Acuscan Executive SummaryAcuscan Executive SummaryThis case study involves an evaluation of implied assumptions within the work environment. It will analyze the behavior within the working relationship between co-workers, as well as show the difference between logical and emotional thought process and reactions. It will also recognize misleading reasoning and assess the reliability of arguments. Finally, it will identify problems within the work environment itself and attempt to construct solutions to solve these problems.
HypothesisThe problem is maintaining an organized working environment and the goal is a product launch on time and within budget. After reviewing all of the confidential documents, corresponding e-mails, notes and feedback there seems to be a presumption of what people want and need prior to any communication:
A 15% budget cut should work for all departmentsStaff shortages are assumed to equal a short product development timetable and proper service maintenance.No face-to-face discussion for fear of a heated confrontation.A few explanations of the arguments are presented by key employees:A 15% budget cut is needed to maintain a position in the market place, and the product must be launched on the firm deadline.Contracting an outside software firm to finish the product will save time and still enable them to meet the deadline.Lack of confidence among co-workers is damaging to the organization of the project.Evaluations of arguments as being sound or unsound/emotional or logical:15% budget cuts for all departments – Argument is both logical and sound.An August launch date – Argument is both unsound and emotional.Capability to meet deadline – Argument is unsound and illogical.Launching unfinished products an
@
An August launch date to test:@
Capability to meet the deadline:@
Expectation is higher on a technical work deadline (2-5 minutes or less and/or longer)
@
Proportion of work (e.g., product development and support) takes longer if more hours are being spent on product development & support
@
Project Manager:
@
Employees are focused to succeed, but there may be a need to find other options.
@
Plan is to provide multiple teams with the capacity to finish the work and test, rather than only one.
@
Project Director: the project can only succeed if the team succeeds in building up the team, and it will be possible for multiple people to work together on a project.
@
Cancellation of one project can affect both work and quality.
@
Work and process will be improved after initial release with a full team (typically 100 workers with 24 hours of continuous work experience) – these will usually be paid for with the project budget.
@
Competition of teams can be competitive.
@
It is understood at this stage that the new program will be a voluntary, one of the major goals of the new program to increase employee engagement.
The initial costs of the new program are estimated to be approximately $20,000 per year to run.
@
Project Manager:
@
The Project Manager has the responsibility of developing software that will enable the team. He or she expects to complete the work within 4-7 months of completion, during which time each project member must meet several milestones. He or she will review all of the project’s requirements for success, and will evaluate the final design before completing a final project. He/she will also take the necessary actions in response to project feedback or questions about the project.
It is not clear why project managers or the project’s developers felt that the initial project would not be successful, given their belief that the existing project was simply not adequate. This belief, while justified, does not preclude the project manager from evaluating if and when to increase the timeline of this project.
Budgeting for Project Manager:16 % of the cost = $200,600 per year + 12.5% of the $22 million per year = $40 million per yearTotal cost over 12.5% = $40 million to develop new products/contracts. The team will use the funds generated from this budget for the following:• development – $200,600 for the new products (includes the development fee)* • product development* • product support* • product support (for a team) | $150,000 if we meet minimum requirements
The total project cost will not exceed $100,000 annually.It is anticipated that project managers believe the team will provide a value proposition:
• complete and produce quality products.
• work collaboratively.
• build and evaluate our products.
• improve our product quality.
•