access to the agenda and minutes that recorded the groups activities prior to the controlled time starting.  The groups Initial Project Proposal can be taken into the controlled environment.  Candidates should be given ‘clean’ users which are only active for the 15 hours of controlled time.  As this is a controlled task, it is not appropriate for the class teacher to respond to questions from individuals, other than those technical issues which may prevent the candidate completing the task. 15 Hours Controlled Time

 Candidates will consider the impact of the Revised Client Requirements and amend their plan accordingly.  Produce a detailed design of their numerical model based on the prototyping undertaken during the group stage and the Revised Client Requirements.  Implement their numerical model based on the detailed plan.  Produce a test plan and test the numerical model.  Undertake a review of the numerical model and the candidate’s project planning.  Use the given ePortfolio template to present their evidence.  Use the Project Planning software to communicate the candidate’s progress throughout the controlled time, assess the impact of any delay and adjust their plan to minimise the effect of any delays. Candidates are required to produce several versions of the plan to demonstrate this. During the 15 Hours Controlled Time

The candidate has undertaken a comprehensive analysis of the given problem and presented a problem definition that includes: A clear and concise summary of the group work carried out in preparation for the project, which explains the organisational procedures used by the group and clarifies their own contribution to the work. A comprehensive project definition that accurately re-defines the scope and purpose of the project as stated in the group project proposal to take full account of given changes in client’s requirements. A set of clear and measurable objectives for the project which clearly define the success criteria to be used to assess the final outcomes. Problem Definition (15 marks) Level 3 Performance (12-15 marks)

The candidate has produced clear evidence of project organisation and has: Explained how to set up and use procedures for storing project information that aid retrieval, promote monitoring and support data security. Used appropriate software to produce a detailed plan showing overall timescale, activities in each stage, timings for each activity, contingency times and review points. Used and updated the plan as necessary to clearly communicate progress throughout the project. Fully evaluated the impact of delays arising and has adjusted the plan to minimise their effect and account for initial contingencies. Made effective use of a range of appropriate project management tools to facilitate the progress of the project. Project Organisation (30 marks) Level 3 Performance (24-30 marks)

The candidate has: Produced a comprehensive design for the structure of a numerical model that provides detailed proposals for layout, formats, user interaction and graphical content. Designed effective rules and identified calculations for use in the model, making good use of functions and formulae. Included proposals for data entry facilities and validation rules intended to facilitate data entry. Included clear proposals for the effective presentation of all required outputs. Developed a numerical model that is fit for purpose, well formatted and based on rules that make effective use of formulae and functions. Produced prototypes, carried out effective testing and refined the model accordingly. Produced a comprehensive plan for testing the model for correct operation and presented all results with informed commentaries. The Project (30 marks) Level 3 Performance (24-30 marks)

The candidate has: Evaluated the completed model against performance criteria, identified good and less successful features of the model and described significant potential improvements. Evaluated in detail the effectiveness of the management tools used to facilitate the progress of the project. Described both the strengths and weaknesses in own performance in organising the project, including valid suggestions for future improvements. Evaluated the value of the preliminary group work, identifying both strengths and weaknesses of the organisational methods used and included valid suggestions for improvements. Provided evidence that is well structured and clearly expressed. Specialist terms are used with ease and accuracy. The work will be largely error free. Review (20 marks) Level 3 Performance (16-20 marks)

The candidate has presented All specified evidence, linked to the template provided, accurate and in the required formats, with no unnecessary work included Presentation (5 marks) Level 3 Performance (5 marks)