I am a newbie to Project Management and I also wear the hat of Team Lead so I am not 100% allocated to PM.
My project consists of creating an Enterprise Data Model using an automated tool that analyzes data files.
I am having a difficult time planning and tracking this project (MS Project 98).
I can only analyze data files after developers have provided them to me. When I know the total number of files I can provide good estimates for completion time. The problem is that in some cases I never know what the final count of data files will be.
For example, the developers may give me 5 data files, but may not know that there are 10 more until they finish reviewing program modules. The time to review program modules can vary also depending on their committments to production support.
Any ideas on how to manage the time line? My boss is looking for a more accurate project plan. In my current plan the dates are ever moving.
Perhaps it is not manageable at all and therefore I will not be able to develop any measurements for future projects.
Just wanted to know if anyone had any idea on how one might manage this type of scenario. Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Yikes! First I must say that I hate the approach of finding data files by analyzing code. A correctly structured corporate data model may or may not have any resemblance to what exists today. To develop a corporate data model you will need to understand the current files and their relationships to be sure. But, you will also have to understand the NATURAL structure of the data as well. With both in hand, you will be able to demonstrate to management the anomalies in the current structures that are inhibiting progress and fueling high maintenance and application enhancement costs. If you are using a DBMS (SQL, DB2, Oracle, etc.) then you can get a copy of the schemas. Most DBMS products have utilities that will actually generate a data model from the schemas. If you are working with traditional file structures then get a listing to the files and corresponding record layouts independent of the programs. If you are still in a COBOL environment, then you can get most of the file definitions from the Data Division in each program. Have someone spend two hours and show you how to read them. That way you can be free of the programmers spoon feeding you file information. If you give me some more details on your environment maybe I can help you put together a winning approach. It would also be helpful to know what the goal of the effort is. Good Luck. Saving Changes...
