Topic 1:

Introduction
Business IT Project
Introduction

© NCC Education Limited

 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.2

Introduction to the BIT Project Unit

Aim:
• To enable you to utilize and extend the knowledge and skills you’ve
developed throughout the diploma and apply it to an individual project
of your choice, in order to solve a problem.
Tasks:
• It involves the full project lifecycle from problem analysis and formulation
through applying problem solving techniques, design and finally
evaluation.
Guidance and help
• To help you succeed you will receive project sessions and tutorial
supervisions, but the majority of the work will be your private study.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.3

Unit Learning Outcomes

At the end of the unit, students should be able to:

1. Identify and analyse a system, issue, or problem of current interest within the
context of computing in business and web.
2. Manage the project effectively demonstrating systematic and effective
planning, progress monitoring, reflection and use of time and resources.
3. Conduct an in-depth investigation of the context and where appropriate,
literature and other similar products.
4. Employ appropriate methods, tools and techniques to achieve the project aims
and objectives.
5. Systematically evaluate the activities undertaken to fulfil the aim of the project.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.4

The Unit Roadmap

This lesson will focus on topic 1:

1. Project Introduction
2. Research
3. Methods of Solution
4. Testing and Evaluation
5. Planning the final report
6. Supervised project work
.

Start
(kindpng.com)
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.5

Assessment
There are THREE assessment components for the
computing project:

• The Project Proposal: 15%

• The Project Report: 70%
• The Project Presentation: 15%
Topic 1:
Introduction
Business IT Project
Topic 1: Unit Introduction

© NCC Education Limited

 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.7

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic, students will be able to:
• Identify and analyse a system, issue, or problem of
current interest within the context of computing and Web
 Describe the problem / issue and project rationale, together
with its context.
 Articulate the project aims and objectives.
• Manage the project effectively demonstrating systematic
and effective planning, progress monitoring, reflection
and use of time and resources.
 Identify appropriate method and tools.
 Produce a project plan.
 Identify and prioritise project risks.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.8

Scope and Coverage

This topic will cover:
• Choosing your project
• Typical and appropriate projects
• Planning your project
• Selecting methods
• Risk management
• Your Project Proposal (Coursework assignment 1)
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.9

Key Points

• The content of this lecture is not meant to replicate or

replace concepts and techniques introduced in other
modules associated with this programme.

• This lecture should help YOU decide how YOU want to

carry out YOUR project and justify YOUR decision.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.10

Choosing
your
project
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.11

A Business IT project
• Your project MUST focus on Business IT; it cannot
be just business.
• This unit allows a wide range of projects to
encompass the breadth of topics in the diploma:
• Eg:
– Software Development:
• Database; web site, software application.
– Data Science
– Design of a Network / Computer system
– Cybersecurity
– Research (dissertation)
– Software evaluation or HCI evaluation.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.12

A Warning

The range of projects possible means that the methods

of solution and deliverables you produce can vary
significantly

These lectures cannot cover every possibility

You MUST agree with your tutor-supervisor what

methods/ models/ deliverables are appropriate for you.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.13

Sources of Projects
A project suggested by some outside organisation.
• Usually development of a software system/ web site for
the organisation.
• A good opportunity to experience a ‘live’ project.
• BUT
• Set the expectation that you only produce a prototype (no
guarantees!)
• Beware of taking on too much.
• See Student Guide appendix for agreement
(Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)) required.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.14

Sources of Projects
Your own idea
• e.g. for a club you belong to or research topic.
A project suggested by a member of staff
• Sometimes your tutors have a list of projects.
• MOST important:
• Discuss your ideas with your tutor to ensure it is
feasible and suitable.
• Something you are interested in (it’s a lot of
work!)
• Solving a problem of interest.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.15

Appropriate Artefacts
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.16

What is an Artefact?
• Something that you produce during the course of your
project. This could include:
– Models, e.g:
• Use Case diagrams
• Class diagrams or ERD
• Sequence diagrams
• Network design
– Code (the programs that you write)
– The Working System
– Documentation (Test scripts, Gantt charts, User
guides, Research /Data Analysis report etc.)
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.17

Artefacts for Your Project

• Models
– YOU must justify why you have chosen a particular
type of model for YOUR project.

• Supporting Documentation
– What documentation will support YOUR project?
– Future lectures will help with the definition of this
particular set of artefacts.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.18

Planning Your
Project
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.19

Defining YOUR project

Background: part of your proposal
– An introduction providing context about your project
– Discussion of the problem you are trying to solve; the source
of the project.
– The rationale for the project, why it is needed.
– Any research that informs the project.
– The scope of the project (i.e. limits).
• Eg: A nature charity wants an app to record surveys of birds
in a nature reserve.
– What might the problem be?
– What research might inform the project?
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.20

Defining YOUR project

The following are key sections of your project definition:

– Aims
What do these
– Objectives terms mean?

– Scope
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.21

Aims - 1
The aims of YOUR project are associated with things that
YOU are going to do:

– Investigate
– Analyse
– Design
– Develop
– Implement
– Evaluate
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.22

Aims - 2
Examples of aims for a student project are:

– To develop a database system to administer a

club.
– To develop a web-based system to promote a
restaurant and take orders.
– To investigate the use of a particular tool or
technique in a particular project environment
– To investigate the knowledge & use of
cybersecurity in small businesses in a local area.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.23

Objectives - 1
Objectives are more specific things that you need to complete
in order to achieve the aim(s) of YOUR project.

• If the aim of YOUR project is to develop a database system

for a sports club– some of your objectives might be:
– Complete a search and evaluation of commercial club
membership systems.
– Gather user requirements.
– Create requirement specification
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.24

Objectives - 2
– Develop an ERD model of the database system for
YOUR project in 3NF
– Code the model to produce a working system.
– Test the working system.
– Deploy the working system.
– Write YOUR report.
– Evaluate your project

Note, these are outline objectives and need refining to

become SMART.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.25

Improving Objectives
YOUR objectives should be SMART:

• Specific
– Provide enough detail to understand what should
be done.
• Measurable
– Provide enough detail to measure progress of the
objective and know when it is complete.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.26

SMART Objectives - 2
• Appropriate
– With respect to the aim(s) of the project
• Realistic
– Achievable within the duration of the project
• Time-related
– Provide a statement of how long the objective will
take and by when should it be completed.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.27

Planning YOUR Project - 1

• Work Breakdown
– Produce a model that shows the tasks that must
be done in order to complete the project.

• Time Estimates
– Produce estimates of the time required to
complete the tasks.

• Milestones
– Significant points in your project that can be used
to give an indication of how well the project is
going
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.28

Planning YOUR Project - 2

• Activities
– Identify the order in which tasks must be
completed.

• Present YOUR Plan

– Use the tasks, time estimates, milestones and
activities to produce a plan, normally in the form of
a Gantt chart.

• Re-plan (if required)

– Sometimes things go wrong – you may need to re-
plan YOUR project.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.29

Checkpoint Summary
• A good project requires careful planning and regular
work. It must be something that you are interested in. It
must involve computing in the context of business.
• It must be individual and all your own work.
• You must discuss it with your tutor and you can’t start
until it is approved.
• The first stage is the proposal:
• Start with the background : the problem, the rationale, the
scope of the project.
• Aims and SMART objectives
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.30

QUIZ

1. Is this objective SMART?

Build a database of club members
• How could it be improved?
• Make it SMART

2. What is meant by the scope of the project?

3. Write a scope statement for the example in Q1.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.31

Selecting Methods
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.32

Methods of solution
• Aims/Objectives/scope specify what you set out to do.
• The next stage is to select how to achieve it: the methods of
solution.

• The appropriate methods chosen will depend on the nature

of the project (e.g. Web site, Database, Data analytics,
research project).

• You need to select and justify your methods.

 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.33

Software Development (SDLC)

Eg: Database, web site, software application.
1. Systems Analysis
– Eg typically using interviews, focus groups,
observations, questionnaires to gather information.
– Create requirement specification, use case models.
2. Design
– Eg Object Oriented models such as Class diagrams,
ERD (database), Wire frame models (web site
interface)
3. Implementation/ test
– code, test, evaluate and install with documentation.
– Any Application Programming Interfaces used (API)
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.34

Data Science Lifecycle

 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.35

Research Projects
A Research project would be expected to include:
1. The Research Questions(s) / Objectives
2. Type of research (qualitative/ quantitative) & justification.
3. Literature Review
4. Data collection methods.
5. Sample size.
6. Method of analysis of data.
7. Explanation of how you will address ethical issues of Informed
consent, harm, privacy, deception, legal requirements, conflict
of interest (where appropriate)
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.36

Risk
Management
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.37

What is risk?
How is it measured?
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.38

Risk definition

“Risk is the chance of exposure to the

adverse consequences of future
events”

PRINCE2 ®
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.39

What risks can you see here?

A restaurant owner likes the idea of a

website and asks you to build one in the
next two months, but she is not sure of
what it should do.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.40

Major Sources of Risk

• Contractual/Environmental

• Management/Process

• Personnel

• Technical
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.41

Contractual/Environmental

There are many factors that cause this type of risk.

The one most relevant to a student project is……

An unreasonable customer
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.42

Management/Process

There are many factors that cause this type of risk.

Those most relevant to a student project are:
– Inadequate control of development products
– Problems and errors detected late
– Inadequate technical approaches
– Time management / estimation
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.43

Personnel
This type of risk is to do with people:

– Wrong grade
– Wrong training
– Wrong expertise
– Too many people
– Too few people
The above risks are not likely to occur on your project as YOU
are the only team member and you have been educated on
this NCC Education programme.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.44

Technical
• Requirement Changes
– Genuine changes of mind by the customer
– Hidden implications within requirements
• Failure to Meet Requirement
– Cannot produce a feasible design
– Complexity
– Acceptance test fails
• Problem or Error Detected
– Inconsistent design
– Missing component
– Inadequate time for testing
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.45

Analyse and prioritize Risks

• Identify
– What are the potential risks?
• Assess
– What is the likelihood of the risk occurring?
– What is the impact of the risk?
– Determine risk exposure level and prioritize
• Deal with risk
– What containment and/or contingency is
appropriate?
– Accept, Avoid, Control or Transfer
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.46

Containment vs. Contingency

• Containment
– Action taken before the risk occurs
– Might prevent the risk from occurring
– Should reduce the impact if the risk occurs

• Contingency
– Plan of action made before the risk occurs
– Alternative plan triggered by the risk occurring
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.47

How to display risks

Risk Impact Likelihood Severity Action/Contingency
Insufficient 3 3 9 Investigate cost & lead
disk space. time for upgrade.
Insufficient 2 2 4 (No action at present)
memory.
Version 2.0 of 9 3 27 Send Kami on early
the database training course.
is a bit buggy. Use version 1.0.
Requirements 8 5 40 Check on progress and
not too choose best areas for
detailed. phased delivery.
Users not 6 6 36 Check user plans
available for Use external testers.
CAT.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.48

Your Project Proposal

 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.49

Required contents of project proposal

1. Background
2. Aims, Objectives
3. Outline of proposed method of solution.
4. Risk Assessment:
– Risks: priorities and controls
5. Project plan: Gantt chart
6. Describe the project deliverables (artefacts).
See student guide for details and grading criteria

NB The project will not proceed until the plan is approved

by your supervisor.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.50

Summary
Key elements required to commence your project:
1. Selecting a project:
• Be realistic, select something you enjoy, discuss with your
tutor.
2. Project Planning
• Background, Aims, Objectives, Scope, Methods, Deliverables,
Prioritized risks, Gantt chart.
3. Project Proposal
• Start writing a draft.
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.51

Next Topic
Research
• What is Research?
– Research methods, purpose, validity, reliability, primary and
secondary research, Data collection and analysis
• What does research mean for the Business IT Project?
– Exploring the problem: background
– Exploring methods of solution and alternatives
– Documenting Research
• Where can I find appropriate information?
• Synthesising a course of action
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.52

Topic 1 – Introduction
Any Questions?
 Title
Introduction
of Topic Topic
Topic11-- 1.53

References
• Hughes, B. ed., (2019) Project-Management for
IT-Related Projects. 3rd Edn. Swindon: BCS
Learning & Development