Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Methodology

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Project Manager Purpose

To manage and successfully deliver the Dynamics implementation, and ensure that the scope, resources and budget constraints are balanced.

Description
The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the project are planned and executed in a manner that will lead to meeting the implementation goals within the established time frame and budget to a high degree of customer satisfaction. The Project Manager is the person assigned by the performing organization to achieve the project objectives. The role of a Project Manager is distinct from a functional manager or operations manager. Typically the functional manager is focused on providing management oversight for an administrative area or business function, and operations managers are responsible for the smooth running of the back-office operations.. The Project Manager should be PMP certified and have a thorough understanding of the PMI PMBOK methodology and the Sure Step methodology. The Project Manager should also have a thorough understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics product and its related technologies, but is not typically involved in the actual configuration and customization process. Rather, the Project Manager ensures that the technical- and application-consulting resources are successfully executing on the established project plan. Depending on the organizational structure, a Project Manager may report to a functional manager. In other cases, a Project Manager may be one of several Project Managers who report to a portfolio or program manager that is ultimately responsible for enterprise-wide projects. In this type of structure, the Project Manager works closely with the portfolio or program manager to achieve the project objectives and to ensure the project plan aligns with the overarching program plan. The Project Manager is responsible for creating the project plan and ensuring that the scope, schedule, budget and resources are executing to the plan. Many of the tools and techniques for managing projects are specific to project management. However, understanding and applying the knowledge, tools, and techniques that are recognized as good practice is not sufficient for effective project management. In addition to any area-specific skills and general management proficiencies required for the project, effective project management requires that the Project Manager possess the following characteristics: Knowledge. This refers to what the Project Manager knows about project management. Performance. This refers to what the Project Manager is able to do or accomplish while applying their project-management knowledge. Attitude. This refers to how the Project Manager behaves when performing the project or related activity. Personal effectiveness encompasses attitudes, core personality characteristics and leadershipthe ability to guide the project team while achieving project objectives and balancing the project constraints. The Project Manager will work closely with the Customer Project Manager to ensure successful completion of the implementation.

Skills
Soft Skills: Clear communicator (both written and verbal). Project Management experiences. Proactive attitude. Ability to manage projects by motivating both the customer- and consulting-implementation teams. Team leadership experiences. Creative problem solving and conflict resolution. Ability to manage expectations.

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Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Methodology

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Functional/Technical Skills: Fundamental understanding of Microsoft Dynamics. Basic knowledge of related Microsoft technologies (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft .NET, Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server, and Microsoft BizTalk Server). Experience with the management of risk, change, issues, time, scope, resources, budget, and quality Knowledge of methodology and best practices. Experience with Microsoft Office Project and other tools that support project management. Good understanding of all major activities for a business system implementation such as analysis, design, development, and deployment.

Typical Activities
All Project Phases: Create and maintain the project plan. Assign tasks to resources. Perform risk analysis. Approve project charges such as travel expenses, equipment, or billable time. Create and communicate project status reports to management and customers. Manage the budget and approve customer invoices. Ensure quality and timeliness for the services. Maintain a healthy relationship with the customer. Ensure customer acceptance for delivered services. Provide updates to the Engagement Manager. Diagnostic Phase: Prepare and conduct customer meetings. Plan diagnostic phase. Scope project phases. Support creation of proposal. Analysis Phase: Prepare and conduct the Executive Kick-off meeting. Initiate project planning of all project phases. Prepare project charter with Customer Project Manager. Assign adequate resources to the project. Prepare and conduct the kick-off meeting. Operation Phase: Handle Project closing. Hand over system to support team. Agile Preparation: Own and lead all the Project Management activities. Lead all the Project planning sessions. Oversee the Solution Overview sessions. Analyze the User training requirements. Oversee the Gathering Business Requirements and Fit Gap Analysis activities. Participate in the creation of the Solution Backlog and all related sub-activities. Participate in the Establishing Integration Strategy sessions. Agile Execution: Oversee the Define Sprint Backlog activity and all related activities. Participate in the Sprint Planning Sessions. Participate in the Sprint Technical Preview activities. Participate in the Sprint Post Mortem activities. Liaise with the Customers Business Decision Maker (BDM) and Project Manager for acceptance/sign-off. Work on the Project Scope changes and Change Request-related activities.

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Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Methodology

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Oversee the Solution Testing.

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