read this carefully, I will link my questions below :

Context and background:

YOUR 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 Games is 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 on a portfolio of up to four projects to 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.

Assignment Task :

2. Schedule Estimate, Budget Estimate & Financial Analysis (20%)

2.1 Schedule Estimate

Timeline: [High-level is fine, include go-live date]

Milestones:

[Milestone 1] - Justification: [Why is this a key turning point, not just a task]

[Milestone 2] - Justification:

[Milestone 3] - Justification:

Feasibility:

[Acknowledge 1-2 factors that could cause delays, ties into risk analysis. You could be proactive and go one step further: Explain a buffer or plan to mitigate those risks impact on the timeline]

2.2 Preliminary estimate of the costs involved

Include major line items (staffing, software, etc.) with brief explanations.

Justification:[Connect costs to specific project needs and deliverables]

NPV/ROI:[Include these calculations in an exhibit but summarise them here]

Long-Term Value:[Explain the reasoning behind your benefit projections for the years beyond the initial project]

Discount / Cash Flow Rate

• 4.35% (effective as at 7th August)