Coastline Systems Consulting is a provider of managed computer networks and web services located in Destin, Florida. The staff of seven IT technicians, web designers, and systems integrators provides a range of networking, computer hardware, and software solutions to area businesses. Coastline works with clients to analyze their business needs. They then provide a packaged solution that often combines web services, networking and computer hardware, purchased software, and custom programming. In addition to the seven technicians, Coastline has one receptionist/bookkeeper.

As a small organization, Coastline is an informal, "shirt-sleeve" environment. Everyone is on a first-name basis, even with Peter Charles, the president.

• The Problem

As Coastline's client base and the complexity of installations have grown, keeping track of the clients' hardware and software configurations has become a nightmare. Each client PC contains various components, such as video cards, NICs, and keyboards which are replaced at different times and so have differing warranty periods that must be tracked. Every client has multiple PCs and network devices, whose passwords and configurations must be accessible by technicians in the Coastline office and in the field. One technician is "on-call" every weekend, meaning the data has to be accessible from home as well. This has to be organized in a way that is easily accessible by any technician at any time or place but secure from unauthorized users.

In addition to tracking components and passwords, clients call and e-mail the Coastline office whenever they have any kind of hardware or software problem. These requests and the work done to resolve them need to be organized and documented.

The president, Peter Charles, wants to develop a system that is both responsive to clients and helpful to technicians. He would like to see a system that allows technicians to access and update clients’ hardware and software equipment configurations. He wants an easy way for technicians to track the installation of new hardware components, possibly using barcode scanning. He wants the system to allow clients to directly enter their service requests, allow technicians to document the work done on those requests, and for everyone to be able to see the history and status of each request. Mr. Charles also wants the system to be able to generate statistics and reports so he can pursue continuous improvement in this area.

• Synopsis

The purpose of the preliminary investigation phase is threefold. First, it answers the question, “Is this project worth looking at?” To answer this question, this phase must define the scope of the project and the perceived problems, opportunities, and directives that triggered the project.

In this assignment you will construct the Project Feasibility Assessment Report.

• Objectives

After completing this assignment, you should be able to:

• Prepare and understand the structure and content, of the Project Feasibility Assessment Report.
• Complete a problem statement, documenting the problems, opportunity or directives of the project.

• Assignment

Anna Kelly is an analyst/programmer who has been working for Coastline Systems Consulting for one year since her college graduation. So far she has handled small web applications for clients, designing and writing the XHTML, JavaScript, and .NET code. Anna recently got an idea on how to improve Coastline's efficiency and customer service. After thinking about it a few days, she has decided to share it with the president, Peter Charles.

Refer to the Case Background found in the beginning of this assignment description for the information necessary to complete the following activities.

• Activities

Assume that you are the President of Coastline,

1. Identify several problems.
2. Which problems do you believe have the highest visibility, and how should they be ranked?
3. Try to determine the annual benefits. State assumptions and be prepared to justify your answers!
4. Finally, what would be your proposed / expected solution, based on the facts you know now?