Research for Providing the Solution
Presently, many companies have encountered issues and problems related to management (Galliers and Leidner 2014). Also, implementing of suitable information technologies is another challenge. Successful implementation of IT infrastructure requires proper understanding of different ways in which various solutions can be implemented (Eason 2014). The task of my group is to develop a strategic plan, which explains explicitly how Microsoft Delve, SCORO software and central repository documentation technologies can be utilized, and afterwards, assist 2PM to meet its business needs. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to develop a strategic plan, and afterwards, advise 2PM organization accordingly.
Data were collected using various techniques such as interviewing and observation (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault 2015). Besides, recent researches were also used to provide latest information regarding technology options. For instance, most researches have shown that IT solutions such as SCORO software can be used to solve issues related with resource management. This is enhanced through automation of information related to different operations such as sales force. Besides, research has also shown that documentation is a very important aspect in any organization as it enables management to access files easily when the need arises (Tang, Liang and Vliet 2011, p. 253). Moreover, research has revealed that effective communication is essential in any company (Austin and Pinkleton 2015). Therefore, recent researches alongside books and articles formed the basis for writing this report. Data and text mining techniques were used for extracting useful information as well as trends.
2PM is situated in Hobart. It provides a range of services to various firms, for example, business analysis, project management and change services. Hence, enabling businesses to adopt better technologies. The following is the vision of 2PM, “becoming a leading provider of professional services in Australia through changing mindsets and delivering projects that make a difference’ (Jason Gorman, KIT708 Presentation, 10th September 2018). Thus, there is a need of improving its management practices for it to achieve its goals. Therefore, it has contracted consultant group ‘KIT707’ for guidance on how it can improve its management practices, and afterwards, recommended to implement the following technologies; SCORO software, central repository documentation and Microsoft Delve.
This software is cloud-based and easy to use since it has a simple interface. It has a range of features that can be used for both small and large organizations (Noorani 2017). The following are some of its features; collaboration, sales information automation and productivity. Besides, it has also CRM. This software can be vital in 2PM organization as resource utilization is one of the key problems encountered by management. For instance, it can enhance availability of details of both buyers and suppliers. These details can be accessed from one page rather than multiple pages. Such details include; contact details, invoices and orders (Noorani 2017). Moreover, it also enables users to send some files such as PDF and documents that may contain pre-payment details alongside other information. Besides, it is also vital in monitoring information related to expenses as well as time that has been used on a given project. In addition, this software is useful in determining some trends by comparing two or more periods. It has additional features included such as support and backups. However, some of its disadvantages include; slow updates and improvements that can affect its functionality (Noorani 2017).
Problem Boundary Definition
Documentation is concerned with the process of storing files related to a company or an organization. This can be implemented using M-Files (M-Files Inc 2011). The following are some of the benefits of centralized documentation.
- Reduce risks associated with space that is needed to store documents. M-Files can be used to store files on one virtual document. This virtual document can be used to store various types of files, therefore; reducing unnecessary data duplication. Therefore, requires less space.
- Data backups. For instance, data backups can be performed on daily basis. Therefore, enhancing data availability.
- Enhancing smooth running of business operations. For instance, users can access contents through searching, therefore; reducing time for accessing information.
- Improved data security. With M-Files, users can be granted permission to access certain data. Therefore, critical data can be protected easily (M-Files Inc 2011).
Effective communication between employees is one of the major factors that can enable an organization to attain its objectives. It builds trust between employees, therefore; increasing productivity (Moy 2017). Effective communication as well as collaboration can be enhanced by incorporating Microsoft Delve, which is cloud-based. For instance, it plays vital roles in managing emails and contacts. Besides, it is also important in meetings. However, this software can be implemented by using features such as OneDrive or SharePoint (Moy 2017).
Conclusion
To conclude, this report has explained explicitly how several technology options, for example, Microsoft Delve, SCORO software and central repository documentation can be used by 2PM to meet its objectives. For instance, SCORO software is vital as it can enhance resource utilization. The following are some of its benefits; Keeping track of all information related to expenses as well as time that has been used on a given project, enhancing availability of details of both buyers and suppliers and identification of trends. Besides, benefits associated with central repository documentation include; improved data security and less space for storing document. Moreover, Microsoft Delve is used to enhance effective communications as well as collaboration.
2PM should consider incorporating the following technologies into its activities; Microsoft Delve, SCORO software and central repository documentation. These technology options can assist in solving some of its management problems. For instance, problems related to resource management can be solved by using SCORO software, while, central documentation repository can be vital in documenting all assets. On the other hand, Microsoft Delve can solve communication and collaboration problems. Regarding SCORO software implementation, 2PM should consider ultimate pricing plan that costs $55 per month since it has advanced features such as integration of FTP server. Besides, M-Files should be considered for central repository. On the other hand, Microsoft Delve should be implemented by using OneDrive rather than SharePoint. In future, it’ll be possible for users to integrate the following tools with SCORO; Google, MailChimp and Outlook.
References
Austin, E.W. and Pinkleton, B.E. (2015). Strategic public relations management: Planning and managing effective communication campaigns. Routledge. Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Public-Relations-Management-Communication/dp/0415517699 [Accessed 9 Oct 2018].
Eason, K. D. (2014). Information technology and organizational change. CRC Press. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1177/103841119002800210 [Accessed 9 Oct 2018].
Galliers, R.D. and Leidner, D.E. (2014) Strategic information management: challenges and strategies in managing information systems. Routledge. Available from: https://books.google.co.ke/books/about/Strategic_Information_Management.html?id=bTnJAwAAQBAJ [Accessed 9 Oct 2018].
M-Files Inc. (2011). Easy document management. [online]. Available from: https://www.m-files.com/Content/documents/en/res/DM_White_Paper.pdf [Accessed 9 Oct 2018].
Moy, J. (2017). 9 features in office delve you should know about and how to use them. Available from: https://www.sherweb.com/blog/office-365-delve/ [Accessed 9 Oct 2018].
Noorani, M. (2017). SCORO Software Review: Overview – Features – Pricing. Available from: https://project-management.com/scoro-software-review/ [Accessed 9 Oct 2018].
Tang, A., Liang, P. and Vliet, H. V. (2011). Software architecture documentation: The road ahead. In Software Architecture (WICSA), 2011 9th Working IEEE/IFIP Conference on (pp. 252-255). IEEE. Available from: https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2015593 [Accessed 9 Oct 2018].
Taylor, S.J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M. (2015). Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons. Available from: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Introduction+to+Qualitative+Research+Methods%3A+A+Guidebook+and+Resource%2C+4th+Edition-p-9781118767214 [Accessed 9 Oct 2018].