Project Selection Using Scoring Method: Average and Weighted - Case Study Example

PROJECT SELECTION USING SCORING METHOD (AVERAGE AND WEIGHTED) Name of Student: Name of the unit: Date of submission: Table of Contents PROJECT SELECTION USING SCORING METHOD (AVERAGE AND WEIGHTED) 1 Introduction 2 General project model selection criteria 3 The range of the comparison will be between 1 to 5 4 Desktop PCs Features explained 6 Laptop (HP ENVY) 8 Tablets (HTC flyer) 8 Project selection models 9 Procedures (activities) of the scoring method 10 Results and discussions (analysis) 11 Recommendations 11 Conclusion 11 Bibliography 12 Introduction Nowadays, in the digital age, computers and electronic equipment has been integrated into the education system from schools to universities. Academic work has shifted from hard copies of documents, work sheets and other physical forms of work to digital forms such as digital word documents, spread sheets, and also new methods of calculation and communication for use by students for more efficient education processes. As a university student, it is crucial to own a digital device such as a desktop, a laptop or one of the lighter tablets PCs. Almost all academic work in this age is done and submitted electronically. Information also is needed to be accessed electronically via the internet and devices are needed to perform this. However, choosing the best or suitable computer needs the management to identify the most qualified staff to undertake the task. In project management, organizations select a team that can use the most appropriate project selection criteria. This paper is a detailed report on how to use the scoring method (range and weighted) to choose the best computer project. The project in this context is the selection of the most appropriate computer a student can use for speedy processing of data, large capacity storage of files as well as good internet speed. Thus, the paper compares the criteria used to choose among Desktop PC, Laptop (HP ENVY and a tablet (HTC flyer). In summary, the paper analyses these scores or results based on the criteria then makes a recommendation on the most appropriate computer for this project. The comparison will be between a) Desktop: Dell Inspiron 23 b) Laptop: HP Envy 17 Notebook c) Tablet: HTC Flyer Tablet General project model selection criteria Selection criteria A Durability B Cost C Speed D Memory(capability) E Reliability F Ease of use The range of the comparison will be between 1 to 5 B C D E F Raw Weight % A A3 C3 D5 E3 A2 A = 5 10.2 B C4 D5 E2 B3 B = 3 6.1 C D2 C3 C4 C = 14 28.6 D D4 D4 D = 20 40.8 E F2 E = 5 10.2 F = 2 4.1 Total 49 100% DESKTOP LAPTOP TABLET specification range specification range specification range Durability Longest Life (2-3 years) 5 Short life 3 Short life (1 year) 2 Cost $1500 4 $1900 3 $1000 5 Speed 3.9GHz 5 2.4GHz 4 1.5GHz 2 Memory(capability) 8 5 8 5 1 2 Reliability Metal Body 5 Hard Plastic Body 4 Fragile Body 2 EASE OF USE Portability/ Functionality 2 Portability/ Functionality 5 Portability/ Functionality 4 Options DESKTOP LAPTOP TABLET Range Wt. Score Range Wt. Score Range Wt. Score A Durability 5 10.2 51 3 10.2 30.6 2 10.2 20.4 B Cost 4 6.1 24.4 3 6.1 18.3 5 6.1 30.5 C Speed 5 28.6 143 4 28.6 114.4 2 28.6 57.2 D Memory(capability) 5 40.8 204 5 40.8 204 2 40.8 81.6 E Reliability 5 10.2 51 4 10.2 40.8 2 10.2 20.4 F EASE OF USE 2 4.1 8.2 5 4.1 20.5 4 4.1 16.4 TOTAL 481.6 428.6 226.5 Criteria are in this case are the reasons behind choosing a device over the other. When choosing a computer for this project speed, cost, and storage capacity (memory) are the vital criteria used to select the most appropriate machine. Other factors to consider includes reliability (power) and durability the computers. This paper, therefore, discusses each computer based on the above criteria and later on compares the three gadgets in a pairwise style.1 When selecting a computer for use, it important to determine the scope of use and the tasks being performed. A computer that serves a large group of people must have a large storage capacity and a great speed to avoid congestions at the resource centers. The student must also consider their financial constraints. On the other hand, computer flexibility plays an important role in its selection. The device must be able to perform different tasks and still stand the test of technological competition. It must stand the test of time. Ease of use is not important since computers are easy to learn. however portability is a factor involved under the ease of use category. However, capability of computers is a vital factor. It is a general term referring to its ability to perform tasks without constrains.2 Desktop PCs Features explained This type of computer has outstanding features. Firstly, the central processing unit is commendable. It is made of Intel and in some cases AMD. Its processor is an i7-3777 Intel core. This implies that is has the needed speed for processing and performing large tasks like the university libraries. Processors determine the speed of computers3. Desktops have multiple processes connected in a chip. This gives the desktop advantage over other types of computers like laptops and tablets. They have different prices depending on the advancement. The HP pavilion desktop (PC) has a fairly high price, but it is worth its price. The storage capacity of this computer is one terabyte (1TB). This makes it most for computer installations of an institution. Operating systems runs all the processes of the computer and dictates the speed of the device. Desktop PCs uses windows. The chosen computer in this case uses windows, the most updated version. However, the random access memory (RAM) capacity also influences the speed of the computer. Desktop PC has a ram of 4GB indicating a high processing speed.4 The only constraint of selecting this type of computer reliable in terms of power. Desktops must be connected to a power source before use. In the case of power shortages, the computer cannot be relied on like laptops and tablets. Unless the project has put in place power back up, the selection can be a setback especially when processing important files. On the other hand, desktops have longer shelf life than laptops and tablets. The other devices are portable but carrying devices from one point to another is a risk. Last but not least, brand is a factor to consider before buying a product. There are many brands in the market, but this project chooses HP because of its warranty and the quality of the devices.5 In terms of cost, speed, storage capacity, the device is excellent. Power sourcing will require the organization to ensure that it has a backup source in the form of a generator. Laptops are constrained due to their portability. With time, students or library staff can take them home unnoticed. They are commendable for using batteries, but these power sources cannot be replaced. The least recommended computer for this project is a tablet. They fail most of the six project selection criteria. Laptop (HP ENVY) Compared to desktops, laptops have low durability. Most of them are glossy and easily scratch with no reinforcement for the chassis that can help prevent damages when they fall. It can be a limitation for this project in terms of maintenance cost. Laptops have power advantages but the new computers come with irreplaceable batteries. This means that once spoilt, they cannot be relied on. New extended battery is never an option since swapping for second hand battery is not possible. The laptop has another disadvantage when it spoils. Components like hard drives and the RAM are not easy to replace. Being portable devices, they have high prices as compared to desktops. The speed of a laptop is considerately high; some have up to 8GB RAM. The question is on the cost of laptops because maintain them is a bit demanding and needs cash. Considering the brand type, HP is still one of the leading computer brands in the market. Its outstanding features make it a computer of choice among many.6 Tablets (HTC flyer) They are the latest innovations on computers and can perform almost the same task as other computers. Tablets can only process tasks to a certain level; they do not have the much needed speed for library operations. Tablet PCs use several operating systems. Some use windows 7. This makes it possible to compare tablets to other computer types. Almost all tablets have a particular onboard storage up to 250 GB. This is a not enough storage capacity to handle institution files. They also have cloud storage which costly. Though the costs of tablets are fair, they have limited reliability. The touch screen and the size of a tablet make it prone to theft and scratches from the students. They can be a big constraint on the project in terms of their durability, reliability, speed and storage capacity. It is a good price but the constraints of this device will be overwhelming. Project selection models There exist two types of project selection models: nonnumeric and numeric models7. Non numeric models do not provide values for the comparison with other models. They are assumptions or justifications. Numeric models, on the other hand, provide numeric values for comparison with other projects. They are of two categories; profitability and scoring8. The scoring models fit this project especially using the weighted scale scoring to compare each of the three computers. Scoring is given under each criteria performance and the total scores compared for all devices. Eventually, the project with the highest scores in the weighted scale is the best for the project. The following table shows how the three projects can be compared using different criteria and scoring method. The general formula for getting weighted score is S = ∑(s·w)9. Procedures (activities) of the scoring method The table above is an illustration of the scoring method. The weight represents the amount of importance this paper accords to a certain criterion. This project has three alternatives to choose from which represents the three types of computers. There are two values that this method uses; scale scores and the weighted average. The scale is a specific score of an alternative with regard to a certain criteria. The weighted average is the grand total of an alternatives score. On the other hand, this method uses two values to arrive at product scores. These are raw and extended values. The raw value is the product criterion score while extended value is the criterion value multiplied by the product criterion value. All the six scores give grand totals for the three products. These final results provide a quick reference for the Project Managers to choose the best computer that suits a library computer project.10 Results and discussions (analysis) From the above results, the criteria have different weights. For instance, durability, memory capacity and speed are the major factors to consider before buying a computer. This is not a general assumption because the project needs computer that can last, serve a large group of students and process files at high speed. When many users log in into local networks, internet traffics can occur whereby users will have to wait for computers to process. Therefore buying a computer of high speed like HP desktop will be a mile stone for the institution. Though important, other factors like and ease of use of or less important thus they have fewer criteria scores. They come second in the selection criteria since it is just a matter of time before a person becomes familiar with the computer. On the other hand, cost is relative to the way a device is used and its advancement. The scores above shows desktop PC top with 113 weighted total, laptop at 95 and tablets is the least preferred. The table is a simple pair wise comparison that is easy to prepare.11 Recommendations The first recommendation of this paper is on the use of the scoring method (scale and weighted) for project management due to its convenience. Organizations can adopt this method since it requires fewer skills and manpower to carry out. The other recommendation is the proposal of the desktop PC for institutions. Based on the six criteria, desktops meet the standards required for the project. The paper, therefore, recommends that when installing computers for institutions it is important to consider their speed, storage capacity, cost, durability, reliable and ease of use. Conclusion In summary, the scoring project selection method is easy and simple to use. It allows for the comparison of multiple criteria. From the project report, it is easy to analyze the results in the chart and make inferences. On the other hand, the project gives credit to desktop PCs for big projects like installing school libraries with computers. The six criteria for model selection still apply to this project selection model, but obvious criteria like reliability, durability and speed of devices are exclusive for this project. It is also clear from the paper that different parameters influence the weighted scores. There are raw and extended values that add up to the grand total for each criterion. Alternatively, a simple formula, (S = ∑(s·w), is a direct calculation of the weighted score. Bibliography Badria, A. Masood, Donald Davis, and Donna Davis. “A comprehensive 0–1 goal programming model for project selection. International Journal of Project Management 19, no. 4(2001): 243-252.  Lee Woo Jin, and Soung Hie Kim. “An integrated approach for interdependent information system project selection.” International Journal of Project Management 19, no. 2 (2001): 111-118. Nicholas M. John, and Herman Steyn. Project Management for Engineering, Business and Technology. London: Taylor & Francis, 2012. Shakhsi-Niaei, Majid, Torabi, S. A. and Iranmanesh S. H. “A comprehensive framework for project selection problem under uncertainty and real-world constraints.” Computers & Industrial Engineering 61, no. 1 (2011): 226-237. Wurst Christian, Claudia Smarkola and Mary Anne Gaffney. "Ubiquitous laptop usage in higher education: Effects on student achievement, student satisfaction, and constructivist measures in honors and traditional classrooms." Computers & Education 51, no. 4 (2008): 1766-1783. Read More