Preliminary Project Plan

Preliminary Project Plan

A global publisher of print products, Fairweather specializes in scientific, technical and business books and journals, professional and consumer books, textbooks and other educational materials for all levels of study (Baar & Jacobson 21-96) it was regarded as a leading publisher of business, scientific and technical information.

Issue and Opportunity Identification

The company will encounter multiple issues or opportunities during the implementation of the strategic plan. First, the company is to involve the authors' support in the project. The authors have concerns for the protection of their intellectual property. The support of the authors is a chance to improve future contracts and to boost sales ((Phillips 2004 14-87). Second, the company is to identify the proper requirements for the e-book program. The identification is a chance to create a model e-book system. "Requirements and features must be in enough detail that contractors have a clear description of the final deliverable that will meet the customer's needs. IT project might specify requirements for hardware, software, and training in great detail" (Barber Boardman and Brown 2000 35-51). Third, the company has communication trouble to convert existing print titles into e-book format (Edward and Joyce 2004 84).

Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas

The plan development for Fairweather requires a support from stakeholders, such as the board, the senior team, the investors, the management, the employees, and the customers.

Fairweather CEO is to look for a way to strengthen the company and turn profits around as quickly as possible so as not to lose more shareholders. CEO has a belief in e-book approach to sell the products. Ethically, CEO owes the shareholders a good return on their investment. CEO is to find a way to improve the current sales slump. The next stakeholder for this company is employees. Senior management cannot agree on the course of action. The new e-book approach is likely to affect the morale and the role of the employees.

Frame the “Right” Problem

The second step of problem-based learning is to define the right problem. The requirement of this step is the application of three principles: multiple solutions, motivational statement, and simple and clear statement. The problem statement of this scenario is:Fairweather is to become a successful publisher in competitive platforms by leveraging their strengths and compensating their weaknesses. The problem statement takes into consideration of all stakeholders and focuses on the future of the organization. The problem statement is clear and allows for multiple solutions. This statement is an opportunity statement in which Fairweather can add value to the industry and the stakeholders. Thus, the creation of appropriate end state goals is viable through this problem statement (Elmaghraby and Willy 2000 223-234). The specific end state goals for Fairweather are as follows.

The first is to acquire and become proficient in new processes, technologies, and skills. The second is to reverse the market-share decline. The third is to reverse the declining profitability. The fourth is to bring stakeholders together in support of providing content across multiple platforms. Thus, the end state goals will be ...