B Group-9 Kiran Jacob Rituparna Dutta Ritesh Agarwal Ramanathan K Sunam Pal Punneet K Operational & Financial Strategies of Adobe REPORT ON Business Strategy
Jan 19, 2015
B
Group-9
Kiran Jacob
Rituparna Dutta
Ritesh Agarwal
Ramanathan K
Sunam Pal
Punneet K
Operational & Financial Strategies of Adobe
REPORT ON Business Strategy
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Table of Contents
Chapter-1 .................................................................................................................. 7
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 7
1.1 About Adobe:- ................................................................................................ 7
1.2 History of Adobe: ........................................................................................... 8
1.3 Products of Adobe: ........................................................................................ 9
1.3.1 Desktop software: ................................................................................ 9
1.3.2 Server software: ..................................................................................10
1.3.3 Formats ................................................................................................10
1.3.4 Web-hosted services: .........................................................................10
1.3.5 Web design programs: ......................................................................10
1.3.6 Video editing and visual effects: .....................................................10
1.3.7 eLearning software: ...........................................................................10
CHAPTER-2 ...........................................................................................................11
PROJECT OPERATIONAL STRATIGIES .....................................................11
2.1 Software Development Lifecycle: ..............................................................11
2.1.1 Planning: .............................................................................................12
2.1.2 Implementation, testing and documenting: ..................................12
2.1.3 Deployment and maintenance .........................................................12
2.2 Software Project Management Plan: .........................................................14
2.2.1 Software Project: ................................................................................14
2.2.2 Project Management Activities: .......................................................15
2.2.3 SPMP Part 1: Introduction ................................................................16
2.2.4 SPMP Part 2: Project Organization:.................................................17
2.4 Software Development Models: ................................................................17
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2.4.1 Waterfall model: .................................................................................18
2.4.2 Spiral model: .......................................................................................18
2.5 Security in IT System: ..................................................................................19
2.6 ERP System in Projects: ...............................................................................21
2.7 SOFTWARE REUSABILITY: ......................................................................22
2.8 Project Control cycle ....................................................................................23
2.9 Project Monitoring .......................................................................................23
2.10 Project Metrics, Measurement & Analysis .............................................24
2.10.1 Benefits ..............................................................................................24
2.11 Project Review ............................................................................................25
2.11.1 Group review ...................................................................................25
2.11.2 One person review ...........................................................................25
2.11.3 Peer review .......................................................................................26
2.11.4 Management review ........................................................................26
2.11.5 External review ................................................................................26
2.12 Program & Portfolio Management .........................................................26
2.12.1 Program Management ....................................................................27
2.12.2 Portfolio Management ....................................................................27
2.13 PMO .............................................................................................................28
2.13.1 Strategic PMO ...................................................................................28
2.13.2 Tactical PMO ....................................................................................29
2.14 Resource Levelling .....................................................................................29
2.15 Resource Smoothing ..................................................................................31
2.16 Crashing a project schedule .....................................................................31
2.16.1 Techniques of crashing ...................................................................32
2.16.2 Key aspects while crashing a project schedule ...............................32
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2.16.3 Risks involved in crashing a project schedule ............................33
2.17 Project Compressing ..................................................................................33
2.18 Project Risks ................................................................................................34
2.18.1 Risk Identification .............................................................................34
2.18.2 Risk Prioritization .............................................................................34
2.18.3 Risk response planning ....................................................................35
2.18.4 Risk Management Approaches…….……………………………37
2.18.4.1 Risk Avoidance ...................................................................35
2.18.4.1 Risk Reduction ....................................................................36
2.18.4.1 Risk Transfer .......................................................................36
2.18.4.1 Risk Acceptance (Risk retention) ....................................36
2.19 Six Sigma Approach to Project .................................................................39
2.20 Total Quality Management (TQM) .........................................................40
2.20.1 Principles of TQM ............................................................................42
2.20.2 The Cost Of TQM .............................................................................43
2.21 Lean Approach ...........................................................................................44
2.22 RFP ...............................................................................................................46
12.22.1 Components of an RFP .................................................................47
12.22.3 Benefits of RFP ...............................................................................48
2.23 Project charter ................................................................................................48
2.24 Process Model ................................................................................................49
Chapter-3 ................................................................................................................51
Operational Modelling .........................................................................................51
3.1 Project Confidence Level ............................................................................51
3.2 Earned value Analysis ................................................................................52
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3.2.1 Effort variance ....................................................................................52
3.2.2 Schedule variance ..............................................................................52
3.3 Earned Value Management System (EVM) .............................................53
3.3.1 Planned Value (PV) ...........................................................................54
3.3.2 Actual Cost (AC) ................................................................................54
3.3.3 Earned Value (EV) .............................................................................54
3.3.4 Cost Variance (CV) ............................................................................54
3.3.5 Schedule Variance (SV) .....................................................................54
3.3.6 Cost Performance Index (CPI)` ........................................................54
3.3.7 Estimate at Completion (EAC) ........................................................54
3.3.8 Estimate to Complete (ETC) .............................................................55
3.3.9 Schedule Performance Index (SPI) ..................................................55
3.3.10 Variance at Completion (VAC) ......................................................55
3.4 Control charts for variables ........................................................................55
3.4.1 X bar Control Chart: ..........................................................................56
3.4.2 R Control Chart: .................................................................................57
3.4.3 Run Chart ............................................................................................57
3.4.4 Capability Study: ...............................................................................58
3.4.5 Control Limit Improvement .............................................................59
3.5 Customer Lifetime Value ( CLV ) .............................................................59
3.6 Sensitivity analysis (SA) ..............................................................................60
3.7 Gantt Chart ...................................................................................................60
3.8 PERT ...............................................................................................................63
3.9 CPM: Critical Path Method ........................................................................65
3.10 RACI Matrix ................................................................................................67
3.11 Work Breakdown Structure......................................................................69
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Chapter-4 ................................................................................................................72
Financial Strategies ..............................................................................................72
4.1 Project Cost estimation ................................................................................72
4.1.1 Ballpark Estimate ...............................................................................72
4.1.2 Budget estimate (Top-down estimate) ...........................................73
4.1.3 Definitive estimate (Bottom-up estimate) ......................................73
4.2 Project Capital Budgeting ...........................................................................74
4.2.1 Need for Project cost budgeting ......................................................75
4.3 Project Cost ...................................................................................................76
4.3.1 Basis of Costing ..................................................................................77
4.3.1.1 Costing based on resources.................................................77
4.3.1.2 Costing based on tasks ........................................................78
4.3.1.3 Costing based on usage ......................................................78
4.4 Project Contingency .....................................................................................78
4.5 Project Scheduling .......................................................................................79
4.5 Cost Forecasting ...........................................................................................80
Chapter-5 ................................................................................................................81
Financial Modelling ............................................................................................81
5.1 Contingency Calculation ............................................................................81
5.2 Net Present Value Method .........................................................................81
5.3 INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN METHOD ............................................83
5.4 PROFITABILITY INDEX ............................................................................84
5.5 Return On Investment .................................................................................85
5.6 Break Even Analysis ....................................................................................86
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5.7 Ratio Analysis ...............................................................................................87
5.7.1 Liquidity Ratios: .................................................................................87
5.7.2 Efficiency Ratios: ................................................................................90
5.7.3 Profitability Ratios: ............................................................................92
5.8 Cost Forecasting ...........................................................................................95
5.8.1 Regression analysis ............................................................................95
5.8.2 CAGR ...................................................................................................98
5.8.3 Moving Average ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8.4 WEIGHTED MOVING AVERAGE .................................................99
5.8.5 EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING ....................................................100
5.8.6 DOUBLE EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING...................................100
5.8.7 MULTIPLICATIVE SEASONAL METHOD ................................101
5.8.8 CAUSAL FORECASTING METHODS ........................................103
5.8.9 MEASURING FORECAST ERRORS ............................................103
Chapter-6 ..............................................................................................................105
Learning Outcome..............................................................................................105
6.1 Learning outcome from operational strategies .....................................105
6.2 Learning outcome from financial strategies ..........................................106
ANNEXURE ........................................................................................................107
Annexure-1 ........................................................................................................108
Annexure-2 ........................................................................................................109
REFERENCES .....................................................................................................107
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Chapter-1
Introduction
1.1 About Adobe:-
Adobe Systems Incorporated is an American computer software company founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Jose, California, United States.
The company has historically focused upon the creation of multimedia and creativity software products, with a more-recent foray towards rich Internet application software development.
Adobe was founded in December 1982 by John Warnock and Charles Geschke, who established the company after leaving Xerox PARC in order to develop and sell the PostScript page description language.
The company name Adobe comes from Adobe Creek in Los Altos, California, which ran behind the house of one of the company's founders.
Adobe acquired its former competitor, Macromedia, in December 2005, which added newer software products and platforms such as Coldfusion, Dreamweaver, Flash and Flex to its product portfolio.
As of August 2009, Adobe Systems has 7,564 employees, about 40% of whom work in San Jose. Adobe also has major development operations in Orlando, Seattle, San Francisco, Orem, Minneapolis, Waltham, San Luis Obispo in United States; Ottawa, Canada; Hamburg, Germany; Noida, Bengaluru, India; Bucharest, Romania; Beijing, China.
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1.2 History of Adobe:
Adobe's first products after PostScript were digital fonts, which they released in a proprietary format called Type 1.
Apple subsequently developed a competing standard, TrueType, which provided full scalability and precise control of the pixel pattern created by the font's outlines, and licensed it to Microsoft. Adobe responded by publishing the Type 1 specification and releasing Adobe Type Manager, software that allowed WYSIWYG scaling of Type 1 fonts on screen, like TrueType, although without the precise pixel-level control. But these moves were too late to stop the rise of TrueType.
Although Type 1 remained the standard in the graphics/publishing market, TrueType became the standard for business and the average Windows user. In 1996, Adobe and Microsoft announced the OpenType font format, and in 2003 Adobe completed converting its Type 1 font library to OpenType.
In the mid-1980s, Adobe entered the consumer software market with Adobe Illustrator, a vector-based drawing program for the Apple Macintosh. Illustrator, which grew from the firm's in-house font-development software, helped popularize PostScript-enabled laser printers. Unlike MacDraw, then the standard Macintosh vector drawing program, Illustrator described shapes with more flexible Bézier curves, providing unprecedented accuracy. Font rendering in Illustrator, however, was left to the Macintosh's QuickDraw libraries and would not be superseded by a PostScript-like approach until Adobe released Adobe Type Manager.
In 1989, Adobe introduced what was to become its flagship product, a graphics editing program for the Macintosh called Photoshop. Stable and full-featured, Photoshop 1.0 was ably marketed by Adobe and soon dominated the market.
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In 1993, Adobe introduced PDF, the Portable Document Format, and its Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. PDF is now an International Standard: ISO 32000-1:2008. The technology is adopted worldwide as a common medium for electronic documents.
Arguably, one of Adobe's few missteps on the Macintosh platform was their failure to develop their own desktop publishing (DTP) program. Instead, Aldus with PageMaker in 1985 and Quark with QuarkXPress in 1987 gained early leads in the DTP market.
Adobe was also slow to address the emerging Windows DTP market. However, Adobe made great strides in that market with the release of InDesign and its bundled Creative Suite offering. In a failure to predict the direction of computing, Adobe released a complete version of Illustrator for Steve Jobs' ill-fated NeXT system, but a poorly-produced version for Windows.
Despite these missteps, licensing fees from the PostScript interpreter allowed Adobe to outlast or acquire many of its rivals in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In December 1991, Adobe released Adobe Premiere, which Adobe rebranded to Adobe Premiere Pro in 2003. In 1994, Adobe acquired Aldus and added Adobe PageMaker and Adobe After Effects to its production line later in the year; it also controls the TIFF file format.
In 1995, Adobe added Adobe FrameMaker, the long-document DTP application, to its production line after Adobe acquired Frame Technology Corp. In 1999, Adobe introduced Adobe In Copy as a direct competitor to QuarkCopyDesk.
1.3 Products of Adobe:
1.3.1 Desktop software:
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator,
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Adobe Fireworks, and Adobe Sound booth.
1.3.2 Server software:
Adobe ColdFusion, Adobe Content Server and Adobe Lifecycle Enterprise Suite.
1.3.3 Formats
Portable Document Format (PDF), PDF's predecessor PostScript, Action Script, Shockwave Flash (SWF) and Flash Video (FLV).
1.3.4 Web-hosted services:
Adobe Kuler, Photoshop Express, and Acrobat.com.
1.3.5 Web design programs:
Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Contribute and Adobe Flash.
1.3.6 Video editing and visual effects:
Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe after Effects.
1.3.7 eLearning software:
Adobe Captivate.
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CHAPTER-2
PROJECT OPERATIONAL STRATIGIES
2.1 Software Development Lifecycle:
A software development process, also known as a software
development life cycle (SDLC), is a structure imposed on the development of a software product.
Similar terms include software life cycle and software process. It is often considered a subset of systems development life cycle.
There are several models for such processes, each describing approaches to a variety of tasks or activities that take place during the process.
Some people consider a lifecycle model a more general term and a software development process a more specific term.
For example, there are many specific software development processes that 'fit' the spiral lifecycle model.
ISO 12207 is an ISO standard for software lifecycle processes. It aims to be the standard that defines all the tasks required for developing and maintaining software.
Requirements Analysis
Implementation
Design
System Testing
Delivery and Installation
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2.1.1 Planning:
An important task in creating a software product is extracting the
requirements or requirements analysis.
Customers typically have an abstract idea of what they want as an end result,
but not what software should do.
Incomplete, ambiguous, or even contradictory requirements are recognized by
skilled and experienced software engineers at this point.
Frequently demonstrating live code may help reduce the risk that the
requirements are incorrect.
Once the general requirements are gathered from the client, an analysis of the
scope of the development should be determined and clearly stated. This is
often called a scope document.
Certain functionality may be out of scope of the project as a function of cost
or as a result of unclear requirements at the start of development.
If the development is done externally, this document can be considered a legal
document so that if there are ever disputes, any ambiguity of what was
promised to the client can be clarified.
2.1.2 Implementation, testing and documenting:
Implementation is the part of the process where software engineers actually
program the code for the project.
Software testing is an integral and important phase of the software
development process. This part of the process ensures that defects are
recognized as soon as possible.
Documenting the internal design of software for the purpose of future
maintenance and enhancement is done throughout development. This may
also include the writing of an API, be it external or internal. It is very
important to document everything in the project.
2.1.3 Deployment and maintenance
Deployment starts after the code is appropriately tested, is approved for
release and sold or otherwise distributed into a production environment.
Software Training and Support is important and a lot of developers fail to
realize that. It would not matter how much time and planning a development
team puts into creating software if nobody in an organization ends up using it.
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People are often resistant to change and avoid venturing into an unfamiliar
area, so as a part of the deployment phase, it is very important to have training
classes for new clients of your software.
Maintaining and enhancing software to cope with newly discovered.
Problems or new requirements can take far more time than the initial
development of the software.
It may be necessary to add code that does not fit the original design to correct
an unforeseen problem or it may be that a customer is requesting more
functionality and code can be added to accommodate their requests. If the
labour cost of the maintenance phase exceeds 25% of the prior-phases' labour
cost, then it is likely that the overall quality of at least one prior phase is poor.
In that case, management should consider the option of rebuilding the system
(or portions) before maintenance cost is out of control.
Requirements Analysis
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2.2 Software Project Management Plan:
2.2.1 Software Project:
All technical and managerial activities required to deliver the deliverables to the client.
A software project has a specific duration, consumes resources and produces work products.
Management categories to complete a software project:
Tasks, Activities, Functions.
The controlling document for a software project. Specifies the technical and managerial approaches to develop
the software product. Companion document to requirements analysis document:
Changes in either may imply changes in the other document. SPMP may be part of project agreement.
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2.2.2 Project Management Activities:
Initiation
Project kickoff
Team formation
Communication
infrastructure setup
Problem statement definition
Initial milestones Planning
Initial top-level Design
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2.2.3 SPMP Part 1: Introduction
1.1 Project Overview:
Executive summary: description of project, product summary
1.2 Project Deliverables:
All items to be delivered, including delivery dates and location
Installation
Steady
Termina
Client Postmortem
Project
agreement Project
replanning
Status
monitoring Risk
management
Project
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1.3 Evolution of the SPMP:
Plans for anticipated and unanticipated change
1.4 Reference Materials:
Complete list of materials referenced in SPMP
1.5 Definitions and Acronyms
2.2.4 SPMP Part 2: Project Organization:
2.1 Process Model:
Relationships among project elements
2.2 Organizational Structure:
Internal management, organization chart
2.3 Organizational Interfaces:
Relations with other entities
2.4 Project Responsibilities:
Major functions and activities; nature of each; who‘s in charge.
2.4 Software Development Models:
Several models exist to streamline the development process. Each one has its pros and cons, and it's up to the development team
to adopt the most appropriate one for the project. Sometimes a combination of the models may be more suitable.
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2.4.1 Waterfall model:
The waterfall model shows a process, where developers are to follow these phases in order:
Requirements specification (Requirements analysis)
Software Design
Integration
Testing (or Validation)
Deployment (or Installation)
Maintenance
In a strict Waterfall model, after each phase is finished, it proceeds to the next one.
Reviews may occur before moving to the next phase which allows for the possibility of changes (which may involve a formal change control process).
Reviews may also be employed to ensure that the phase is indeed complete; the phase completion criteria are often referred to as a "gate" that the project must pass through to move to the next phase.
Waterfall discourages revisiting and revising any prior phase once it's complete. This "inflexibility" in a pure Waterfall model has been a source of criticism by supporters of other more "flexible" models.
2.4.2 Spiral model:
The key characteristic of a Spiral model is risk management at regular stages in the development cycle.
In 1988, Barry Boehm published a formal software system development "spiral model", which combines some key aspect of the waterfall model and rapid prototyping methodologies, but provided emphasis in a key area many felt had been neglected by other methodologies: deliberate iterative risk analysis, particularly suited to large-scale complex systems.
The Spiral is visualized as a process passing through some number of iterations, with the four quadrant diagram representative of the following activities:
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formulate plans to: identify software targets, selected to implement the program, clarify the project development restrictions;
Risk analysis: an analytical assessment of selected programs, to consider how to identify and eliminate risk;
the implementation of the project: the implementation of software development and verification;
Risk-driven spiral model, emphasizing the conditions of options and constraints in order to support software reuse, software quality can help as a special goal of integration into the product development. However, the spiral model has some restrictive conditions, as follows:
The spiral model emphasizes risk analysis, and thus requires customers to accept this analysis and act on it. This requires both trust in the developer as well as the willingness to spend more to fix the issues, which is the reason why this model is often used for large-scale internal software development.
If the implementation of risk analysis will greatly affect the profits of the project, the spiral model should not be used.
Software developers have to actively look for possible risks, and analyze it accurately for the spiral model to work.
The first stage is to formulate a plan to achieve the objectives with these constraints, and then strive to find and remove all potential risks through careful analysis and, if necessary, by constructing a prototype. If some risks can not be ruled out, the customer has to decide whether to terminate the project or to ignore the risks and continue anyway. Finally, the results are evaluated and the design of the next phase begins.
2.5 Security in IT System:
Information security means protecting information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, perusal, inspection, recording or destruction.
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The terms information security, computer security and information assurance are frequently incorrectly used interchangeably. These fields are interrelated often and share the common goals of protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information; however, there are some subtle differences between them.
These differences lie primarily in the approach to the subject, the methodologies used, and the areas of concentration. Information security is concerned with the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data regardless of the form the data may take: electronic, print, or other forms.
Computer security can focus on ensuring the availability and correct operation of a computer system without concern for the information stored or processed by the computer.
Should confidential information about a business' customers or finances or new product line fall into the hands of a competitor, such a breach of security could lead to lost business, law suits or even
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bankruptcy of the business. Protecting confidential information is a business requirement, and in many cases also an ethical and legal requirement.
For the individual, information security has a significant effect on privacy, which is viewed very differently in different cultures.
The field of information security has grown and evolved significantly in recent years. There are many ways of gaining entry into the field as a career. It offers many areas for specialization including: securing network(s) and allied infrastructure, securing applications and databases, security testing, information systems auditing, business continuity planning and digital forensics science, etc.
2.6 ERP System in Projects:
ERP‘s best hope for demonstrating value is as a sort of battering RAM for improving the way your company takes a customer order and processes it into an invoice and revenue—otherwise known as the order fulfillment process. That is why ERP is often referred to as back-office software.
It doesn‘t handle the up-front selling process (although most ERP vendors have developed CRM software or acquired pure-play CRM providers that can do this); rather, ERP takes a customer order and provides a software road map for automating the different steps along the path to fulfilling it.
When a customer service representative enters a customer order into an ERP system, he has all the information necessary to complete the order (the customer‘s credit rating and order history from the finance module, the company‘s inventory levels from the warehouse module and the shipping dock‘s trucking schedule from the logistics module, for example).
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2.7 SOFTWARE REUSABILITY:
There are at least 15 different software artifacts that lend themselves to
reusability. Unfortunately, much of the literature on software reuse has
concentrated only on reusing source code. Following are the 15 artifacts
that are potentially reusable for software projects:
1. Reusable architecture 2. Reusable requirements 3. Reusable source code (zero defects) 4. Reusable designs 5. Reusable HELP information 6. Reusable data 7. Reusable training materials 8. Reusable cost estimates 9. Reusable screens 10. Reusable project plans 11. Reusable test plans 12. Reusable test cases 13. Reusable test scripts 14. Reusable user documents 15. Reusable human interfaces
Software reuse is a key factor in reducing costs and schedules and
improving quality. If the quality levels of the reusable materials are good,
then reusability has one of the highest returns on investment of any known
software technology. The average volume of high-quality reusable material
in typical applications today is less than 25%. What is needed is a step-by-
step plan that will raise the volume of high-quality reusable material up to
more than 85% on average, and more than 95% for common applications
types.
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2.8 Project Control cycle
2.9 Project Monitoring
Key aspects of project monitoring is Visibility of project status. The project
managers need to have visibility into the true status of the project. The best
approach for this is the quantitative measurement of key parameters. The
usage of metrics helps to provide this visibility Interpretation of data and
taking corrective actions This data collection to provide feedback about the
current state and any required corrective actions constitute the basic
foundation for project management.
Based on the feedback received and analyzed, corrective action needs to be
taken. The plan for taking corrective action includes description of the
action, person to whom action has been assigned, planned date for initiating
the action, target closure date, and actual date of closure of the action item.
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2.10 Project Metrics, Measurement & Analysis
In a project, measurements are performed to control the project effectively.
Metrics could be used to quantitatively characterize the processes in the
project (Process metrics) or the outcome of the project (product
metrics).Metrics in a project could be related to Quality, Reliability,
Productivity, Functionality, etc.
The utilization of metrics requires that measurements need to be made for
obtaining data. The metrics to be used and the measurements to consider
depend on the project and the organizational goals.
Examples of metrics include:
Size of the project
Schedule variance (schedule deviation)
Effort variance (efforts deviation)
2.10.1 Benefits
A collaborative project management system facilitated managers to view metrics
It also enabled creation of schedules with a view of resources allocated across projects and across the whole organization
It enabled team members, team leaders, and project managers to quickly complete reporting on Earned Value metrics much faster. The automation of earned value analysis helped team leaders and project managers since they needed to spend less time in analyzing the status and performance of the project. This enabled them to have more time available for billable hours in the project.
The project managers were able to know the project status metrics in a real time manner.
Apart from improved productivity, automation in metrics reporting also helped project managers to quickly take decisions leading to reduced project budget and cost overruns. This in turn translated to increased profitability of the projects
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Let us consider two important aspects in project monitoring namely Effort variance and Schedule variance.
2.11 Project Review
2.11.1 Group review
A formal group review is one of the best methods for identifying defects and is
also called as inspection.
2.11.2 One person review
These are formal reviews, but the effort and cost involved in review is less since a
large review team is not involved.
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2.11.3 Peer review
Peer review for a project is done by peer professionals (e.g., senior project
managers) to give feedback and advice to the project. They could provide advice
based on their experience in other projects
2.11.4 Management review
These types of reviews involve the senior management. These reviews do not
involve review of specific work-products. The objective of these reviews is to
review the status of the project and to see if any help is required to be provided by
the management. These reviews could happen at various levels such as project,
program, unit/department, and organizational levels.
2.11.5 External review
External reviews involve conduct of review by an external organization. Audits
are one type of reviews. In the case of audits, external auditors review the project
to assess the conformance to the standards that are expected to be followed. The
auditor could have a look at the planning documents, work products, processes
followed, etc. and identify non-conformances to the standards
2.12 Program & Portfolio Management
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2.12.1 Program Management
A Program is a group of related projects managed in a coordinated
manner.
A Program manager leads a team of Project managers / project leaders
who are responsible for the individual projects within the program.
As an example, if there are 5 small projects getting executed within the
same domain and for a specific customer, it could be grouped as a
Program.
The grouping of similar projects as a program could help in considering
the customer requirements from an overall perspective, greater
customer focus, improved sharing of resources among projects, etc.
2.12.2 Portfolio Management
Let us consider an organization working on several projects and there
are an additional 20 projects in the pipeline which need to be taken up.
If the funding that is available will support only a few additional
projects, how does the organization decide which of the 20 projects are
to be executed subsequently?.
This is the concept of portfolio management. In Portfolio management,
the focus is at a more aggregate level.
Portfolio management of projects helps in determining the right mix of
projects and the right level of investment to be made in each of them for
the achievement of organizational objectives. Portfolio decisions such as
whether it is required to fund a new project or continue to finance an
existing one are based on information provided at the project level.
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2.13 PMO
PMO (Project Management Office)
Provides support for managing a multi-project environment
Focus areas of PMO
▪ Coordination and Communication on the entire set of programs and
projects in the organization
▪ Function as a center of knowledge and provide training, leadership,
mentoring, best practices, methodologies and standards for project
governance, etc.
▪ Provide support to project managers in the execution of the project
▪ Provide monitoring and coordination for on-time delivery of projects
and within budget
▪ Facilitate in measuring the returns in comparison with the risk
▪ Facilitate optimized resource allocation
▪ Reporting on schedules, cost, risks, resources, quality, and scope
across all the projects
▪ Provide necessary information for executive decision-making
▪ Provide help in prioritizing and balancing project initiatives
Roles of PMO
2.13.1 Strategic PMO
The PMO works towards supporting prioritization of projects,
management of project performance, and realization of benefits. A
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Strategic PMO helps to take strategic decisions on important projects
and to help in planning for investments in the overall project portfolio.
2.13.2 Tactical PMO
The PMO provides support to projects in various areas of execution
and provides information needed for decision making at the
operational level.
Responsibility of PMO
Plan, Coordinate, Supervise, and monitor the various projects in an
organization
Link the projects of the organization and business strategy
Function as an operational center and provide support to the projects
Serve as an enabler in the delivery of projects
Monitor the outcome of projects and communicate the status to the
senior management
Advise and support project managers
Facilitate enhanced communication and coordination across projects
2.14 Resource Leveling
Resource leveling
Match resource requirements of the project with the availability of
resources
Optimize resource allocation for projects or activities
During the process of estimating resources for performing activities, the
type and number of resources required for each activity are identified.
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The total number of resources required for performing an activity at a
specific point of time is called as ‗Resource intensity‘.
Resource leveling techniques are used to match the resource
requirements of the project with the availability of resources.
Resource leveling is an important aspect, especially when there is a
requirement to assign resources to multiple activities or multiple
projects that need to be executed in parallel
This is required to optimize the allocation of resources for projects or
activities
When there are problems in the availability of resources and hiring of
external resources is not feasible within the project budget, the following
options could be considered:
Allocation of the resources to activities having higher priority and
staggering the dates of other activities (this helps to reduce the resource
intensity)
Utilization of different, underutilized types of resources for some
activities (however, in some cases this may not be possible)
In the scenario relating to requirement of 20 designers as discussed
earlier, let us consider a situation in which only 15 designers are
available in a particular week. Assuming that Activity ‗B‘ is most
critical, five designers could be allocated to this activity to ensure that
there is no impact in its duration and sequencing. The remaining 10
designers who are currently available could be allocated based on the
importance of the remaining three activities, resource requirements for
succeeding activities, etc.
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2.5 Resource Smoothing
In a project-based structure, proper utilization of resources is required to
maintain a balance between the demand for resources and its availability.
This could be achieved through resource smoothing.
Resource smoothing is a type of resource leveling. The focus is to maintain
the most efficient utilization of the pool of types of resources across the
project. This is done by smoothing out the peaks (highs) and valleys (lows)
in the resource intensity. It helps to make the demand for resource types to
be more level across time durations by working within the float of
individual activities.
Example
A project has 9 units of a specific resource available at any point of time.
The resources could be utilized such that 4 resources are used in one week,
9 in the other, 3 in the next, and so on for completion of an activity in the
project. In this case, there is a series of peaks and lows in the resource
deployment. We could consider ―smoothing‖ such that 7 resources are
utilized across various weeks for completion of the activity. However, it is
required to consider which particular resource(s) should be given a priority
in the ―resource smoothing‖ process.
2.16 Crashing a project schedule
Any activity would require a specific duration (days or weeks or months)
for its completion. In other words, this is the normal time required for the
activity to be completed. The time required for completing the activity
could be reduced but this would increase the cost. This concept of getting
an activity completed quickly using alternate ways which would cost more
money is called as ‗Crashing‘
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2.16.1 Techniques of crashing
Increasing number of resources
This is a common method deployed for project schedule crashing. It
involves adding more resources to the project to achieve reduction in the
time taken to perform the individual activities in the project. However, the
issues in increasing the number of resources include:
Learning curve for the new resources (which consumes time)
Competency level of the new resources
Existing resources need to spend time to guide the new resources
Fast tracking
This involves performing tasks in an overlapping manner instead of
sequentially executing them as planned initially. Fast tracking could also
involve reduction of lag time between tasks, scope reduction to eliminate
less important tasks, etc.
2.16.2 Key aspects to be considered while crashing a project schedule
Attaining maximum reduction in schedule time at minimum cost
Crashing only the critical activities
Crashing from the least expensive to the most expensive tasks
Crashing an activity only until it reaches maximum reduction in time
Crashing an activity until it causes another path also to become critical
Crashing the schedule until it becomes more expensive than not
crashing it (i.e. leaving the schedule as it is)
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2.16.3 Risks involved in crashing a project schedule
Budget-related risk: Since more resources have been added to the
project, the project will be beyond the budget
Coordination-related risk: Increasing the number of resources could
result in increase of communication-related challenges
People-related risk: Existing people could get de-motivated since the
tasks assigned to them initially are being assigned to the new resources
2.17 Project Compressing
Compressing a project schedule involves conducting project activities in
parallel. Similar to crashing, compression also cannot be applied to all
activities of a project. Coordination could become an issue when a project
schedule is compressed. However, compression of a project schedule is
better than crashing it since the risk involved is less.
As an example, let us consider a scenario from the construction
industry.
Let us assume that it takes 20 days for the process of purchasing bricks
to be completed. The purchase of bricks could be done while the
foundation activity is in progress. This would reduce the waiting time
for bricks to be made available. This would help in compressing the
overall construction schedule. However, it is not possible to compress
the project schedule by planning to lay the roofing when the
construction of walls is in progress.
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2.18 Project Risks
Risks could impact the schedule, cost, or the project‘s outcome. Early
identification of risks facilitates in handling them better. All identified risks
need to be managed adequately .Monitoring closed risks reduces the
probability of its recurrence. Risks need to be communicated to
stakeholders in a project so that they could also help in managing the risks
Steps in Risk Management
2.18.1 Risk Identification
To list possible risks in a project
2.18.2 Risk Prioritization
Analysis of potential impact of a risk if it actually occurs.
Provides information to help focus on important risks.
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Risk exposure is used to prioritize risks
▪ Risk Exposure (RE) = Probability of occurrence of risk x Loss due
to risk
2.18.3 Risk response planning
Identification of actions (mitigation steps) required for minimizing
the consequences of the risks
Incorporation of the mitigation steps into the project schedule
Risk monitoring and tracking
Monitoring and tracking risk perception for the project
Tracking progress of risk mitigation steps
2.18.4 Risk Management Approaches
2.18.4.1 Risk Avoidance
Not performing an activity to avoid risks
Avoiding all risks, we would also avoid all opportunities for
achievement.
Further, if we avoid doing the activity itself considering that it has
risks involved, we may not be able to do any activity in our day-
to-day life.
As an example, it is not possible to avoid traveling by flight
because there are risks such as the possibility of occurrence of a
crash, mid-air collisions, bird-hits, etc.
An example for risk avoidance could be avoiding setting up an
industry in an earthquake prone area to avoid the risk of damage
due to occurrence of an earthquake
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In the Metro project discussed, risk avoidance could be adopted
by shifting the position of the line for the metro away from
underground water pipelines so that damage during digging
could be avoided.
2.18.4.1 Risk Reduction
Adopting mechanisms or methods to reduce potential loss
associated with a particular risk.
Though the risk cannot be totally avoided, it helps to minimize the
impact / consequences of the risk.
Example
The availability of fire alarms and fire safety equipment in a
building is an example of risk reduction. These cannot
prevent or avoid a fire from happening, but could help in
reducing the loss if a fire breaks out
The Metro project example
The risk of road traffic being disrupted during construction
of the metro could be reduced by planning and setting up an
alternate road for vehicle movement.
2.18.4.1 Risk Transfer
Transferring the impact / consequence of a risk to another entity
Once the risk is transferred, the transferor of the risk need not worry
about the consequences of the risk since these will be addressed by the
transferee
2.18.4.1 Risk Acceptance (Risk retention)
Accepting the risk that has been identified
This is also known as Risk Retention. It involves simply accepting
the risk that has been identified.
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The risk is accepted without adopting any methods to prevent or
minimize the probability of occurrence of the risk or the associated
loss if it occurs.
A risk acceptance approach is usually used in any of the following
cases:
Risks that do not result in a great extent of loss if they occur
Risks that are very difficult to prevent from occurring
Risks that would be more costly to manage than to accept
and allow them to occur
2.18.5 Best Practice Risk Management
Framework for Risk Management can be benchmarked in terms of:
» Policies
» Methodologies
» Resources
2.18.6 Categories of variation
» Within-piece variation
» One portion of surface is rougher than another portion.
» A piece-to-piece variation
» Variation among pieces produced at the same time.
» Time-to-time variation
» Service given early would be different from that given later in the
day.
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2.18.7 Source of variation
» Equipment
» Tool wear, machine vibration, …
» Material
» Raw material quality
» Environment
» Temperature, pressure, humidity
» Operator
» Operator performs- physical & emotional
2.18.8 Control Chart Viewpoint
Control charts are powerful aids to understanding the performance of a
process over time. Variation due to
Common or chance causes
Assignable causes
Control chart may be used to discover ―assignable causes‖
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2.19 Six Sigma Approach to Project
Business Definition
A break through strategy to significantly improve customer satisfaction and
shareholder value by reducing variability in every aspect of business.
Technical Definition
A statistical term signifying 3.4 defects per million opportunities.
• Degree of variation;
• Level of performance in terms of defects;
• Statistical measurement of process capability;
• Benchmark for comparison;
• Process improvement methodology;
• It is a Goal;
• Strategy for change;
• A commitment to customers to achieve an acceptable level of performance
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2.20 Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM) is an approach that seeks to improve quality and performance which will meet or exceed customer expectations. This can be achieved by integrating all quality-related functions and processes throughout the company. TQM looks at the overall quality measures used by a company including managing quality design and development, quality control and maintenance, quality improvement, and quality assurance. TQM takes into account all quality measures taken at all levels and involving all company employees.
At its core, Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach to long-term success through customer satisfaction.
In a TQM effort, all members of an organization participate in improving processes, products, services and the culture in which they work.
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The methods for implementing this approach come from the teachings of such quality leaders as Philip B. Crosby, W. Edwards Deming, Armand V. Feigenbaum, Kaoru Ishikawa and Joseph M. Juran.
A core concept in implementing TQM is Deming‘s 14 points, a set of management practices to help companies increase their quality and productivity:
1. Create constancy of purpose for improving products and services. 2. Adopt the new philosophy. 3. Cease dependence on inspection to achieve quality. 4. End the practice of awarding business on price alone; instead,
minimize total cost by working with a single supplier. 5. Improve constantly and forever every process for planning,
production and service. 6. Institute training on the job. 7. Adopt and institute leadership. 8. Drive out fear. 9. Break down barriers between staff areas. 10. Eliminate slogans, exhortations and targets for the workforce. 11. Eliminate numerical quotas for the workforce and numerical goals
for management.
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12. Remove barriers that rob people of pride of workmanship, and eliminate the annual rating or merit system.
13. Institute a vigorous program of education and self-improvement for everyone.
14. Put everybody in the company to work accomplishing the transformation.
The term ―Total Quality Management‖ has lost favor in the United States in recent years: ―Quality management‖ is commonly substituted. ―Total Quality Management,‖ however, is still used extensively in Europe.
2.20.1 Principles of TQM
TQM can be defined as the management of initiatives and procedures that are aimed at achieving the delivery of quality products and services. A number of key principles can be identified in defining TQM, including:
Executive Management – Top management should act as the main driver for TQM and create an environment that ensures its success.
training – Employees should receive regular training on the methods and concepts of quality.
Customer Focus – Improvements in quality should improve customer satisfaction.
Decision Making – Quality decisions should be made based on measurements.
Methodology and Tools – Use of appropriate methodology and tools ensures that non-conformances are identified, measured and responded to consistently.
Continuous Improvement – Companies should
continuously work towards improving manufacturing and quality procedures.
Company Culture – The culture of the company should aim at developing employees ability to work together to improve quality.
Employee Involvement – Employees should be encouraged to be pro-active in identifying and addressing quality related problems.
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2.20.2 The Cost Of TQM
Many companies believe that the costs of the introduction of TQM are far greater than the benefits it will produce. However research across a number of industries has costs involved in doing nothing, i.e. the direct and indirect costs of quality problems, are far greater than the costs of implementing TQM.
The American quality expert, Phil Crosby, wrote that many companies chose to pay for the poor quality in what he referred to as the ―Price of Nonconformance‖. The costs are identified in the Prevention, Appraisal, Failure (PAF) Model.
Prevention costs are associated with the design, implementation and maintenance of the TQM system. They are planned and incurred before actual operation, and can include:
Product Requirements – The setting specifications for incoming materials, processes, finished products/services.
Quality Planning – Creation of plans for quality, reliability, operational, production and inspections.
Quality Assurance – The creation and maintenance of the quality system. Training – The development, preparation and maintenance of processes.
Appraisal costs are associated with the vendors and customers evaluation of purchased materials and services to ensure they are within specification. They can include:
Verification – Inspection of incoming material against agreed upon specifications.
Quality Audits – Check that the quality system is functioning correctly. Vendor Evaluation – Assessment and approval of vendors.
Failure costs can be split into those resulting from internal and external failure. Internal failure costs occur when results fail to reach quality
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standards and are detected before they are shipped to the customer. These can include:
Waste – Unnecessary work or holding stocks as a result of errors, poor organization or communication.
Scrap – Defective product or material that cannot be repaired, used or sold.
Rework – Correction of defective material or errors. Failure Analysis – This is required to establish the causes of internal
product failure.
External failure costs occur when the products or services fail to reach quality standards, but are not detected until after the customer receives the item. These can include:
Repairs – Servicing of returned products or at the customer site. Warranty Claims – Items are replaced or services re-performed under
warranty. Complaints – All work and costs associated with dealing with customer‘s
complaints. Returns – Transportation, investigation and handling of returned items.
2.21 Lean Approach
Lean manufacturing, lean enterprise, or lean production, often simply,
"Lean," is a production practice that considers the expenditure of resources
for any goal other than the creation of value for the end customer to be
wasteful, and thus a target for elimination. Working from the perspective
of the customer who consumes a product or service, "value" is defined as
any action or process that a customer would be willing to pay for.
Essentially, lean is centered on preserving value with less work. Lean
manufacturing is a management philosophy derived mostly from
the Toyota Production System (TPS) (hence the term Toyotism is also
prevalent) and identified as "Lean" only in the 1990s. TPS is renowned for
its focus on reduction of the original Toyota seven wastes to improve
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overall customer value, but there are varying perspectives on how this is
best achieved. The steady growth of Toyota, from a small company to the
world's largest automaker, has focused attention on how it has achieved
this.
Lean manufacturing is a variation on the theme of efficiency based on
optimizing flow; it is a present-day instance of the recurring theme in
human history toward increasing efficiency, decreasing waste, and using
empirical methods to decide what matters, rather than uncritically
accepting pre-existing ideas. As such, it is a chapter in the larger narrative
that also includes such ideas as the folk wisdom of thrift, time and motion
study, Taylorism, the Efficiency Movement, and Fordism. Lean
manufacturing is often seen as a more refined version of earlier efficiency
efforts, building upon the work of earlier leaders such as Taylor or Ford,
and learning from their mistakes.
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Lean for Production and Services
A popular misconception is that lean is suited only for manufacturing. Not true. Lean applies in every business and every process. It is not a tactic or a cost reduction program, but a way of thinking and acting for an entire organization. Businesses in all industries and services, including healthcare and governments, are using lean principles as the way they think and do. Many organizations choose not to use the word lean, but to label what they do as their own system, such as the Toyota Production System or the Danaher Business System. Why? To drive home the point that lean is not a program or short term cost reduction program, but the way the company operates. The word transformation or lean transformation is often used to characterize a company moving from an old way of thinking to lean thinking. It requires a complete transformation on how a company conducts business. This takes a long-term perspective and perseverance. The term "lean" was coined to describe Toyota's business during the late 1980s by a research team headed by Jim Womack, Ph.D., at MIT's International Motor Vehicle Program.
2.22 RFP
A request for proposal (RFP) is an early stage in
a procurement process, issuing an invitation for suppliers, often through
a bidding process, to submit a proposal on a specific commodity or service.
The RFP process brings structure to the procurement decision and allows
the risks and benefits to be identified clearly upfront. A request for
proposal (RFP) is a document that an organization posts to elicit bids from
potential vendors for a product or service.
The RFP may dictate to varying degrees the exact structure and
format of the supplier's response. Effective RFPs typically reflect the
strategy and short/long-term business objectives, providing detailed
insight upon which suppliers will be able to offer a matching perspective.
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For example, a new business or a business moving from a paper-
based system to a computer-based system might request proposals for all
the hardware, software, and user training required to establish and
integrate the new system into the organization. Another business might
draft an RFP for a custom-written computer application they wanted
to outsource.
The quality of an RFP is very important to successful project
management because it clearly delineates the deliverable RFQ) is
sometimes posted when the requirements are very clear-cut - for example,
in the purchase of hardware.
2.22.1 Components of an RFP
1) Background information about the company, business problem, and
the computing environment. It may also include results of any needs
assessment performed.
2) Schedule of important dates such as when the supplier‘s RFP
response is due, when the decision is expected, when the actual
purchase is expected, and when implementation is expected.
3) Contact names and sources for answering questions for the RFP.
4) Instructions for formatting the response to the RFP. Some RFPs
include an explicit description of what the supplier should and
should not include in their response.
5) Specific requirements being sought.
6) Technical requirements for the system, such as specifications for an
operating system or a network environment.
7) List of documents required as attachments, such as sample reports
and standard contract language.
8) Additional requirements for the selection process, such as supplier
presentations, supplier demonstrations, or on-site installation and
testing.
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2.22.3 Benefits of RFP
Informs suppliers that your company is looking to procure and
encourages them to make their best effort.
Requires the company to specify what it proposes to purchase. If
the requirements analysis has been prepared properly, it can be
incorporated quite easily into the Request document.
Alerts suppliers that the selection process is competitive.
Allows for wide distribution and response.
Ensures that suppliers respond factually to the identified
requirements.
By following a structured evaluation and selection procedure an
organization can demonstrate impartiality - a crucial factor in public
sector procurements
2.23 Project charter
In project management, a project charter or project definition is a
statement of the scope, objectives and participants in a project. It provides a
preliminary delineation of roles and responsibilities, outlines the project
objectives, identifies the main stakeholders, and defines the authority of the
project manager. It serves as a reference of authority for the future of the
project. The terms of reference are usually a part of the project charter.
The project charter is usually a short document that refers to more
detailed documents such as a new offering request or a request for
proposal. In Initiative for Policy Dialogue (IPD), this document is known as
the project charter. In customer relationship management (CRM), it is
known as the project definition report. Both IPD and CRM require this
document as part of the project management process.
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The project charter establishes the authority assigned to the project
manager, especially in a matrix management environment. It is considered
industry best practice. The purpose of the project charter is to document:
Reasons for undertaking the project
Objectives and constraints of the project
Directions concerning the solution
Identities of the main stakeholders
The main uses of the project charter are :
To initiate the project
To authorize the project - using a comparable format, projects can be
ranked and authorized by Return on investment
Serves as the primary sales document for the project – ranking
stakeholders have a 1-2 page summary to distribute, present, and
keep handy for fending off other project or operations runs at project
resources.
As a focus point throughout the project - for example: project as
people walk in to team meetings and use in change control meetings
to ensure tight scope management.
2.24 Process Model
The term process model is used in various contexts. For example,
in business process modeling the enterprise process model is often referred
to as the business process model. Process models are core concepts in the
discipline of process engineering.
Process models are processes of the same nature that are classified
together into a model. Thus, a process model is a description of a process at
the type level. Since the process model is at the type level, a process is an
instantiation of it. The same process model is used repeatedly for the
development of many applications and thus, has many instantiations. One
possible use of a process model is to prescribe how things
must/should/could be done in contrast to the process itself which is really
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what happens. A process model is roughly an anticipation of what the
process will look like. What the process shall be will be determined during
actual system development.
The goals of a process model are to be:
Descriptive
Track what actually happens during a process.
Take the point of view of an external observer who looks at the way a
process has been performed and determines the improvements that
must be made to make it perform more effectively or efficiently.
Prescriptive
Define the desired processes and how they should/could/might be
performed.
Establish rules, guidelines, and behavior patterns which, if followed,
would lead to the desired process performance. They can range from
strict enforcement to flexible guidance.
Explanatory
Provide explanations about the rationale of processes.
Explore and evaluate the several possible courses of action based on
rational arguments.
Establish an explicit link between processes and the requirements
that the model needs to fulfill.
Pre-defines points at which data can be extracted for reporting
purposes.
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Chapter-3
Operational Modeling
3.1 Project Confidence Level
• Based on our knowledge of the normal curve, a control chart exhibits a
state of control when:
• 34.13% of data lie between and 1 above the mean ().
• 34.13% between and 1 below the mean.
• Approximately two-thirds (68.28 %) within 1 of the mean. • 13.59% of the data lie between one and two standard deviations
• Finally, almost all of the data (99.74%) are within 3 of the mean.
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♥ Two thirds of all points are near the center value.
♥ The points appear to float back and forth across the centerline.
♥ The points are balanced on both sides of the centerline.
♥ No points beyond the control limits.
♥ No patterns or trends.
3.2 Earned value Analysis
3.2.1 Effort variance
The project is likely to be completed within the budget or The project is likely to cost 25% more than what was projected earlier‖, etc. Effort variance (in percentage) is computed using the following formula:
= (Actual effort –Planned effort) /Planned effort x 100 Let us consider a project that is estimated to require an effort of 1200 person-days (e.g. 4 persons working for 300 days, or 6 people working for 200 days, etc.). If it is now re-estimated based on current scenario in the project that it would required 1500 person-days of effort, let us compute the effort variance:
Effort variance = (1500 - 1200)/1200 x 100 = 25%
In other words, this project has consumed require 25% more effort than estimated
3.2.2 Schedule variance
Since projects are driven by schedules, deadlines, and milestones it is one of the key metrics. Usually, calendar time is used to measure the deviation (variance) in schedule.
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Schedule variance (in percentage) for an activity or for a project is computed using the following formula: Schedule variance
= (Actual duration –Planned duration) Planned duration /x 100 Let us consider that a project has been initially expected to be completed in 300 days. If it is now re-estimated that it would take 400 days to complete, the schedule variance is computed as follows:
Schedule variance = (400 –300) / 300 x 100 = 33.33%
In other words, the project would take 33.33% more time than initially estimated
3.3 Earned Value Management System (EVM)
A collection of management practices. A structured method for establishing a Performance Measurement Baseline
A structured method to measure and analyze performance The Earned Value Analysis (EVA) technique is widely used in assessing the performance of a project. EVA Considers three key aspects, namely
Planned Value (How much should we have done at point X?)
Actual Cost (Amount actually spent till date)
Earned Value (How much has actually been accomplished as on date; i.e. how much value has been realized)
Terminology Description Formula
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3.3.1 Planned Value (PV)
IndicateswhattheprojectshouldbeworthatthispointoftimeintheSchedule.ItisalsocalledasBCWS(BudgetedCostofWorkScheduled).
3.3.2 Actual Cost (AC)
It is the actual amount of money spent so far. It is also referred as ACWP (Actual Cost of Work Performed).
3.3.3 Earned Value (EV)
It is the actual work completed till date and the authorized budget for it. It is also known as BCWP (Budgeted Cost of Work Performed).
3.3.4 Cost Variance (CV)
It is the difference between the Earned value and Actual cost. A negative value indicates that there is a cost overrun in the project
CV = EV –AC
3.3.5 Schedule Variance (SV)
It is the difference between Earned Value and the Planned Value. A negative value indicates that there is Schedule overrun in the project
SV = EV –PV
3.3.6 Cost Performance Index (CPI)`
Cost Performance Index (CPI) is the ratio of Earned Value to the Actual cost. If CPI is less than 1, it indicates that the project is beyond the budget. Similarly, if CPI is greater than 1, it denotes that the project is within the budget
CPI = EV / AC
3.3.7 Estimate at Completion (EAC)
This indicates the estimated total cost (forecast) of the project at completion. It is a ratio of Budget at Completion to the Cost Performance Index
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EAC = BAC / CPI
3.3.8 Estimate to Complete (ETC)
This is the difference between the Estimate at Completion and the Actual Cost
ETC = EAC –AC
3.3.9 Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
Schedule Performance Index (CPI) is the ratio of Earned Value to the Planned Value. If SPI is less than 1, it indicates that the project is beyond schedule. Similarly, if SPI is greater than 1, it denotes that the project is within the schedule
SPI = EV / PV
3.3.10 Variance at Completion (VAC)
Variance at Completion is the difference between Budget at Completion and the Estimate at Completion. A negative VAC indicates that it is not a favorable scenario
VAC = BAC –EAC
3.4 Control charts for variables
X-bar chart
• In this chart the sample means are plotted in order to control the
mean value of a variable (e.g., size of piston rings, strength of
materials, etc.).
R chart
• In this chart, the sample ranges are plotted in order to control the
variability of a variable.
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S chart
• In this chart, the sample standard deviations are plotted in order to
control the variability of a variable.
S2 chart
• In this chart, the sample variances are plotted in order to control
the variability of a variable.
Centerline
• shows where the process average is centered or the central
tendency of the data
Upper control limit (UCL) and Lower control limit (LCL)
• describes the process spread
The Control Chart Method
3.4.1 X bar Control Chart:
UCL = XDmean + A2 x Rmean
LCL = XDmean - A2 x Rmean
CL = XDmean
4.94
4.96
4.98
5.00
5.02
5.04
5.06
5.08
5.10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Subgroup
X b
ar
LCL
CL
UCL
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3.4.2 R Control Chart:
UCL = D4 x Rmean
LCL = D3 x Rmean
CL = Rmean
3.4.3 Run Chart
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Subgroup
Range
LCL
CL
UCL
6.30
6.35
6.40
6.45
6.50
6.55
6.60
6.65
6.70
0 5 10 15 20 25
Subgroup number
Mea
n,
X-b
ar
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3.4.4 Capability Study:
PCR = (USL - LSL)/(6s); where s = Rmean /d2
deviation standard
3XLCL
3XUCL
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3.4.5 Control Limit Improvement
In certain cases, control limits are revised because:
1. out-of-control points were included in the calculation of the
control limits.
2. the process is in-control but the within subgroup variation
significantly improves.
3.5 Customer Lifetime Value ( CLV )
In marketing, customer lifetime value (CLV), lifetime customer value (LCV),
or lifetime value (LTV) is the net present value of the cash flows attributed to
the relationship with a customer
CLV = ∑
] power k
CLV: Customer Lifetime Value
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PC : Profit Contribution
d : Discount Rate
n : Number of years
k : Time unit
3.6 Sensitivity analysis (SA)
Sensitivity analysis (SA) is the study of how the variation (uncertainty) in the
output of a mathematical model can be apportioned, qualitatively or
quantitatively, to different sources of variation in the input of the model
I ( X )
O ( X, Y)
I ( Y )
If f ( x ) is altered, than to what degree O ( X,Y ) would change.
3.7 Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. Gantt
charts
illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and
summary elements of a project. Terminal elements and summary elements
comprise the work breakdown structure of the project. Some Gantt charts
also show the dependency (i.e., precedence network) relationships between
activities.
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A Gantt chart is a graphical representation of the duration of tasks
against the progression of time. A Gantt chart is a useful tool for planning
and scheduling projects.
A Gantt chart is helpful when monitoring a project's progress. A
Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. Gantt
charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and
summary elements of a project.
Terminal elements and summary elements comprise the work
breakdown structure of the project. Some Gantt charts also show the
dependency relationships between activities.
Gantt charts only represent part of the triple constraints (cost, time and
scope) of projects, because they focus primarily on schedule management.
Moreover, Gantt charts do not represent the size of a project or the relative
size of work elements, therefore the magnitude of a behind-schedule
condition is easily miscommunicated. If two projects are the same number
of days behind schedule, the larger project has a larger impact on resource
utilization, yet the Gantt does not represent this difference.
Example
In the following example there are seven tasks, labeled A through G.
Some tasks can be done concurrently (A and B) while others cannot be
done until their predecessor task is complete (C cannot begin until A is
complete). Additionally, each task has three time estimates: the optimistic
time estimate (O), the most likely or normal time estimate (M), and the
pessimistic time estimate (P). The expected time (TE) is computed using the
formula (O + 4M + P) ÷ 6.
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Activity Predecessor
Time estimates
Expected time
Opt. (O) Normal (M) Pess. (P)
A — 2 4 6 4.00
B — 3 5 9 5.33
C A 4 5 7 5.17
D A 4 6 10 6.33
E B, C 4 5 7 5.17
F D 3 4 8 4.50
G E 3 5 8 5.17
Once this step is complete, one can draw a Gantt chart or a network
diagram.
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Advantages of using Gantt charts
It provides a clear view of the sequence of tasks
The progress of a project is easily visible since we know where we
are and where we should be since a specific time duration is
allocated for each task
It enables us to clearly understand dependencies existing between
tasks
It helps us during the planning and execution of a project
It facilitates monitoring the project and ensuring that it is on track
3.8 PERT
A PERT chart is a graphic representation of a project‘s schedule,
showing the sequence of tasks, which tasks can be performed
simultaneously, and the critical path of tasks that must be completed on
time in order for the project to meet its completion deadline. The chart can
be constructed with a variety of attributes, such as earliest and latest start
dates for each task, earliest and latest finish dates for each task, and slack
time between tasks.
PERT is a method to analyze the involved tasks in completing a given
project, especially the time needed to complete each task, and identifying
the minimum time needed to complete the total project.
PERT was developed primarily to simplify the planning and
scheduling of large and complex projects. It was developed for the U.S.
Navy Special Projects Office in 1957 to support the U.S. Navy's Polaris
nuclear submarine project. It was able to incorporate uncertainty by
making it possible to schedule a project while not knowing precisely the
details and durations of all the activities.
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It is more of an event-oriented technique rather than start- and completion-
oriented, and is used more in projects where time, rather than cost, is the
major factor. It is applied to very large-scale, one-time, complex, non-
routine infrastructure and Research and Development projects. An
example of this was for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble which
applied PERT from 1965 until the opening of the 1968 Games. This project
model was the first of its kind, a revival for scientific management,
founded by Frederick Taylor and later refined by Henry Ford. A PERT
network chart for a seven-month project with five milestones (10 through
50) and six activities (A through F) is shown in the figure below.
A PERT chart can document an entire project or a key phase of a
project. The chart allows a team to avoid unrealistic timetables and
schedule expectations, to help identify and shorten tasks that are
bottlenecks, and to focus attention on most critical tasks.
A network diagram can be created by hand or by using diagram
software. There are two types of network diagrams, activity on arrow
(AOA) and activity on node (AON). Activity on node diagrams is generally
easier to create and interpret.
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Activity on arrow diagram (figure above)
Activity on node diagram (figure above)
3.9 CPM: Critical Path Method
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project modeling technique
developed in the late 1950s by Morgan R. Walker of DuPont and James E.
Kelley, Jr. of Remington Rand. Kelley and Walker related their memories of
the development of CPM in 1989. Kelley attributed the term "critical path"
to the developers of the Program Evaluation and Review Technique which
was developed at about the same time by Booz Allen Hamilton and the US
Navy. The precursors of what came to be known as Critical Path were
developed and put into practice by DuPont between 1940 and 1943 and
contributed to the success of the Manhattan Project.
CPM is commonly used with all forms of projects, including
construction, aerospace and defense, software development, research
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projects, product development, engineering, and plant maintenance,
among others. Any project with interdependent activities can apply this
method of mathematical analysis. Although the original CPM program and
approach is no longer used, the term is generally applied to any approach
used to analyze a project network logic diagram.
Originally, the critical path method considered only
logical dependencies between terminal elements. Since then, it has been
expanded to allow for the inclusion of resources related to each activity,
through processes called activity-based resource assignments and resource
leveling. A resource-leveled schedule may include delays due to resource
bottlenecks (i.e., unavailability of a resource at the required time), and may
cause a previously shorter path to become the longest or most "resource
critical" path. A related concept is called the critical chain, which attempts
to protect activity and project durations from unforeseen delays due to
resource constraints.
Since project schedules change on a regular basis, CPM allows
continuous monitoring of the schedule, allows the project manager to track
the critical activities, and alerts the project manager to the possibility that
non-critical activities may be delayed beyond their total float, thus creating
a new critical path and delaying project completion. In addition, the
method can easily incorporate the concepts of stochastic predictions, using
the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and event chain
methodology.
A PERT chart along with the critical path is shown in the figure
below
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Advantages of PERT/CPM
Useful at many stages of project management
Mathematically simple
Give critical path and slack time
Provide project documentation
Useful in monitoring costs
3.10 RACI Matrix
A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), also known as RACI
matrix or Linear Responsibility Chart (LRC), describes the participation by
various roles in completing tasks or deliverables for a project or business
process. It is especially useful in clarifying roles and responsibilities in
cross-functional/departmental projects and processes.
Delegation is an essential part of a project manager's role, so
identifying roles and responsibilities early in a project is important.
Applying the RACI model can help. As project manager it is important that
you set the expectations of people involved in your project from the outset.
Projects require many people's involvement, but how do you avoid a
situation where people are struggling against one another to do a task.
Equally difficult is dealing with a situation where nobody will take
ownership and make a decision. How do people know their level of
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responsibility; when they should involve you as their project manager, or
when they should exercise their own judgment?
The RACI model is a straightforward tool used for identifying roles and
responsibilities and avoiding confusion over those roles and
responsibilities during a project. The acronym RACI stands for:
Responsible: The person who does the work to achieve the task.
They have responsibility for getting the work done or decision made.
As a rule this is one person; examples might be a business analyst,
application developer or technical architect.
Accountable: The person who is accountable for the correct and
thorough completion of the task. This must be one person and is
often the project executive or project sponsor. This is the role that
responsible is accountable to and approves their work.
Consulted: The people who provide information for the project and
with whom there is two-way communication. This is usually several
people, often subject matter experts.
Informed: The people who are kept informed about progress and
with whom there is one-way communication. These are people that
are affected by the outcome of the tasks so need to be kept up-to-date.
Without clearly defined roles and responsibilities it is easy for projects to run into trouble. When people know exactly what is expected of them, it is easier for them to complete their work on time, within budget and to the right level of quality.
A RACI matrix supports the model and is used to discuss, agree and communicate roles and responsibilities. A sample RACI matrix is given below
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Step Project Initiation
Project Executive
Project Manager
Business Analyst
Technical Architect
Application Developers
1 Task 1 C A/R C I I
2 Task 2 A I R C I
3 Task 3 A I R C I
4 Task 4 C A I R I
A variation of RACI used by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is RSI, responsible, sponsor and informed.
Other variations are:
RASCI: with the 'S' standing for 'Support'
RACIO: with the 'O' standing for 'Out of the Loop' or 'Omitted'
RACI-VS: with the 'V' standing for 'Verify' and the 'S' for 'Signatory'
3.11 Work Breakdown Structure
A work breakdown structure (WBS) in project
management and systems engineering, is a tool used to define and group
a project's discrete work elements in a way that helps organize and define
the total work scope of the project.
A work breakdown structure element may be a product, data,
a service, or any combination. A WBS also provides the necessary
framework for detailed cost estimating and control along with providing
guidance for schedule development and control. Additionally the WBS is a
dynamic tool and can be revised and updated as needed by the project
manager. The Work Breakdown Structure is a tree structure, which shows
a subdivision of effort required to achieve an objective; for example
a program, project, and contract. In a project or contract, the WBS is
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developed by starting with the end objective and successively subdividing
it into manageable components in terms of size, duration, and
responsibility (e.g., systems, subsystems, components, tasks, subtasks, and
work packages) which include all steps necessary to achieve the objective.
The Work Breakdown Structure provides a common framework for
the natural development of the overall planning and control of a contract
and is the basis for dividing work into definable increments from which
the statement of work can be developed and technical, schedule, cost, and
labor hour reporting can be established.
A work breakdown structure permits summing of subordinate costs
for tasks, materials, etc., into their successively higher level ―parent‖ tasks,
materials, etc. For each element of the work breakdown structure, a
description of the task to be performed is generated. This technique
(sometimes called a System Breakdown Structure) is used to define and
organize the total scope of a project. The WBS is organized around the
primary products of the project (or planned outcomes) instead of the work
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needed to produce the products (planned actions). Since the planned
outcomes are the desired ends of the project, they form a relatively stable
set of categories in which the costs of the planned actions needed to
achieve them can be collected. A well-designed WBS makes it easy to
assign each project activity to one and only one terminal element of the
WBS. In addition to its function in cost accounting, the WBS also helps map
requirements from one level of system specification to another, for example
a requirements cross reference matrix mapping functional requirements to
high level or low level design documents.
A sample WBS of an aircraft system is as follows
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Chapter-4
Financial Strategies
4.1 Project Cost estimation
4.1.1 Ballpark Estimate
This estimate provides a view of the initial perceived costs in the project.
This estimate may not have a high degree of accuracy and the range of
variation is quite large. It is also called as the ‗Rough order of
magnitude‘ estimate. The project manager usually does not spend too
much time in creating this type of estimate.
Example
Let us consider the earlier example wherein Shyam is asked by the
management to come up with estimation for expansion of facility
in the organization. The management wants to have a quick and
approximate estimate to identify whether the project is worth
taking it up. Shyam responds with a ballpark estimate of Rs. 5 to 7
lakhs for this project, based on his understanding of the current
scenario
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4.1.2 Budget estimate (Top-down estimate)
The Budget estimate is more accurate than the ballpark estimate. It is
based on the principle of analogous estimation, wherein the cost
estimation learning from similar past projects are applied to the current
project. The budget estimate involves a top-down approach wherein
estimation of costs begins from the top and progresses way down into
the details of the project. The Budget estimate is usually prepared quite
early during the planning stages of the project.
Example
Let us consider an extension of the above example. Shyam
carefully works on the estimates by considering costs at the higher
level (e.g. Interior decoration, furniture, operational costs etc.) and
then breaking it down into the details. He is able to more
accurately estimate the cost for the project (e.g. Rs. 5.6 lakhs)
4.1.3 Definitive estimate (Bottom-up estimate)
This has the highest degree of accuracy among the various estimate
types, but more time is required to prepare this type of estimate. The
definitive estimate is arrived at on the basis of the Work breakdown
structure for the project. Each work item is estimated and these are then
added to obtain the total estimate for the project. It is also called as a
bottom-up estimate since the cost estimates are worked from the
bottom-most elements and worked upwards.
Example
Shyam estimates the costs for each of the elements in the project
at the micro-level (e.g. he estimates cost of chairs, tables,
cabinets, etc. to arrive at the cost of furniture and proceeds in this
manner for other elements). He builds up the estimate from the
lowest level and moves up to the overall project. Using this
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bottom-up estimate, he is able to arrive at a more accurate estimate
for the project (e.g. Rs. 5.49 lakhs)
Sample project cost estimate
4.2 Project Capital Budgeting
Capital budgeting (or investment appraisal) is the planning process used
to determine whether an organization‘s long term investments such as new
machinery, replacement machinery, new plants, new products, and
research development projects are worth pursuing. It is budget for
major capital, or investment, expenditures.
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Many formal methods are used in capital budgeting, including the
techniques such as
Accounting rate of return
Net present value
Profitability index
Internal rate of return
Modified internal rate of return
Equivalent annuity
It is Process by which organisation decides:
• Which investment projects are
• Needed
• Possible
• Special focus on projects that require significant up-front
capital investment
• How to allocate available capital between different projects
• If additional capital is needed
4.2.1 Need for Project cost budgeting
What will be the cost of this project?‘
‗Is the project in line with the budget?‘
‗What is the amount spent on human resources in comparison with
material resources?‘
‗How much more could we spend without exceeding the budget?‘
This indicates that in any project, budgeting is an important exercise.
It is important to understand the costs involved in an activity or set of
activities and accordingly plan the budget.
The project is then tracked against the budget.
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4.3 Project Cost
Maintenance cost
• Maintain existing equipment and operations
Improvement cost
• Modify existing equipment, processes, and management and
information systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs,
increase capacity, improve product quality, etc.
Replacement cost
• Replace out-dated, worn-out, or damaged equipment or out-
dated/inefficient management and information systems
Annual operating costs Operating input — materials, energy, labour
• Incineration — fuel, fuel additive, labour
• Wastewater treatment — chemicals, electricity, labour, sludge
to landfill
Working capital Cost
It includes following costs
• Raw materials inventory
• Product inventory
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Cash-on-hand
Labour costs (involves multiplying the labour effort hours and the
labour rate)
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Material costs (involves cost of raw materials, work-in- process
materials, etc.)
Equipment costs (involves cost of equipment to be used for the project)
Outsourcing costs (costs related to outsourcing the project / parts of the
project)
Subcontracting costs (costs incurred due to engaging one or more sub-
contractors for the project)
Non-labour costs
These are not directly related to salary (and benefits) and cost of
contractors. A few costs (e.g. related to training, activities for team-
building) are related to people, but still are considered as non-labour
costs. Other Non-labour costs primarily include:
• Equipment
• Material and supplies
• Travel expenses
• Facilities
4.3.1 Basis of Costing
4.3.1.1 Costing based on resources
Resources needed for a project could include people and material.
In this type of costing, the quantity of time that people need to
spend working in the project is the basis for computing the cost.
Similarly, the cost of consumables / material resources required for
the project is computed on the basis of quantity required and the
standard rates for the materials.
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4.3.1.2 Costing based on tasks
A fixed cost for executing the project is considered based on the
tasks involved. It does not consider the number of resources
allocated, number of hours that people spend working in the
project, and the quantity of materials used in the project.
4.3.1.3 Costing based on usage
Costing is done on the basis of usage (i.e. every time a resource is
made use of, a specific cost is assigned)
4.4 Project Contingency
Contingency
Added to estimates to offset uncertainty
It helps reduce the probability of a cost overrun.
Base estimate
Base estimate = Estimates + Activity contingencies
Final cost estimate
Final cost estimate = Base estimate + Project contingency
Contingency
Added to estimates to offset uncertainty
It helps reduce the probability of a cost overrun.
Base estimate
Base estimate = Estimates + Activity contingencies
Final cost estimate
Final cost estimate = Base estimate + Project contingency
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4.5 Project Scheduling
Process of arriving at the following
▪ Structure of the tasks
▪ Interrelationships among tasks
▪ Resources required based on effort estimates
▪ Duration
Example
Let us consider a scenario wherein it is required to prepare a
schedule for enhancement of an engineering product. A sample
schedule is provided below:
Start date of the project - 2nd August 2010 (Monday)
.
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4.5 Cost Forecasting
During the execution phase of the project, variances arise time and again
between the original cost and process planning and the actual project. A
shift in activity dates within the buffer times is sufficient to change project
costs. Once the first actual costs have been incurred, you have to check the
residual costs for accuracy and update them. This is the only for you, as the
project manager, to get a basis for a realistic cost forecast for the overall
project duration.
The cost forecast allows you to adjust cost planning to changing conditions.
To get the current residual costs (estimate to completion), the system
determines and valuates the residual activities based on the planned,
forecast, and actual values in the network. The updated total costs
(estimate at completion) result from the total of the costs that have already
been incurred on the project (actual and commitment) and the updated
residual costs.
The determined values are proposals that act as the basis for your cost
forecast. You can carry out the cost forecast at any time for one or more
projects. If required, you can also have several forecast versions at the same
time in the system. You usually carry out the cost forecast at period-
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Chapter-5
Financial Modeling
5.1 Contingency Calculation
Base estimate:-
1. Equipment risk: 11000000+ 550000(5% of 11000000) = 11550000
2. Labour risk : 2000000+120000(6% of 2000000) = 2120000
3. Material: 900000+90000(10% of 900000) = 990000
So, total Base estimate: (1+2+3) = 13260000
Final cost estimate:-
Final cost estimate = Base estimate + Project contingency
= 13260000+ 265200(2% of 13260000) = 13525200
5.2 Net Present Value Method
Cash flows of the investment project should be forecasted based on
realistic assumptions.
Appropriate discount rate should be identified to discount the
forecasted cash flows.
Present value of cash flows should be calculated using the
opportunity cost of capital as the discount rate.
Net present value should be found out by subtracting present value
of cash outflows from present value of cash inflows. The project
should be accepted if NPV is positive (i.e., NPV > 0).
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The formula for the net present value can be written as follows:
EX: Assume that Project X costs Rs 2,500 now and is expected to generate
year-end cash inflows of Rs 900, Rs 800, Rs 700, Rs 600 and Rs 500 in years
1 through 5. The opportunity cost of the capital may be assumed to be 10
per cent.
Why is NPV Important?
Positive net present value of an investment represents the maximum
amount a firm would be ready to pay for purchasing the opportunity
of making investment, or the amount at which the firm would be
willing to sell the right to invest without being financially worse-off.
The net present value can also be interpreted to represent the amount
the firm could raise at the required rate of return, in addition to the
initial cash outlay, to distribute immediately to its shareholders and
by the end of the projects‘ life, to have paid off all the capital raised
and return on it.
n
tt
t
n
n
Ck
C
Ck
C
k
C
k
C
k
C
1
0
03
3
2
21
)1(NPV
)1()1()1()1(NPV
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Acceptance Rule
Accept the project when NPV is positive NPV > 0
Reject the project when NPV is negative NPV < 0
May accept the project when NPV is zero NPV = 0
5.3 INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN METHOD
The internal rate of return (IRR) is the rate that equates the investment
outlay with the present value of cash inflow received after one period. This
also implies that the rate of return is the discount rate which makes NPV =
0.
EX: Level Cash Flows
Let us assume that an investment would cost Rs 20,000 and
provide annual cash inflow of Rs 5,430 for 6 years
The IRR of the investment can be found out as follows
683.35,430 Rs
20,000 RsPVAF
)5,430(PVAF Rs20,000 Rs
0=)5,430(PVAF Rs+20,000 RsNPV
6,
6,
6,
r
r
r
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Acceptance Rule
Accept the project when r > k
Reject the project when r < k
May accept the project when r = k
In case of independent projects, IRR and NPV rules will give the
same results if the firm has no shortage of funds.
5.4 PROFITABILITY INDEX
Profitability index is the ratio of the present value of cash inflows, at
the required rate of return, to the initial cash outflow of the
investment.
The formula for calculating benefit-cost ratio or profitability index is as
follows:
Ex: The initial cash outlay of a project is Rs 100,000 and it can generate cash
inflow of Rs 40,000, Rs 30,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 20,000 in year 1 through 4.
Assume a 10 percent rate of discount. The PV of cash inflows at 10 percent
discount rate is:
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Acceptance Rule
The following are the PI acceptance rules:
Accept the project when PI is greater than one. PI > 1
Reject the project when PI is less than one. PI < 1
May accept the project when PI is equal to one. PI = 1
The project with positive NPV will have PI greater than one. PI less
than means that the project‘s NPV is negative.
5.5 Return On Investment
Definition: the percentage of initial investment that is recovered each year
A rupee that you invest today will bring you more than a rupee next year
— having a rupee now provides you with an investment opportunity
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5.6 Break Even Analysis
• Fixed Costs (Cf) - costs that remain constant regardless of number of
units produced
• Variable Cost (Cv) - unit cost of product
• Total variable cost (VCv) - function of volume (v) and variable per-
unit cost
• Total Cost (TC) - total fixed cost plus total variable cost
• Profit (Z) - difference between total revenue VP (p = price) and total
cost.
Computing the Break-Even Point
• The break-even point is that volume at which total revenue equals
total cost and profit is zero:
Example: Western Clothing Company
Cf = $10000, cv = $8 per pair
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p = $23 per pair, V = 666.7 pairs, break-even point
5.7 Ratio Analysis
In analyzing Financial Statements for the purpose of granting credit Ratios can be broadly classified into three categories.
Liquidity Ratios Efficiency Ratios Profitability Ratios
5.7.1 Liquidity Ratios:
Liquidity Ratios are ratios that come off the the Balance Sheet and hence measure the liquidity of the company as on a particular day i.e the day that the Balance Sheet was prepared. These ratios are important in measuring the ability of a company to meet both its short term and long term obligations.
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Current Ratio:
This ratio is obtained by dividing the 'Total Current Assets' of a company by its 'Total Current Liabilities'. The ratio is regarded as a test of liquidity for a company. It expresses the 'working capital' relationship of current assets available to meet the company's current obligations.
Current Ratio = Total Current Assets/ Total Current Liabilities
An example
Current Ratio = $261,050 / $176,522
Current Ratio = 1.48
The Interpretation:
Lumber & Building Supply Company has $1.48 of Current Assets to meet $1.00 of its Current Liability
Quick Ratio:
This ratio is obtained by dividing the 'Total Quick Assets' of a company by its 'Total Current Liabilities'. Sometimes a company could be carrying heavy inventory as part of its current assets, which might be obsolete or slow moving. Thus eliminating inventory from current assets and then doing the liquidity test is measured by this ratio. The ratio is regarded as an acid test of liquidity for a company. It expresses the true 'working capital' relationship of its cash, accounts receivables, prepaid and notes receivables available to meet the company's current obligations.
Quick Ratio = Total Quick Assets/ Total Current Liabilities
Quick Assets = Total Current Assets (minus) Inventory
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An example
Quick Ratio = $261,050- $156,822 / $176,522
Quick Ratio = $104,228 / $176,522
Quick Ratio = 0.59
The Interpretation:
Lumber & Building Supply Company has $0.59 cents of Quick Assets to meet $1.00 of its Current Liability
Debt to Equity Ratio:
This ratio is obtained by dividing the 'Total Liability or Debt ' of a company by its 'Owners Equity a.k.a Net Worth'. The ratio measures how the company is leveraging its debt against the capital employed by its owners. If the liabilities exceed the net worth then in that case the creditors have more stake than the shareowners.
Debt to Equity Ratio = Total Liabilities / Owners Equity or Net Worth
An example
Debt to Equity Ratio = $186,522 / $133,522
Debt to Equity Ratio = 1.40
The Interpretation:
Lumber & Building Supply Company has $1.40 cents of Debt and only $1.00 in Equity to meet this obligation.
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5.7.2 Efficiency Ratios:
Efficiency ratios are ratios that come off the the Balance Sheet and the Income Statement and therefore incorporate one dynamic statement, the income statement and one static statement , the balance sheet. These ratios are important in measuring the efficiency of a company in either turning their inventory, sales, assets, accounts receivables or payables. It also ties into the ability of a company to meet both its short term and long term obligations. This is because if they do not get paid on time how will you get paid paid on time. You may have perhaps heard the excuse 'I will pay you when I get paid' or 'My customers have not paid me!'
DSO (Days Sales Outstanding):
The Days Sales Outstanding ratio shows both the average time it takes to turn the receivables into cash and the age, in terms of days, of a company's accounts receivable. The ratio is regarded as a test of Efficiency for a company. The effectiveness with which it converts its receivables into cash. This ratio is of particular importance to credit and collection associates.
Best Possible DSO yields insight into delinquencies since it uses only the current portion of receivables. As a measurement, the closer the regular DSO is to the Best Possible DSO, the closer the receivables are to the optimal level. Best Possible DSO requires three pieces of information for calculation:
Current Receivables Total credit sales for the period analyzed The Number of days in the period analyzed
Best Possible DSO = Current Receivables/Total Credit Sales X Number of Days
Regular DSO = (Total Accounts Receivables/Total Credit Sales) x Number of Days in the period that is being analyzed
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An example
Total Accounts Receivables (from Balance Sheet) = $97,456
Total Credit Sales (from Income Statement) = $727,116
Number of days in the period = 1 year = 360 days ( some take this number as 365 days)
DSO = [ $97,456 / $727,116 ] x 360 = 48.25 days
The Interpretation:
Lumber & Building Supply Company takes approximately 48 days to convert its accounts receivables into cash. Compare this to their Terms of Net 30 days. This means at an average their customers take 18 days beyond terms to pay.
Inventory Turnover ratio:
This ratio is obtained by dividing the 'Total Sales' of a company by its 'Total Inventory'. The ratio is regarded as a test of Efficiency and indicates the rapidity with which the company is able to move its merchandise.
Inventory Turnover Ratio = Net Sales / Inventory
It could also be calculated as:
Inventory Turnover Ratio = Cost of Goods Sold / Inventory
An example
Net Sales = $727,116 (from Income Statement)
Total Inventory = $156,822 (from Balance sheet )
Inventory Turnover Ratio = $727,116/ $156,822
Inventory Turnover = 4.6 times
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The Interpretation:
Lumber & Building Supply Company is able to rotate its inventory in sales 4.6 times in one fiscal year.
Accounts Payable to Sales (%):
This ratio is obtained by dividing the 'Accounts Payables' of a company by its 'Annual Net Sales'. This ratio gives you an indication as to how much of their suppliers money does this company use in order to fund its Sales. Higher the ratio means that the company is using its suppliers as a source of cheap financing. The working capital of such companies could be funded by their suppliers..
Accounts Payables to Sales Ratio = [Accounts Payables / Net Sales ] x 100
An example:
Accounts Payables = $152,240 (from Balance sheet )
Net Sales = $727,116 (from Income Statement)
Accounts Payables to Sales Ratio = [$152,240 / $727,116] x 100
Accounts Payables to Sales Ratio = 20.9%
The Interpretation:
21% of Lumber & Building Supply Company's Sales is being funded by its suppliers.
5.7.3 Profitability Ratios:
Profitability Ratios show how successful a company is in terms of generating returns or profits on the Investment that it has made in the business. If a business is liquid and efficient it should also be Profitable.
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Return on Sales or Profit Margin (%):
The Profit Margin of a company determines its ability to withstand competition and adverse conditions like rising costs, falling prices or declining sales in the future. The ratio measures the percentage of profits earned per dollar of sales and thus is a measure of efficiency of the company.
Return on Sales or Profit Margin = (Net Profit / Net Sales) x 100
An example:
Total Net Profit after Interest and Taxes (from Income Statement) = $5,142
Net Sales (from Income Statement) = $727,116
Return on Sales or Profit Margin = [ $5,142 / $727,116] x 100
Return on Sales or Profit Margin = 0.71%
The Interpretation:
Lumber & Building Supply Company makes 0.71 cents on every $1.00 of Sale
Return on Assets:
The Return on Assets of a company determines its ability to utitize the Assets employed in the company efficiently and effectively to earn a good return. The ratio measures the percentage of profits earned per dollar of Asset and thus is a measure of efficiency of the company in generating profits on its Assets.
Return on Assets = (Net Profit / Total Assets) x 100
An example
Total Net Profit after Interest and Taxes (from Income Statement) = $5,142
Total Assets (from Balance sheet) = $320,044
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Return on Assets = [ $5,142 / $320,044] x 100
Return on Assets = 1.60%
The Interpretation:
Lumber & Building Supply Company generates makes 1.60% return on the Assets that it employs in its operations.
Return on Equity or Net Worth:
The Return on Equity of a company measures the ability of the management of the company to generate adequate returns for the capital invested by the owners of a company. Generally a return of 10% would be desirable to provide dividends to owners and have funds for future growth of the company
Return on Equity or Net Worth = (Net Profit / Net Worth or Owners Equity) x 100
Net Worth or Owners Equity = Total Assets (minus) Total Liability
Total Net Profit after Interest and Taxes (from Income Statement) = $5,142
An Example
Net Worth (from Balance sheet) = $133,522
Return on Net Worth = [ $5,142 / $133,522] x 100
Return on Equity or Return on Net Worth = 3.85%
The Interpretation:
Lumber & Building Supply Company generates a 3.85% percent return on the capital invested by the owners of the company.
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5.8 Cost Forecasting
5.8.1 Regression analysis
The goal of regression analysis is to determine the values of parameters for a function that cause the function to best fit a set of data observations that you provide. In linear regression, the function is a linear (straight-line) equation. For example, if we assume the value of an automobile decreases by a constant amount each year after its purchase, and for each mile it is driven, the following linear function would predict its value (the dependent variable on the left side of the equal sign) as a function of the two independent variables which are age and miles:
value = price + depage*age + depmiles*miles where value, the dependent variable, is the value of the car, age is the age of the car, and miles is the number of miles that the car has been driven. The regression analysis performed by NLREG will determine the best values of the three parameters, price, the estimated value when age is 0 (i.e., when the car was new), depage, the depreciation that takes place each year, and depmiles, the depreciation for each mile driven. The values of depage and depmiles will be negative because the car loses value as age and miles increase.
For an analysis such as this car depreciation example, you must provide a data file containing the values of the dependent and independent variables for a set of observations. In this example each observation data record would contain three numbers: value, age, and miles, collected from used car ads for the same model car. The more observations you provide, the more accurate will be the estimate of the parameters. The NLREG statements to perform this regression are shown below:
Variables value,age,miles; Parameters price,depage,depmiles;
Function value = price + depage*age + depmiles*miles; Data;
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Once the values of the parameters are determined by NLREG, you can use the formula to predict the value of a car based on its age and miles driven. For example, if NLREG computed a value of 16000 for price, -1000 for depage, and -0.15 for depmiles, then the function
value = 16000 - 1000*age - 0.15*miles could be used to estimate the value of a car with a known age and number of miles.
If a perfect fit existed between the function and the actual data, the actual value of each car in your data file would exactly equal the predicted value. Typically, however, this is not the case, and the difference between the actual value of the dependent variable and its predicted value for a particular observation is the error of the estimate which is known as the "deviation'' or "residual''. The goal of regression analysis is to determine the values of the parameters that minimize the sum of the squared residual values for the set of observations. This is known as a "least squares'' regression fit.
Here is a plot of a linear function fitted to a set of data values. The actual data points are marked with ''x''. The red line between a point and the fitted line represents the residual for the observation.
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NLREG is a very powerful regression analysis program. Using it you can perform multivariate, linear, polynomial, exponential, logistic, and general nonlinear regression. What this means is that you specify the form of the function to be fitted to the data, and the function may include nonlinear terms such as variables raised to powers and library functions such as log, exponential, sine, etc. For complex analyses, NLREG allows you to specify function models using conditional statements (if, else), looping (for, do, while), work variables, and arrays. NLREG uses a state-of-the-art regression algorithm that works as well, or better, than any you are likely to find in any other, more expensive, commercial statistical packages.
As an example of nonlinear regression, consider another depreciation problem. The value of a used airplane decreases for each year of its age. Assuming the value of a plane falls by the same amount each year, a linear function relating value to age is:
value = p0 + p1*Age Where p0 and p1 are the parameters whose values are to be determined. However, it is a well-known fact that planes (and automobiles) lose more value the first year than the second, and more the second than the third, etc. This means that a linear (straight-line) function cannot accurately model this situation. A better, nonlinear, function is: value = p0 + p1*exp(-p2*Age)
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Much of the convenience of NLREG comes from the fact that you can enter complicated functions using ordinary algebraic notation. Examples of functions that can be handled with NLREG include:
Linear: Y = p0 + p1*X Quadratic: Y = p0 + p1*X + p2*X^2
Multivariate: Y = p0 + p1*X + p2*Z + p3*X*Z Exponential: Y = p0 + p1*exp(X) Periodic: Y = p0 + p1*sin(p2*X)
Misc: Y = p0 + p1*Y + p2*exp(Y) + p3*sin(Z) In other words, the function is a general expression involving one dependent variable (on the left of the equal sign), one or more independent variables, and one or more parameters whose values are to be estimated. NLREG can handle up to 500 variables and 500 parameters.
Because of its generality, NLREG can perform all of the regressions handled by ordinary linear or multivariate regression programs as well as nonlinear regression.
Some other regression programs claim to perform nonlinear regression but actually do it by transforming the values of the variables such that the function is converted to linear form. They then perform a linear regression on the transformed function. This technique has a major flaw: it determines the values of the parameters that minimize the squared residuals for the transformed, linearized function rather than the original function. This is different than minimizing the squared residuals for the actual function and the estimated values of the parameters may not produce the best fit of the original function to the data. NLREG uses a true nonlinear regression technique that minimizes the squared residuals for the actual function. Also, NLREG can handle functions that cannot be transformed to a linear form.
5.8.2 CAGR
The compound annual growth rate is calculated by taking the nth root of
the total percentage growth rate, where n is the number of years in the
period being considered.
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This can be written as follows:
5.8.3 SIMPLE MOVING AVERAGE
moving average techniques forecast demand by calculating an average of actual demands from a specified number of prior periods
each new forecast drops the demand in the oldest period and replaces it with the demand in the most recent period; thus, the data in the calculation ―moves‖ over time
simple moving average: At = Dt + Dt-1 + Dt-2 + … + Dt-N+1
N
where N = total number of periods in the average
forecast for period t+1: Ft+1 = At
5.8.4 WEIGHTED MOVING AVERAGE
A weighted moving average is a moving average where each historical demand may be weighted differently
average: At = (W1 Dt + W2 Dt-1 + W3 Dt-2 + ... + WN Dt-N+1) /N
where:
N = total number of periods in the average
Wt = weight applied to period t's demand
Sum of all the weights = 1
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forecast: Ft+1 = At = forecast for period t+1
5.8.5 EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING
exponential smoothing gives greater weight to demand in more recent periods, and less weight to demand in earlier periods
average: At = a Dt + (1 - a) At-1 = a Dt + (1 - a) Ft
forecast for period t+1: Ft+1 = At
where:
At-1 = "series average" calculated by the exponential smoothing model to period t-1
a = smoothing parameter between 0 and 1
the larger the smoothing parameter , the greater the weight given to the most recent demand
5.8.6 DOUBLE EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING
when a trend exists, the forecasting technique must consider the trend as well as the series average ignoring the trend will cause the forecast to always be below (with an increasing trend) or above (with a decreasing trend) actual demand
double exponential smoothing smooths (averages) both the series average and the trend
forecast for period t+1: Ft+1 = At + Tt
average: At = aDt + (1 - a) (At-1 + Tt-1) = aDt + (1 - a) Ft
average trend: Tt = B CTt + (1 - B) Tt-1
current trend: CTt = At - At-1
forecast for p periods into the future: Ft+p = At + p Tt
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where:
At = exponentially smoothed average of the series in period t
Tt = exponentially smoothed average of the trend in period t
CTt = current estimate of the trend in period t
a = smoothing parameter between 0 and 1 for smoothing the averages
B = smoothing parameter between 0 and 1 for smoothing the trend
5.8.7 MULTIPLICATIVE SEASONAL METHOD
What happens when the patterns you are trying to predict display seasonal effects?
What is seasonality? - It can range from true variation between seasons, to variation between months, weeks, days in the week and even variation during a single day or hour.
To deal with seasonal effects in forecasting two tasks must be completed:
1. a forecast for the entire period (ie year) must be made using whatever forecasting technique is appropriate. This forecast will be developed using whatever
2. the forecast must be adjust to reflect the seasonal effects in each period (ie month or quarter)
the multiplicative seasonal method adjusts a given forecast by multiplying the forecast by a seasonal factor
Step 1: calculate the average demand y per period for each year (y) of past data by dividing total demand for the year by the number of periods in the year
Step 2: divide the actual demand Dy,t for each period (t) by the average demand y per period (calculated in Step 1) to get a seasonal factor fy,t for each period; repeat for each year of data
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Step 3: calculate the average seasonal factor t for each period by summing all the seasonal factors fy,t for that period and dividing by the number of seasonal factors
Step 4: determine the forecast for a given period in a future year by multiplying the average seasonal factor t by the forecasted demand in that future year
Seasonal Forecasting (multiplicative method)
Actual Demand
Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Avg
1 100 70 60 90 320 80
2 120 80 70 110 380 95
3 134 80 70 100 381 96
Seasonal Factor
Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
1 1.25 .875 .75 1.125
2 1.26 .84 .74 1.16
3 1.4 .83 .73 1.04
Avg. Seasonal Factor 1.30 .85 .74 1.083
Seasonal Factor - the percentage of average quarterly demand that occurs in each quarter.
Annual Forecast for year 4 is predicted to be 400 units.
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Average forecast per quarter is 400/4 = 100 units.
Quarterly Forecast = avg. forecast × seasonal factor.
Q1: 1.303(100) = 130 Q2: .85(100) = 85 Q3: .74(100) = 74 Q4: 1.083(100) = 108
5.8.8 CAUSAL FORECASTING METHODS
causal forecasting methods are based on a known or perceived relationship between the factor to be forecast and other external or internal factors
1. regression: mathematical equation relates a dependent variable to one or more independent variables that are believed to influence the dependent variable
2. econometric models: system of interdependent regression equations that describe some sector of economic activity
3. input-output models: describes the flows from one sector of the economy to another, and so predicts the inputs required to produce outputs in another sector
4. Simulation modeling
5.8.9 MEASURING FORECAST ERRORS
There are two aspects of forecasting errors to be concerned about - Bias and Accuracy
Bias - A forecast is biased if it errs more in one direction than in the other
- The method tends to under-forecasts or over-forecasts.
Accuracy - Forecast accuracy refers to the distance of the forecasts from actual demand ignore the direction of that error.
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Example: For six periods forecasts and actual demand have been tracked The following table gives actual demand Dt and forecast demand Ft for six periods:
t Dt Ft Et (Et)2 |Et| | Et|/Dt
1 170 200 -30 900 30 17.6%
2 230 195 35 1225 35 15.2%
3 250 210 40 1600 40 16.0%
4 200 220 -20 400 20 10.0%
5 185 210 -25 625 25 13.5%
6 180 200 -20 400 20 11.1%
Total -20 5150 170 83.5%
Forecast Measure
1. cumulative sum of forecast errors (CFE) = -20 2. mean absolute deviation (MAD) = 170 / 6 = 28.33 3. mean squared error (MSE) = 5150 / 6 = 858.33 4. standard deviation of forecast errors = 5150 / 6 = 29.30
5. mean absolute percent error (MAPE) = 83.4% / 6 = 13.9%
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Chapter-6
Learning Outcome
6.2 Learning outcome from operational strategies
After successful completion of this report, we learned: To define, analyze and measure the performance of business processes To be able to explain the relationship between different performance
measures To perform capacity analysis of business projects To position a project in the Operations Management triangle by
reducing workload and increasing information To make suggestions for project improvement using the principles of
quality management and lean management To determine the appropriate level of process flexibility for buffering
variability To explain and mitigate the tradeoff between delivery time and
delivery reliability To evaluate the benefits of pooling operational and risks To apply the theoretical and practical aspects of project management to
create strategies that enables your organization to achieve its goals. To evaluate project management as an emerging business model that
includes managing complexities, responding to change, and optimizing business performance in a dynamic environment.
To use critical-thinking and analytic skills to investigate complex business problems and to propose project-based solutions.
To assess project risk considering both threats and opportunities posed by environmental factors.
To make reasoned, ethical decisions, based on professional standards, in the best interest of the project, the organization, the environment, and society.
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6.2 Learning outcome from financial strategies
Understanding of the concept of the time value of money and be able to use basic time value concepts to:
Make basic capital investment decisions, and
Analyze and value securities, including debt and equity instruments.
Understanding of the relationship between risk and expected return generally and for specific security classes.
Knowledge of the characteristics of the principle asset classes and key securities to be able to evaluate their appropriateness as investments in a broad range of portfolio applications.
Ability to use the concepts of the time value of money, the risk/expected return relationship and asset-class and security diversification, to construct an investment portfolio that satisfies a hypothetical client's objectives and constraints.
Familiarity with major domestic and global financial institutions and the role of those institutions in the global economy and financial markets.
Understanding of and ability to apply the principle analytical skills and tools used in finance.
Development of a preliminary working knowledge of the Standards of Practice and Codes of Conduct of financial practitioners (CFA, CFP, etc.) and use them to address ethical challenges that may be presented in a professional setting.
Experience of real-world learning and application of skills
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ANNEXURE
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Annexure-1
Feasibility Study Flow chart
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Annexure-2
Business Plan
• task 1a: Meeting with top management
• task 1b: Form a Team and inform staff
• task 1c: Pre-assessment to collect general information
• task 1d: Select focus areas
• task 1e: Prepare assessment proposal for top management approval
Step 1: Planning and Organization
• task 2a: Staff meeting and training
• task 2b: Prepare focus area flow charts
• task 2c: Walkthrough of focus areas
• task 2d: Quantify inputs and outputs and costs to establish a baseline
• task 2e: Quantify losses through a material and energy balance
Step 2: Assessment
• task 3a: Determine causes of losses
• task 3b: Identify possible options
• task 3c: Screen options for feasibility analysis
Step 3: Identification of Options
• task 4a: Technical, economic and environmental evaluation of options
• task 4b: Rank feasible options for implementation
• task 4c: Prepare implementation and monitoring proposal for top
management approval
• task 5a: Implement options and monitor results
• task 5b: Evaluation meeting with top management
Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring of Options
• task 6a: Prepare proposal to continue with energy efficiency for top
management approval
Step 6: Continuous Improvement
Step 4: Feasibility Analysis of Options
• task 1a: Meeting with top management
• task 1b: Form a Team and inform staff
• task 1c: Pre-assessment to collect general information
• task 1d: Select focus areas
• task 1e: Prepare assessment proposal for top management approval
Step 1: Planning and Organization
• task 2a: Staff meeting and training
• task 2b: Prepare focus area flow charts
• task 2c: Walkthrough of focus areas
• task 2d: Quantify inputs and outputs and costs to establish a baseline
• task 2e: Quantify losses through a material and energy balance
Step 2: Assessment
• task 3a: Determine causes of losses
• task 3b: Identify possible options
• task 3c: Screen options for feasibility analysis
Step 3: Identification of Options
• task 4a: Technical, economic and environmental evaluation of options
• task 4b: Rank feasible options for implementation
• task 4c: Prepare implementation and monitoring proposal for top
management approval
• task 5a: Implement options and monitor results
• task 5b: Evaluation meeting with top management
Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring of Options
• task 6a: Prepare proposal to continue with energy efficiency for top
management approval
Step 6: Continuous Improvement
Step 4: Feasibility Analysis of Options
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