Technology is an ever-changing phenomenon that necessitates the relevant stakeholders to upgrade their systems to keep up with the ensuing trends. Specifically, this is accurate in the business setting, given the complexity of operations as well as the need to keep up with competition and market trends. One of the key features of business operations is the operating system on which the majority of business-based applications are operated to expedite the various transactions (Lientz & Rea, 2016). Windows is the most popular operating system as it has numerous features that are useful both to the business and the personnel responsible for the various departments. Windows 7 is one of the most recent editions but over time, it has become obsolete after the release of a newer more stable version Windows 10 which incorporates additional features, the most important of which is the security (Taylor, 2016). The key deliverables of the project include the Windows 10 operating system, access to the latest OS features, and constant updates from Microsoft. A primary goal is to ensure that all the computers in the office run on the newest version of Windows to expedite interconnection as well as avail some of the most recent features to employees hence guaranteeing effectiveness in company operations.
Why the project is being undertaken
Since the release of Windows 7, various complaints have emerged from users who claim that it has several glaring security gaps that could compromise businesses. Even though several updates have been released for the version of windows, the past user experiences have brought into question the reliability of the software for highly essential entities such as businesses. Windows 10 is the latest release from Microsoft and it features substantial security features that promise extensive security for users. On this basis, it was crucial to undertake the upgrade to ensure that the company and client details are secure. In addition to this, Windows 10 also offers augmented features that enhance operations and hence it is essential for the company to capitalize on these. The IT department possesses the necessary human resources to undertake the process as well as access to the target PCs to install the updates.
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Timeline
20/1/2020 – 31/1/2020: Take stock of the number of computer systems to perform an estimate of the time and cost requirements (Larson & Gray, 2014). Computer systems, in this case, denote the PCs as well as the electronic gadgets that run on operating systems.
1/2/2020 – 29/2/2020: Develop a budget for the project and forward it to the relevant department.
1/3/2020 – 30/4/2020: Procure and customize the software for the company. This step may take two months since each department has to forward the entirety of its operations for customization into the new system (Marchewka, 2016).
1/5/2020-31/5/2020- Back up all employee details onto secure storage.
1/6/2020 -30/6/2020 – Upgrade systems and configure appropriately for all users. This step will possibly take a shorter time frame to prevent interference with the company operations (Marchewka, 2016). The prolonged time is to cater for any minor complications when undertaking the upgrade.
Team
The project will be spearheaded by a team of four members, including:
The project manager will be the IT manager in charge of all technical facets of the company. He will also be accompanied by his team of company IT personnel who will undertake the actual upgrades on individual computer units.
The procurement manager will be in charge of the procurement process. During the start of the project, this stakeholder will be vital as he will be in charge of ascertaining the most affordable as well as high-quality suppliers of the software required (Larson & Gray, 2014). The term software, in this case, will not be limited to the Windows licenses but also programs and equipment needed for the process of backing up.
Finance Manager: There will be a constant need to collaborate with the finance manager in case there are any deviations in the cost of the project to ensure that it is completed on time and with the highest level of precision (Larson & Gray, 2014).
Microsoft representative: The Microsoft representative, in this regard, will be responsible for offering clarifications in case of any complications encountered during the upgrade and make the process more seamless. This individual will be vital as he will provide readily available support as opposed to the long delays characterized by over the phone or email requests for assistance.
Budget
The budget is possibly the most sensitive part of the project since most companies do not have funds set aside for IT upgrades. In essence, the individuals responsible for this department need to offer strong arguments for the need to upgrade as well as the benefits that the company will accrue from such a move (Meredith, Mantel Jr & Shafer, 2017).
Window licenses for all the machines: 6000$
Personnel expenses for the six months: 14,400$
Total: 20,400$
References
Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2014). Project management: The managerial process (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Lientz, B., & Rea, K. (2016). Breakthrough technology project management. Routledge.
Marchewka, J. T. (2016). Information technology project management: Providing measurable organizational value. John Wiley & Sons.
Meredith, J. R., Mantel Jr, S. J., & Shafer, S. M. (2017). Project management: a managerial approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Taylor, A. G. (2016). The Windows 10 Platform. In Develop Microsoft HoloLens Apps Now (pp. 9-11). Apress, Berkeley, CA.
