Context and background:

ROLE

You work in a project management consultancy partnership that undertakes contracts from clients and works with them to plan and manage internal service development projects that include IT design and development. The projects that you plan and manage are implemented by a combination of the client's staff and external contractors that you source through the IT Contractor Rates Guide by HAYS (See the file uploaded to Moodle).

THE CLIENT1 PixelForge Gamesis a dynamic game development company with a passion for creating immersive experiences. They specialise in creating console games and downloadable content (DLCs). PixelForge's client base includes both console gamers and enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality titles for exceptional player experiences. They operate in competitive markets, and recognise that creativity is the lifeblood of the gaming industry. To achieve this strategic objective, they actively push boundaries by developing games that are innovative and have rich storytelling and captivating visual design. PixelForge also aims to establish a strong position in the console gaming market, emphasising on recognition and enjoyment by wide audiences as critical success factors. To achieve this, they strategically position their titles to appeal to console gamers who represent a substantial market segment. PixelForge aims to stand out to a loyal client base and gain visibility, recognition, and increase in revenue. Their current annual revenue currently stands at $10 million, and management is expecting a 10% increase over the next 18 months. Recognising the importance of player retention, they set other KPIs to increase their active users over the same period. They expect their user retention to increase: (i) Week 1 Retention (W1) - players who continue playing after the first week to increase from the current 20% to 50%; (ii) Month 1 Retention (M1) - players who remain engaged after a month from the current 10% to 35%.; and (iii) Three-Month Retention (M3) - players whose interests are sustained over three months to change the current 5% to a solid 15%.

THE CONTRACT

PixelForge's senior management have announced creation of a portfolio package of up to 4 DLCs add-ons to extend sales and bring in new customers. They allocated a budget of $900K ona portfolio of up to four projectsto enter new markets and achieve their strategic goals of increasing revenue and increasing player retention.

Assignment 1 relates to Phase 1 of their contract with your firm which involves developing comprehensive business cases (project proposals) that align with the portfolio objectives and business strategies. Your client would review the project proposals and shortlist the 4 most relevant proposals. The successful proposals would join forces and form teams to work towards achieving portfolio objectives in Assignments 2 and 3 (Phases 2 & 3 of the contract).

The technology aspects of the project are to be implemented by their in-house team of experts. However, all the remaining costs for the projects (and any profit that your partnership intends to make) must come out of the $900K budget.

Note that the $900K budget is for the entire portfolio of up to 4 projects and not just the one project you are proposing and therefore, it is important to budget carefully where all expected costs and expenses are justified and there are considerations for other potential projects in the portfolio. The portfolio of projects must be completed within 18 months of the contract start date. Your client did not specify the expected schedule for each individual project proposal; however, they expect the schedule, budget and scope of work (requirements, deliverables, delivery approach and cadence) to be balanced and feasible.

1Assistive and generative AI was employed to form this narrative.

3 |Page FIT2002 (Semester 2, 2024) Assignment 1

ASSIGNMENT TASK

Your task is to develop a comprehensive business case (project proposal) to present to your client for decision making. Your business case should address the following criteria:

Business Justification

? Start with some background information of the business and portfolio to set the scene.

? Demonstrate the alignment of the project with business strategies and portfolio objectives: Why is your

proposed project a good fit for the business and the portfolio?

? Current Situation and Problem/Opportunity Statement: Discuss how and why the current situation, as mentioned in the case, presents an opportunity/problem for the portfolio. Demonstrate the contribution of the project to the value delivery system of the client's organisation;

? Provide an overview of three options (tentative solutions) to address the Problem/Opportunity identified and compare the options followed by a clear conclusion and recommendation for the client. This would assist the decision makers in their assessment of your project and let them make an 'informed' decision. When identifying and analysing the three options, consider the role of human- computer interactions and whether your proposed options are more human-focused or technology- focused.

oThe comparison should include a high level and brief comparison of the financial implications of the options. Use of suitable comparison tools such as weighted scoring models is encouraged.

? Describe project deliverables including characteristics of the product and project outcomes.

? A reflection on any ethical implications of the project or products. You will find resources in Moodle to

enhance your understanding of ethics in project management.

?

Schedule Estimate

Estimate time required for the project and a project go-live date. Include at least three high level milestones with justifications in this section. Demonstrate that the schedule, budget and scope of the work (including deliverables and requirements, project delivery approach and cadence) are balanced and feasible.

Budget Estimate and Financial Analysis

? A preliminary estimate of the costs and benefits of the project through an NPV/ROI calculation The calculation should be supported by sufficient justification and references for the on-going maintenance and project benefit estimates.

? All supporting and additional information should be included in the Exhibits section - such as the initial project investment, on-going maintenance cost and projected benefit/profit. The text in the Exhibit section is not included in the word limit of the assignment.

Development Approach: Explain and justify the development approach

The development approach should be aligned with stakeholder and client values, types and the number of deliverables and the feasibility within the constraints of the project (expected schedule, budget and outcome/deliverable requirements).

Uncertainty and Risk analysis

Summarise the top two potential risks that this project might face and your proposed response strategy to navigate through the uncertainty.

Quality Metrics and Measurement

Provide a description of the quality attributes for your main product and how to measure them. Include at least two attributes. Where possible, include two Key performance indicators (KPIs) that are specific to the project and can be used to evaluate the success of a project in delivering the product.

Project 4: Dreamscape

Dreamscape has a Surreal exploration adventure genre that invites players into a mysterious dream world where reality bends and the line between dreams and reality is blur. Players wander through ethereal landscapes, solving abstract puzzles, encountering enigmatic beings, piecing together fragmented memories, encounter enigmatic characters, and explore surreal landscapes. key features of this game are non-linear exploration where players follow their instincts, artistic visuals (hand-painted environments), and emotional storytelling that unravel personal narratives hidden within dreams.

Useful references:

? Journey: For its emotional impact and minimalist storytelling.

? Gris: For its artistic approach and evocative world.

SPECIFICATION AND DELIVERABLES Deliverables and Criteria mm A complete business case (Project proposal) Business Justification - Introduction/Background and Business/ Portfolio Objectives - Current Situation and Problem/Opportunity Statement that indicates the contribution of the project to the value delivery system - Analysis of options - Project and deliverable description - Ethical considerations and implications Up to 1,100 words (Excluding the exhibits and Schedule Estimate, Budget Estimate and Financial Analysis reference list) through NPV/ROI analysis. Development Approach: Explain and justify the development approach - Uncertainty and Risk analysis Quality Metrics and measurement - Completeness and correctness of statements; - Clarity of expressions; - Appropriate use of references following the APA style (7t edition) if applicable