Building a High$-$Performance Gaming Computer: A Case Study

M Computers and Technology is based in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The organisation is renowned for providing government entities with computers and software applications, which makes it unique in the market. Not many technological companies have the resources to provide their customers with both hardware and software technology. The success of the company is accredited to its formidable project management team. A disadvantage of the organisation is that they lack the expertise of analysing software testing applications but have procured the service of software analysis team. M Computers and Technology do not transport the final product to its clients and rely on courier services. As a project manager with a team of three individuals who collectively have the skills of building up a computer and are able to install all required software as per clients$$ specifications. Due to the team$$s diligence, your department does not form part of the organisation$$s structure and therefore you report directly to the CEO of M Computers and Technology. Ms Kondlo, the CEO of M Computers and Technology approach you with an urgent project. She instructs that this project requires your undivided attention and must comply with the organisation$$s high standards and quality assurances. All the relevant steps within project management must be followed and regular status must be communicated. Ms Kondlo hand you the project management file marked URGENT on the cover. When you arrive at your office you open the file and realise that you are required to assemble a high$-$performance gaming computer capable of running the latest AAA titles at ultra$-$settings. This imply that the computer must be super$-$fast, a micro$-$chip and gaming card that is not always available. Additionally, the computer must be built up from individual components, install the operating system, and conduct benchmark tests. You summon a meeting with your team and share the project information. Ayanda, the component specialist immediately state that this project must be completed in $4$ weeks and is concern that there might be component compatibility issues. He need to peruse some manufacturer's documentation, and compatibility$-$checking tools. Alex, the buyer for the team, further adds that some of the components require could be very expensive. The transport must be done by reliable organisation to avoid damages. M Computers and Technology should consider additional insurance. You intervene and state that with proper planning could overcome many threats. Planning should include: Research and select components $($CPU$,$ GPU, RAM, motherboard, storage, power supply, case, cooling system$).$ Create a budget and track expenditures. Order components from selected vendors. Verify shipment tracking and expected delivery dates. As you are about to continue, Shanaaz, interrupts you and state that threat monitoring need to be considered during each stage of the planning. Shanaaz, is the quality assurance and risk specialists and also responsible for costing. She avers that based on the specialised components, specific variables need to be addressed while developing estimates, the quality of time and cost estimations can be enhanced. She further alludes that a risk register needs to be compiled. You interject and mention that in week $3,$ assembling and testing must include the following tasks: $$ Unbox components and organise work area. $$ Assemble the computer according to manufacturer's instructions. $$ Conduct initial power$-$on test to verify basic functionality. $$ Install the operating system and essential drivers. $$ Conduct preliminary benchmark tests. o Deliverables: $$ Assembled computer with OS and drivers installed. Ayanda emphasise that before completion of the project the computer need to undergo a stress test to verify its stability but does not require testing analysis. The computer also needs optimise system settings for performance and reliability. Shanaaz requests that before delivery that additional software and games be installed and be tested. You state that all documentations and control forms be completed when delivery occur. Everyone smiles but you are aware of the stringent timelines and cost factor to complete this project. Hopefully there won$$t be delays in the delivery of the parts. Ms Kondlo comes to your office greets the team and mention to you that she would need to meet with you to discuss the project.