Project Plan Overview Paper

Introduction

Projects are used today as a way of achieving a variety of outcomes in local or international locations for new constructions, new product development, product improvement, process design, process improvement, utility installation, theory and technology development, and many more. Bringing a project to a successful conclusion requires the integration of numerous management functions like controlling, directing, team building, communication and others. It also requires cost and schedule management, technical and risk management, conflict and stakeholder’s management, and life cycle management.

Project Description

“Whirlpool Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $13 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries.” (Source: http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/about/default.asp)

Whirlpool Corporation is into selling of high quality home appliances. They have over 450 sales agents across multiple states. They have decided to implement an on-line sales program for the agents. The new Internet based sales program is expected to increase the sales volume and enhance the profit margin. Moreover it will also help in improving the agent’s productivity and thereon customer’s satisfaction.

The Problem/Result Statement

The firm is attempting to consolidate and create online sales management system to deliver better value to the customer. The firm has historical records in many disparate databases, as well as in paper files and microfiche. The marketing organization wants to build on past knowledge. As a result, past marketing plans and results from past market research studies are stored in a file cabinet in the marketing department. The company has over 150 major sales agents. Each member of the sales agent maintains his/her own set of customer records using a variety of tools. Some sales team members use paper and pencil, others sales management software such as Act, and others a hybrid. In order to better understand and anticipate customer needs, the firm is evaluating a new integrated online sales management system to accompany the new team selling