IT Projects over Four Decades

This article provides a comprehensive list of IT projects that have been undertaken over the past four decades. It covers various projects, their risks, challenges, and the expertise involved. The projects range from early web prototypes to automation in manufacturing and distribution.

INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
1. List of globalisation and technological innovations impacting current IT projects...........1
2. Identification of Key Literature on Agile Method Adoption.............................................2
3. List of IT projects covering four decades...........................................................................8
4. Identification of 10 key attributes and skills of a modern project manager.....................11
5. Presentation of Key Findings...........................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Information technology is the technique which is based upon computer software and used to
perform difficult tasks in less time (Marchewka, 2016). It is very important to be used so as it
facilitates enterprises to carry out operational systematically and reduce time involved in
performing them. It is one of the main elements which are required to be focused by all the
organisations as it can help to complete difficult tasks in less time. Present report is based upon
information technology and covers various topics such as globalisation and technological
innovations, key literature on agile method, list of IT projects etc. Apart from this, key attributes
or skills of a modern project manager and findings of the project are also covered in this
assignment.
MAIN BODY
1. List of globalisation and technological innovations impacting current IT projects
Globalisation can be defined as the force which is reducing barriers for the organisations to
operate business at global level (Globalisation, 2019). On the other hand, various technological
innovations are being introduced in the market which are facilitating entities to perform
operations easily (Piotrowicz and Cuthbertson, 2014). There are various globalisation factors and
technological innovations which are impacting current IT projects. In order to complete all of
them the companies working on them are required to determine all the factors and respond them
systematically. List of some of the factors is as follows:
1

(Illustration 1: Globalisation, 2019)
(Source: Globalisation, 2019)
Globalisation
innovation
Risks Mitigating
factors
Technological
innovation
Risks Mitigating
factors
Stakeholders
such as
investors and
customers
around the
world
Lack of
interest in
projects
because of
developing
nature of
country
Providing
detailed and
attractive
information
of projects to
the
stakeholders.
Artificial
intelligence
the latest and
most interest
innovation
Automation
spurred job
loss because
the work in
future will be
dependent
upon
computers
Decreasing
use of
artificial
intelligence in
business and
using human
capital rather
than robots
Changes in
price because
of large
number of
varieties in
products
Decreased
demand of
domestic
products
because of
cheap
imported
goods
Keeping
detailed
information
of inflation or
deflation so
that changes
in price could
be determined
Robotics in
which robots
are used to
perform all the
tasks rather
than humans
Higher
dependency
upon robots
rather than
humans as it
helps to
reduce the
possibility of
Reducing use
of robots in
operations
and hiring
staff to work
on IT projects
so that the
cost which is
2

so that
possibility of
negative
impact of
them could be
reduced upon
the business.
lower
employee
engagement.
faced by
companies
could be
reduced and
contribution
in the
development
of economy
could be
increased.
Demand in
global market
for the
products is
increasing
because of
lower trade
barriers at
global level.
Lower or
higher
demand will
result in lack
of availability
of products or
services that
are offered by
companies in
international
market.
Keeping
appropriate
information
of potential
changes in
demand so
that the
organisations
can deal with
all the issues
that may take
place in
future.
5G the latest
generation in
smart phone
and internet
market.
Security and
privacy
concerns
because with
the
development
in technology
the threat for
the security
are also
increasing.
Keeping the
security and
privacy
arrangements
high to
reduce risks
such as theft
of
information
of customers
or
confidential
information
of business.
Sustainability
at global level
or
international
market.
Lack of
sustainability
at global level
because of
higher level
of
competition
Keeping
technology up
to date to
acquire
sustainability
and
competitive
3D printing
the innovative
way of
printing to
provide a new
experience to
the customers.
The cost of
3D printing is
very high as
the sources
required for it
are very
expensive.
Finding the
way in which
cost could be
minimised
and acquire
cheap
resources
3

as there is
lack of
barriers for
trade in
global
market.
advantage so
that higher
profits and
revenues
could be
generated.
which could
be used for 3d
printing.
Large number
of new
resources
from the
international
market
Lack of
resources
because of
lower ability
to generate
profits from
the
international
market.
Arranging all
the resources
in advance to
perform all
the activities
as it can help
to reduce the
possibility of
losses for
business in
future.
IoT Internet of
Things which
is highly
focused with
use of
computer
devices and
machines.
Weak
password,
unsecured
hardware,
absence of a
patching
mechanism
etc. are the
threats that
may affect
the new
technology.
Keeping the
security
system up to
date and
using secured
software so
that the
security of all
the resources
that are used
as the part of
IoT could be
maintained.
2. Identification of Key Literature on Agile Method Adoption
LITERATURE COMPANY COMPLEXITY
HOW AGILE
ADDRESSES THE
COMPLEXITY
Chikkareddy, 2015 PayPal Technical Complexity Agile methodology
has allowed the
organisation to
respond quickly to
deadlines through
systems and processes
which allows the
company to function
4

rapidly
Weiss and Smith,
2014 Verisk Analytics
Physical and
Technical Complexity
in delivering IT
projects
Through agile, the
company transformed
its system
development process
by dividing projects
into “sprints” in
which the key aspects
are detailed, designed,
integrated and
implemented as fully
functional systems.
Moody’s Investors
Advice, 2020 Moody’s Analytics
Technical Complexity
towards changing
regulations
Agile has allowed the
firm to ensure control
over debt and exercise
effective functionality
towards changes in
regulations.
Kompella, 2014 CA Technologies
Enhanced Rigidity in
dealing with
Customer-Facing
Software
It allows easy access
to customer facing
content through
machine learning and
built-in analytics.
Levy, Short and
Measey, 2015 Google
Complexities due to
high demand in speed
from customers to
search
Agile enabled Google
to make an interface
which is high paced
and reliable
Denning, 2017 Facebook Physical and
Technical Complexity
in generating content
It allowed Facebook
to ensure that its
content developers
have enough speed to
5

ensure that new
content could be
created at a high pace.
Agile Content
Development: Five
Companies Tell How
They Do It, 2020
Acrolinx
Experienced Rigidity
in processes within
software
Agile ensured that the
company had enough
speed and reliability
that is imperative for
changing times and
technology.
Eickhoff and et. al.,
2018 IBM
Time taking older
development
processes.
It adopts Agile in
Hardware
environment with
development, testing,
as well as continuous
integration which
allows a faster
development and
delivery of products
even in challenging
schedule.
Chen, Ravichandar
and Proctor, 2016 Cisco
Lower Productivity in
software development
process
The firm has adopted
this method in all of
its software
development
processes which
addresses the issues
related to speed,
quality and
productivity
Matharu and et. al.,
2015
Microsoft Technical Complexity Allowed the firm to
build up new software
6

quickly, along with
development of new
programmes in a rapid
and high quality
manner
Wright and Druta,
2014 AT&T
Complexity in
Diversifying Product
Portfolio.
The method enabled
AT&T to become
more software-centric
by providing a
platform to test and
develop new concept
along with improving
existing ones.
How Agile Scrum
Training Transformed
These 5 Companies,
2020
Spotify Technical Slowdown
in music streaming
Agile enabled the firm
to divide employees
in groups which were
responsible for
different functions in
the app and enabled
the firm to function
consistently as per
commitment.
Agile in Non-
technology
Businesses, 2020
Mission Bell Winery
Lower Productivity
and Quality of
products
Agile improvised the
quality within the
company, along with
increased productivity
of almost 12 million
cases of wine
annually by 45
employees.
Meier, 2018 General Motors Obsolete Engineering Enabled the firm to
7

Systems
transform its product
development process
by setting up
departments and units
working with Agile
Glaiel, Moulton and
Madnick, 2014 Raytheon Co. Technical Complexity
regarding productivity
Agile allowed the
firm to adopt near-
real-time-shop floor
metrics which enabled
the firm to improve
production rate and
quality
Kasauli and et. al.,
2017 DaimlerChrysler
Rigidity in
manufacturing
process
Agile Method helped
the company towards
interrelating
manufacturing and
product development
which improved
flexibility in process.
Snyder and Curtis,
2017 Fannie Mae Inefficiency in Asset
Management
Enabled the
company’s
management by
reducing time to
market the mortgaged
offerings.
Lee and et. al., 2015 Merrill Lynch & Co. Technical complexity
in sales
Agile enabled the firm
towards developing
customised GUI
which allowed the
firm to enhance its
revenue by Cross
8

selling their offerings.
Why IT companies are
shifting to agile work
model, 2020
TCS
Technical and
Physical Complexity
in Product Delivery
Agile enabled the
company to ensure
that new workspaces
are developed for
employees of the
company towards
working at a high
pace and ensure
enhanced product
delivery.
100 Most Agile
Companies Honored,
2020
Delphi Corp. Technical Complexity
It allowed the firm to
enhance the usage of
web portal by
suppliers of auto parts
from 10% to 100%/
Themes:
Themes Explanation
Software Development A major theme which came out of the complexities
mentioned above relates with the fact that Agile is most
effective when it comes to development of new software.
Operational Excellence Another theme in this regard is that in order to improve
productivity, processes and operations within a firm, it is
imperative for them to use this methodology.
3. List of IT projects covering four decades
There have been several IT projects over the years in previous decades that are imperative
to be taken into account to ensure their effective analysis. Therefore, some of the most prominent
IT projects are explored below:
Year Project Risks and Scope, Expertise Involved
9

Challenges Schedule, Costs
1980 Early Web
Prototype
Lesser Access to
technology and
testing techniques
The scope of the
project was
narrow as it was
subjected upon
using hypertext
within
organisation of
information
Tim Berners-Lee and
a team of software
developers were
attached to the project
1983 Knight Ridde’s
Viewtron Service
There were various
challenges at that
time related to the
project which were
inappropriate
infrastructure and
access to
technology.
Cost- $900
Scope and
Schedule- it
meant to deliver
shopping, ads,
news and
banking to
people at home
It involved a project
management team of
software and interface
developers, along
with hardware
developers.
1993 ERO Program of
FoxMeyer
The risks involved
unrealistic timeline,
high cost and lack
of technical
expertise
Cost- $5 Billion
Scope and
Schedule-
Project spanned
18 months and
scope was wide
it wanted
automation of
manufacturing
and distribution
of
pharmaceuticals.
Experts in FoxMeyer,
including external
technical staff was
appointed for the
project
1994 DMV Projects The risks involved
loss of cash,
Cost- $27
million
Technical experts and
organisations from
10

government
intervention and
changes in
regulation
Scope and
Schedule- The
schedule
spanned almost 5
years and its
scope was wide
as it planned to
track 31 million
licenses of
drivers and
millions of
vehicle
registrations.
California, as well as
Washington were
involved in the
project.
2001
Sendai
Mediatheq
ue
It involved risks of
environmental
damage
Cost- around 13
billion yen
Scope and
Schedule-
project
underwent 3
years. As for its
scope, it
involved the
work of
furnishing and
bringing
architecture of
around 1915
which enhances
its scope
High skilled
organisations and
project teams were
recruited, along with
major high end
technologies of the
time
2003 Sainsbury’s
Warehouse
It had risks related
to insufficient
Cost- £150
Million
The firm’s technical
experts and project
11

Automation
testing and obsolete
technology.
Scope and
Schedule- Its
scope was wide
as it allowed the
firm to ensure
complete
automation
within its
warehouses.
manager were
involved in the
project
2010 iPad
The project
involved risks
associated with
high cost and
technical reliability.
The project of
Ipad cost around
$10.75 to
manufacture a
single
commodity.
It took around 6
years to perfect
the design and
release the same.
moreover, the
scope was wide
seeing a new
product
development.
Steve Jobs along with
manufacturing
organisation Foxconn
were associated with
the project.
2012 Oculus VR Since new
technology was
being created, its
reliability became a
big risk
Cost- around
$2.5 million
Scope and
schedule- it took
around an year
after its
prototype to
It involved a range of
scientists and
technical developers
to manufacture the
offering
12

build the product
and its scope was
quite high.
Themes:
Themes Explanation
Technical Requirements One particular Theme in this regard is the technical
requirements which were heavily necessary within the
projects associated with timelines of the two decades of
1980-2000, which related with the complexities at the time.
Innovation Another crucial theme was innovation, which has been the
reason for development of most of the IT projects mentioned
in these 4 decades.
4. Identification of 10 key attributes and skills of a modern project manager
With the help of several attributes, project managers will be able to perform all the tasks
properly. Some of the key attributes that are required for project managers could be understood
with the help of following table:
Key attributes or skills Specific tasks
Compassionate leadership This skill is required to perform all the operations properly
with higher engagement level of staff members because
when they will be guided properly then they will work
effectively.
Constant motivation This attribute should be acquired by modern project
managers for the purpose of enhancing work quality of staff.
With the help of it, all the business goals could be
accomplished successfully.
Information of latest technologies In order to complete all the projects on time and meet
deadlines it is essential for modern project managers to have
this skill. It will help to use, latest techniques to complete
13

difficult tasks.
Information technology skills This skill is related to the use of IT in business execution.
Currently, the world has become digitalised as information
technology is used all around the world. By acquiring this
attribute, the modern project managers will be able to
perform all the tasks properly within a specific time frame.
Egalitarian delegation For all the project managers it is very important to be
delegated for their work so that all the requirements of their
roles could be fulfilled. With the help of it, project managers
can complete all the tasks successfully.
Problem solving In order to deal with all the consequences properly this skill
is required by modern project managers. It will help to find
effectives ways to deal with challenges.
Cost control A project manager should be able to control the cost of
whole project. For this purpose, cost controlling skill is
required which will help to do the same.
Negotiation It is very important for project managers to negotiate with
suppliers so that all the planned activities could be
performed successfully. Lack of this skill may result in
higher cost for the organisation.
Risk management This skill is related to the management of all the risks that
may take place in future. It is required by all the modern
project managers for complete projects properly.
Critical thinking It is the last skill which is required by a modern project
manager so that they can find critical and easy ways to
perform all the difficult tasks. Lack of this quality will result
in weak performance of organisation of uncompleted
projects (Schwalbe, 2015).
5. Presentation of Key Findings
Covered in PowerPoint
14

CONCLUSION
Thus, it is concluded from the report above that it is imperative for an organisation and
individuals to get an insight on the information technology and project management. It is crucial
that globalisation and technological innovations are quite appropriately researched and
determined to get an insight on the developments that have taken place within the same.
Furthermore, it is important to analyse literature underpinning adoption of agile methodology,
along with different themes associated with the same to highlight the importance of this
technique in a prominent and effective manner. In addition to this, list of IT projects, along with
their challenges, risks, scope, time and schedule are very essential to be known so that project
management could easily be understood. Lastly, attributes in regards to modern day project
manager must be present and possessed by individuals in order to carry out this role in an
appropriate manner.
15

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Chen, R.R., Ravichandar, R. and Proctor, D., 2016. Managing the transition to the new agile
business and product development model: Lessons from Cisco Systems. Business
Horizons. 59(6). pp.635-644.
Chikkareddy, C., 2015, June. CTS 2015 plenary speech: Agile at PayPal: A transformation
towards leaner and more productive work collaboration. In 2015 International
Conference on Collaboration Technologies and Systems (CTS) (pp. 1-1). IEEE.
Denning, S., 2017. Strategic Agility: using Agile teams to explore opportunities for market-
creating innovation. Strategy & Leadership.
Eickhoff, F.L., and et. al., 2018. Large-scale application of IBM Design Thinking and Agile
development for IBM z14. IBM Journal of Research and Development. 62(2/3). pp.1-1.
Glaiel, F.S., Moulton, A. and Madnick, S.E., 2014. Agile project dynamics: A system dynamics
investigation of agile software development methods.
Kasauli, R., and et. al., 2017, September. Requirements engineering challenges in large-scale
agile system development. In 2017 IEEE 25th International Requirements Engineering
Conference (RE) (pp. 352-361). IEEE.
Kompella, L., 2014, June. Agile methods, organizational culture and agility: some insights.
In Proceedings of the 7th International Workshop on Cooperative and Human Aspects of
Software Engineering (pp. 40-47).
Lee, O.K., and et. al., 2015. How does IT ambidexterity impact organizational
agility?. Information Systems Research. 26(2). pp.398-417.
Levy, R., Short, M. and Measey, P., 2015, March. Agile foundations: principles, practices and
frameworks. BCS.
Marchewka, J.T., 2016. Information technology project management: Providing measurable
organizational value. John Wiley & Sons.
Matharu, G.S., and et. al., 2015. Empirical study of agile software development methodologies:
A comparative analysis. ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Notes. 40(1). pp.1-6.
Meier, E., 2018, July. An Agile Model‐Based Approach for Managing Engineering Processes.
In INCOSE International Symposium (Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 733-742).
Piotrowicz, W. and Cuthbertson, R., 2014. Introduction to the special issue information
technology in retail: Toward omnichannel retailing. International Journal of Electronic
Commerce, 18(4), pp.5-16.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Snyder, B. and Curtis, B., 2017. Using analytics to guide improvement during an Agile–DevOps
transformation. IEEE Software. 35(1). pp.78-83.
Weiss, M. and Smith, H., 2014. APC Forum: Agility Transformation at Verisk Analytics. MIS
Quarterly Executive. 13(3). p.6.
Wright, SA and Druta, D., 2014, December. Open source and standards: The role of open source
in the dialogue between research and standardization. In 2014 IEEE Globecom
Workshops (GC Wkshps) (pp. 650-655). IEEE.
Online
16

100 Most Agile Companies Honored. 2020. [Online] Available Through: <
https://www.cio.com/article/2436092/100-most-agile-companies-honored.html>
Agile Content Development: Five Companies Tell How They Do It. 2020. [Online] Available
Through: < https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2015/04/agile-content-development-
icc-panel/>
Agile in Non-technology Businesses. 2020. [Online] Available Through: <
https://www.synerzip.com/blog/4-examples-of-agile-in-non-technology-businesses/>
How Agile Scrum Training Transformed These 5 Companies. 2020. [Online] Available
ThroughL < https://www.quickstart.com/blog/how-agile-scrum-training-transformed-
these-5-companies/>
Moody’s Investors Advice. 2020. [Online] Available Through: <
https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-revises-outlook-on-Agile-Group-to-
negative--PR_422027>
Why IT companies are shifting to agile work model. 2020. [Online] Available Through: <
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/ites/why-it-companies-are-shifting-to-an-
agile-work-model/articleshow/64430084.cms?from=mdr>
Globalisation. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
< https://voxeu.org/content/globalisation-doomed>
17