Computer Project Exercises

In developing the exercises, trade$-$offs had to be made to enrich the learning experience. One of the major problems students initially encounter is data and detail over$-$load. This reduces their ability to identify project and data problems and to compare alternatives. Although the project found in the exercises is real, it has been reduced and detail has been eliminated many times to concentrate on applying project management principles and understanding linkages. In addition, other simplifying assumptions have been made so that students and instructors can trace problems and discuss outcomes. These assumptions detract from reality, but they keep the focus on the objectives of the exercises and reduce student frustration with software intricacies. Moving from these exercises to real projects is primarily one of increasing detail.

The POM$+$ Project$*$

Big Kola Company has been concerned that specialized fruit drinks have been eroding their cola market. The CEO mandates that $"$If you can't beat them, join them." Grape juice was the first product that was successful after an advertising blitz claiming the antitoxin benefits. Lately, competition is compressing grape juice margins and profits. Months of additional market surveys and focus groups have resulted in three potential high$-$margin drinks: cranberry, blueberry, and pomegranate. All these choices represent antitoxins. The decision is to produce the pomegranate drink that has many health claims. For example, the relative ability of these juices to eliminate harmful free radicals $($antitoxins$)$ is $71$ percent for pomegranate, $33$ percent for blueberry, and $20$ percent for cranberry $($Technion Institute of Technology$).$ The market potential appears very attractive and should have a higher proft margin than the other potential juice products. Another appeal for pomegranate juice is its familiarity in the Middle East and Asia.

The Priority Matrix for the POM$+$ Project is: