IT projects can be simple, but for the most part, they are quite complex. It will depend on the type and nature of the project and the desired results. IT projects are made up of many different components.
The Responsibilities of the IT Project Professionals
In some cases, there are several different professionals that are utilised through the implementation of an IT project. Usually, there will be a project manager. One of the responsibilities of this expert is to keep up with the news as it relates to IT. This way, they can become aware of what is new, and also what challenges may be arising that may affect the types of projects they manage.
The Challenges
Every IT project has its own set of challenges. These have to be dealt with. IT professionals will keep themselves aware of what can go wrong in a project so they can avoid the same pitfalls.
What Is an IT Project?
This is comprised of a series of actions that are related to each other. The purpose of the project is to achieve results that are going to better the company in some way, shape or form.
The Basics of an IT Project
The basics are made up of different segments, such as:
- It has the mandate of being able to provide a benefit
- The project has a beginning and an end
- The goal is clearly defined with a time frame for completion
- It must have a plan
- Identification of its processes are in place
- There is a clear sequence of events or phases that take place through its entirety
- It requires the proper professionals to execute it
- It relies on a variety of different resources
Components of an It Project
An IT project has many phases to it, and each is comprised of different components.
Activities
There are a series of activities that are carried out through the duration of a project which includes:
- The collection of information
- Diagnostic testing
- Design development
- Programming
- Development of procedure manuals.
Required Resources
Every IT project will have some resource requirements and the common ones are:
- Hardware and software
- Equipment
- Personnel
- Financial investments
- Expertise
- Time allotment
The Cost Factor
Every IT project is going to have a cost attached to it. Most often, this is one of the major concerns of the businesses that are undertaking an IT project. The costs can be broken down into categories.
Direct Costs
These are costs that are directly applicable to the project implementation, such as the materials needed for the project and the cost of the professionals used for it.
Indirect Costs
These are additional costs such as the purchase of any licences like that needed for software, for example. Or for the rental of equipment.
Fixed Costs
Usually, once an IT project has been fully implemented, it will need periodic maintenance. These are the fixed costs as they are ongoing.
Variable Costs
Refers to costs that can change during the implementation process. For example, more expertise may need to be hired than what was planned for. Or there may be less need. These are variations in the project costs.
These are the major components of an IT project and ones that a company as the client will be the most concerned with. There are other components that also are important such as project management. These are the professionals who are responsible for scheduling, organising, controlling and managing the project.