Page 85 - Project+

new billing system? What functionality is missing from the existing system? What

business need or opportunity do they believe this new system will solve? These kinds of
questions will help you understand what is behind the new billing system request. If
your project requestor is concerned about the number of customer calls related to
general billing questions, the best solution might not be a new system but rather a
clearer explanation of the charges. If they are interested in a new look and feel for the

bill, you may be dealing with requirements that range from reformatting the current
bill data to using a different paper to print bills. Numerous business needs may cause
your customer to want a “new billing system,” but many of them may have nothing to
do with developing an entirely new application. That is why a good project manager
asks questions to uncover what is behind a request. Lack of up-front clarification and
problem definition has been the downfall of numerous projects. Do not assume that a
customer-requested solution is always the best solution until you understand the
business need.

Documenting the High-Level Scope Definition

Once you understand the answers to the questions posed in the previous section, you
should have a good understanding of the goals and objectives of the project. You can
document the reason for the project, state the problem you’re trying to solve, and
provide a high-level description of some of the deliverables needed to make the project

a success. This information will serve as a basis for the project charter, which you’ll
learn about in the next chapter.

Next you’ll begin a case study that will continue throughout the remainder of the book.
The case study will outline the concepts you’ve learned in the chapter and walk you
through a simulated project based in a fictitious business.

Main Street Office Move

This case study will appear throughout the remainder of the book. It’s designed to
review the use of most of the project management elements covered, using
information from each chapter you read.

Your organization is moving all their offices to a new, centralized location.
Currently, there are staff members in three different buildings located throughout

the city. You are the project manager and will coordinate, communicate, and
manage all aspects of the project.

Your project sponsor is Kate Anderson. She is the CFO and wrote the business case
for this project. Kate sent you a copy of the business case to review. You picked out
a few key points on first reading: The move will be completed by December 31.
There should be minimal disruption to employees. The cost benefit to the

organization is significant because the new building is energy efficient and, more

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