2.3 People and ICT

Home learning Choose one of the following jobs: – Systems analyst – Software developer – Web designer – Web administrator – Help desk operator Write out a FORMAL letter of application explaining why you are suitable for this job, FOCUS on the personal skills that you have. DUE: Exam Tip – remember different job roles will require different personal qualities. The qualities you need will depend on the tasks your job role requires you to do

You will be successful today if… You will be able to state what makes an effective ICT team Explain why certain characteristics are essential in a good ICT team Grade B/C Grade A

What skills/qualities should an effective leader have?

Why is it better to work in a team on an ICT project?

Effective ICT Teams What are the advantages of working in an team? What are the disadvantages of working in a team? What skills should a team leader have? What are the main skills that team members in an ICT team should have? 25 minutes

Teamwork Explain how the following characteristics can contribute towards a good team: – Team members working together – Encouragement – Strengths and possible weaknesses – An appropriate structure – Monitoring of progress – Cost for completion of project – Good communication skills – Balance of team 8 marks

Teamwork Few ICT projects are completed by a single individual and so teamwork skills are vital Characteristics of an effective ICT team are: – Team leader must ensure that the team members work together in an organised and effective manner to ensure deadlines are met – Encouragement – ultimately leads to a more motivated group – Strengths and possible weaknesses of all staff involved in the project need to be taken into account – tasks are allocated to staff who have the correct skills to complete them effectively and efficiently – An appropriate structure must be in place to ensure that the standard practices of the organisation are followed. Is important as team members may change and replacements must be able to step in and carry on the project. Methodical approach to documentation – specification, design, test plans, user guides) – Monitoring of progress to ensure that project is completed to schedule – as delays can be very expensive. Ensure team are working at an appropriate pace and are aware of deadlines – Essential that the costs for completion of project are monitored throughout to ensure that money has not been misused and is project is within budget – Good communication skills so that team members can share ideas with each other and with end users – Balance of team should allow people with different skills and knowledge to work together to maximise efficiency as a whole

Plenary Question How is the effectiveness of a project manager judged? How well the solution works Whether it is completed on time Whether it is completed on budget