#1 at SEPTA Design Challenge!
This semester, the design challenge focused on increased functionality and accessibility for SEPTA mass transit systems, both vehicular and services related to finding those vehicles.
My team crafted a mobile application prototype for this purpose. The app was designed to combine information on SEPTA schedules with signage at SEPTA stops around the county. In addition, it allowed users to create customized route preferences and was to have predictive analytics built into the app to enable riders to have suggestions for routes and schedules based on previous usage. When combined with sensors already used in areas like SEPTA subway cars, the app would enable both SEPTA and riders to keep track of numbers of people riding specific vehicles at any given time. This would help to minimize congestion and ensure users have the chance to avoid the jam with prior knowledge. Finally, the app would have a built-in payment technology for swipe payments. This would essentially replace the upcoming SEPTAKey for users who have smartphones with technology already available for POS transactions.
All in all, we tied for 1st place, something never before seen at the Design Challenge. We were proud to be there and even prouder to be recognized for our accomplishment!
Project Management – Week of 12/5
This week saw the completion of the PM project binder, the BA scope and the prototype presentation. I was responsible for completing the WBS and the project budget for the PM team, and I took part in the review process for the final exam, the BA presentation, and the final scope revision. I offered advice on how to present the prototype, and the BA team took the best of what we offered to create a great presentation. The final scope saw some revisions from me, and I offered ideas on how to make the objectives a bit clearer. Overall, my most important contribution was in the deliverables for the PM team this week.
Project Management – Week of 11/21
This week was primarily about the prototype and completing the final layout and scenario. The BA team was integral to our most recent meeting; this was mainly for them to work as a team, but it also gave us a chance to ensure their work was moving forward and in a constructive way. I offered suggestions on enhanced functionality for their prototype. During the week’s PM meeting, I took charge of several final deliverables for our binder – the budget and WBS. Zach D and i have been working on some of the issues related to the WBS, and I have been providing meaningful revisions to reflect new meetings or change in hours worked on various tasks.
Project Management – Week of 11/14
We discussed the project with the BAs this week at an informal meeting at someone’s house. During the meet, we got everyone up to date on their status, as the BAs had previously been lagging on their weekly status updates to my team. We also helped flesh out their prototype; part of the issue with the prototype was lack of functions; it was essentially only performing one function, and we offered ideas on how to make it more useful and multifaceted. We also intended to meet with the team on Thursday night, but it fell through and has been rescheduled to Sunday. The purpose of this meet will be to check their revised prototype and also help finalize their scope document since it has been shown to the instructor for the last time.
Project Management – Week of 11/7
This week, the BA team began finalizing the design and layout of their prototype. I was instrumental in helping them direct their efforts to some relevant functionalities in the prototype; I provided this aid during a meeting with them earlier in the week. In addition, I was called upon by the PM team to help facilitate communication between the two teams and indeed within the PM team itself. I handled this effectively and promptly without unnecessary burden to either team. I also helped direct the efforts of the PM team during a meeting to discuss the final layout of some of our deliverables and status updates. All in all, it was a very fruitful week.
Project Management – Week of 10/31
This week, the BAs met with us to showcase some of their wireframes and their prototype scenario. We advised on some of the functionality within JustinMind, and I offered some ideas on how to enhance the visual appeal of the prototype. Most importantly though, we were able to get some substance from the team; rather than simply talking, we got to see the prototyping. Adam and Mark lead the effort at the moment, though it would seem that the entire team is involved, so as a PM, I can rest easy knowing there is no weak link. As a PM team, we also helped each other with studying and preparing for our own exam on Monday.
Job Offer
After completing the interview rounds, I was offered a position with Deloitte Consulting LLP at its Arlington, VA office. Deloitte is an international consulting firm within the “Big Four” and currently has the highest revenue of the four. Within its federal practice, the company has a Technology track to assist the US government with systems integration, data analytics, technology strategy, and several other aspects of technology use.
The official position title is Federal Business Technology Analyst and works within the Technology track to assist federal clients in the above areas. As a new start, I would likely be working with Systems Integration, though there is potential for alternative work based on my interests and efforts to establish a strong professional network within the company.
I am excited to accept this position as it allows me to work with the federal government and potentially several departments which concern me, namely Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Providing professional support to the veteran community was initially something I expected to do within the VA as an employee. I feel this position enables me to still help and enact change; it does however offer better compensation and professional development opportunities at the outset.
Project Management – Week of 10/24
This week, the BA team had their second exam and began designing their prototype. I helped by providing advice on the exam and ensuring another PM provided them with a helpful study guide. In addition, we met with the BAs to discuss some of their concerns and next steps. One issue we had was a lack of reporting; the BAs were not reporting their weekly status updates, so the PM team did not know where they stood. During our meeting, I ensured that we got that current, so there is no more communication lag between the two groups. During a PM-only meeting earlier in the week, I helped the team to fine-tune the budget and the resource allocations on the MS Project file.
Project Management – Week of 10/17
This week, the PM team focused on finalizing our deliverables and assisting the BAs in preparing for Exam 2. For my part, I helped finalize the Work Breakdown Structure, which then is used to finalize other deliverables. I also helped revise the approach to the Team Progress Report and the RACI chart; In meeting, I provided feedback on the format we agreed upon and helped troubleshoot some of the resource requirements. One of our main issues has been the implementation of the structure for communicating to BAs; we worked on that as well, and agreed upon an approach to use. We are still deciding on who will be the “tough guy” to the BAs, though I believe I would be an ideal candidate.
Project Management – Week of 10/10
This past week, my team worked with the BAs to begin understanding JustinMind and to prepare for the final interview.
I reviewed the Interview 3 questions and discussed them with the BAs through GroupMe and prior to the interview. I sat in on the interview and discussed next steps with the group after the event. The BAs expressed their sense that doing the extra credit is now much more important to them, so understanding JustinMind isn’t just a fun idea; it’s necessary. We arranged a meeting for the entire group to occur this Sunday. In addition, we will likely have a meeting early in the week specifically for JustinMind workshopping.