We will use a browser based approach to develop the MINT-Application as a flexible state-of-the-art multimedia and network application based on standards. The Browser will wrap the sales process visually by integrating the display and the interaction with business and multimedia objects from lower layers. The underlying Replication and Application Server will integrate the DS and AS applications and offer off-line working capabilities. This will logically wrap the sales process.
Due to the complexity of the technical and design aspects of this project, the project management itself must be state-of-the-art. To accomplish all mission objectives we propose an open project environment focusing on three critical success factors.
Quality
Three aspects must be carefully considered to achieve a high overall quality in the MINT-project. Quality in terms of business functionality; this aspect is covered by a dedicated functional manager with excellent knowledge of the automotive industry, their dealerships and business process engineering. Quality in terms of design; this aspect is covered by a dedicated art manager. The third aspect is the quality of the technical solution, which is covered by a dedicated technical manager. The overall aspects of quality are finally assured by the independent quality manager.
Usability
This aspect is covered by the open project environment where the usability lab plays an important role. ACME and their dealers will be integrated at a very early point in the project. This will help to raise the acceptance as well as to ensure the proper functionality and usability.
Dynamic Cooperation
Due to the tremendous speed of development in the area of internet and multimedia technology there must be a way to quickly adapt the application to new possibilities. The traditional change request approach is far too slow and expensive for both partners. Therefore, the MINT project will be implemented using the Time Boxing method.
Project Management in 1997
The "Time Boxing" method mentioned in this document was an early form of what would later evolve into agile methodologies. In 1997, the software development world was still largely dominated by waterfall methodologies, but more iterative approaches were beginning to gain traction.
The emphasis on usability labs and early user testing was also somewhat ahead of its time, as formal user experience (UX) disciplines were still in their formative stages. The "open project environment" concept anticipated the more collaborative, cross-functional team structures that would become standard in later agile methodologies.
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