System Analyst as Project Manager

Our task in this particular assignment is to discuss the role of a systems analyst as a project manager. Regarding this, we have to interview an analyst or project manager. The person in the company that we had visited was an MIS Department head and at the same times a system analyst.

On December 7, 2009, after the letter was approved by the respective university personnel, we immediately visited the AMS Group of Companies located at F Torres , Davao City and we interviewed Mr. Gemrald Calibara about our topic in the group representation in SAD1. It is about systems analyst as a project manager. Aside from that, he has also touched the some discussions in which some of our assignments are answered prior to its post. That’s why, we are able to answer our assignments and tackle about our discussion. That made me think that we are lucky and should I say grateful enough to have this coincidences or whatever you call it.

Concerning the topic, he discussed a lot of things. From identifying the problems found in their organization such as the lack of programmers, time pressures and constraints to the sharing of the type of model they are implementing during the software development cycle which is the rapid Model. He also stated that the budgetary requirement for the project management is very minimal because they normally don’t outsource the systems. The tasked teams are the ones who create the systems in their organization. Whenever they have to outsource some systems, they are to customize it to meet the specifications needed by the organization itself.

Although he tackled a lot, it is not enough that enough to answer this assessment and discuss or topic in the class without searching other references. And the internet is available.

From our topic discussion I found one of relevant objectives which is explain the elements of project management and the responsibilities of a project manager. So, let me discuss the role of the systems analyst as a project manager.

The Reasons to Initiate IS Project are: The new information system is part of an overall strategic plan and the new information system is to respond an immediate business need.

What Is a Project? It is a planned undertaking with a beginning and an end that produce predetermined result and is usually constrained by a schedule and resource.

What is Project Management? It is the act of organizing and directing people to achieve a planned result within budget and on schedule. Success or failure of project depends on skills of the project manager. The responsibilities of project manager are both internal and external.

Internal Responsibilities of the Project Manager include: Identify project tasks and build a work breakdown structure; develop the project schedule; recruit and train team members; assign team members to tasks; coordinate activities of team members and subteams; assess project risks; monitor and control project deliverables and milestones and verify the quality of project deliverables.

External Responsibilities of the Project Manager include: Report the project’s status and progress; establish good working relationships with those who identify the needed system requirements; the people who will use the system; work directly with the client (the project’s sponsor) and other stakeholders and identify resource needs and obtain resources.

• Project Management Tasks are:
• Beginning of project
o Overall project planning
• During project
o Project execution management
o Project control management
o Project closeout
• Project management approach differs for
o Predictive SDLC
o Adaptive SDLC

In one of my researches, I found an interesting summary of the role of Systems analyst as a project manager and here it is:

The Project Manager / Business System Analyst will be responsible for the project planning, execution, and implementation of technology-enabled solutions to an internal business unit which provides revenue generating services for the district. Through a highly successful ASP model, the internal business unit has expanded its services to school districts throughout the State of Texas. In addition to the project management responsibilities, this position requires demonstrated abilities to partner, collaborate and manage the relationship of a customer –focused and excellence driven team. The right candidate will have extensive organizational, strong leadership and relationship management skills in a multifaceted matrix organization.

As the Project Manager / Business System Analyst you will be a full partner with the business unit in setting the strategic vision for future growth and expansion. This position requires a level of understanding where system enhancements, process design trade-offs and plan prioritization are discussed in business language, which in turn will lead to better decisions. Previous experience in business process re-engineering of process improvement; utilizing project best practice techniques and tools to effect business change is desirable. HISD is broadly recognized for its innovative approach to educating children through leading initiatives such as the respected Teacher “Pay for Performance” Program (ASPIRE) Through programs such as this one, HISD has been able to increase its number of recognized and exemplary schools from 8 to 200 in four years.

And the required Key Skills and Experience include;

• At least 5 years of direct experience leading teams in a matrix organization, with responsibility for customer driven-products, software and fee-for-service solutions on a regional basis.
• Manages all activities related to line-of business software upgrades, new releases, and emergency fixes from conception through post implementation. Projects often involve managing both internal and external network server configurations and testing. Ensures that projects meet budget, timing, client expectations and organizational standards.
• Coordinates work performed by IT staff and line-of-business customer by defining project requirements, performance feasibility and needs/impact assessments. Acts as a senior technical advisor to others to meet schedules and/or resolve technical problems.
• Interprets line-of-business strategies and services, resolves conflicts, and influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision.
• Works with line-of-business customers to develop business requirements; including analysis of the competitive situation, understanding business practices and approaches and recommending business process changes.
• Develops detailed project plans and manages all implementation processes including resource allocation, progress tracking, monitoring change control processes, testing, documenting training and on-time, on-budget and on-scope delivery.
• Regularly provides project management or team leadership to a group of Software Developers, but does not have formal supervisory responsibility. Leading and directing typically involves monitoring work and providing guidance on escalated issues.
• Will be experienced in working to complete activities in process engineering, information engineering, use case modeling, facilitation, and organizational change management.
• Analyzes the most complex business problems in the areas of identifying, evaluating and developing processes, procedures, policies, training, functional testing, data quality and workflows that are cost effective and meet business requirements.

References:
www.itk.ilstu.edu/.../Chapter%203%20-%20Analyst%20as%20a%20Project%20Manager.ppt
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/job-JYL72A75BRO