IT projects are some of the most crucial projects in business management. The projects have become important due to the need to adapt to the advancements in technology (Schwalbe, 2004). This study therefore looks that installation of Virtual Private Network (VPN) by SAP Inc. The project will involve the acquisition and procurement of various materials.
Company Background
SAP Inc is a German based ICT company that offers software products to consumers in the global market. The company produces business management software products such as ERP, CRM, and SCM. The organization also develops cloud computing technology for various companies in the global market. The organization was founded in the year 1972 when five managers who had left IBM came together to start a software development business for companies in Germany. Later on the organization expanded its operations to markets outside Germany due to increasing demands of its products. Despite the organization’s success in the industry, data and network security issues have greatly affected its operations. SAP has lost some of its products rights due network invasion from unauthorized intruders. Network security issues therefore raised the need to establish a Virtual Private Network, which could be used to protect the organization’s data and eliminate intrusion by strangers.
Goals and Objectives
Based on the above information, the goals and objectives of the VPN project will include the following:
- To improve network security
- To enhance network performance
- To improve customer service
- To improve efficiency and effectiveness in data management
Security and performance of the network are some of the key issues that will be solved by the establishment of the project. Consequently, these two objectives will improve data management and customer service.
Project Scope
SAP’s VPN project will involve all the mentioned objectives. Moreover, the project will also include the establishment of reliable and efficient network hardware and components, recruitment and training of employees to manage the network, and construction of more buildings within the premises of the organization to house the server of the network and the data management center. The project will also involve training of the employees and other members of the organization on how to manage the new network and ensure data security. Procurement initiatives will involve acquisition of hardware devices such as computers, network bridges, cables, modems, and network routers. Moreover, procurement activities will also be extended during the bidding process to select the best supplier who will provide reliable network software and programs (Schwalbe, 2004).
On the other hand, human resources activities will involve of the required labor force that will be involved in the management of the network. The human resource department of the organization will work with the project managers to identify and design appropriate job description for the individuals who will be involved in the management of the network. Other multiple tasks to be pursued within the scope of the project will entail proper determination of the project funds. The project coordinators will determine requirements of other resources such as land and construction of new buildings (Schwalbe, 2004).
Budgetary Limitations
Project budget will be guided by the project scope to ensure effective utilization of funds and other resources of the organization. The budget in this case will be limited to the acquisition of computer hardware and other network devices. The budget will also include the cost of constructing new buildings, hiring and training of the employees, and cost of tendering. The budget may also include other miscellaneous expenses, which will arise during project development. However, the limits of the budget will be revised to accommodate the changes in the environment. For instance, changes in prices of various materials and technological devices to be used in the project will force the project managers to review the budget (Schwalbe, 2004).
Project Participants and Structure
VPN project will involve sponsors who will provide some of the resources for the project. The sponsors in this case will involve entities interested in promotion of network security such as anti-computer crime and control organizations. The project will involve stakeholders such as the board of directors of the organization. The directors will ensure that budget is accurately determined according to the project scope. The government will also be involved since the organization will ensure that project conforms to legal requirements. The project team will comprise of top managers of the organization who will coordinate the development of the project. The senior managers will appoint project administrators who will communicate with middle level managers and the technical team to ensure that the project goals are achieved (Schwalbe, 2004).
The technical team will work under the project administrators together with other employees from various departments. The team will provide specific knowledge and expertise needed for the success of the project. They will work with other employees from various departments to ensure that the needs of each department are integrated into the project.
Project Approach
To meet the deliverables of the project, the project will assess its progress using various performance metrics. The metrics will be based on the goals and objectives of the project. The team will assess the achievement of each objective using the time schedule and the amount of funds. For instance, within a period of three months the organization will have procured all the hardware components of the network (Schwalbe, 2004).
Reference
Schwalbe, K. (2004).Information Technology Project Management. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Learning.