Editing Progress Report 2010 (section)

==Project Management==

===Project Alterations===

As the project has progressed there have been a few things that have changed with respect to the original project plan.

It was originally planned to search the entire internet for patterns of interest.  It was quickly realised that this is going to be unachievable within the time frame and resources of this project.  The internet is simply too large and changing too quickly for our techniques and equipment.  For this reason the project goal has been down sized to searching through one website at a time.  That is, there are now constrictions and limits to the size of the search that the software will be subjected to.  The specifications now state that the software will be required to intake a starting URL and search through that website and that website only.  This has given some extra challenges such as dealing with URLs that link to external websites however it will also make the project goal much more manageable and realistic.

===Work Breakdown===

The work breakdown for the project is the same as from the Stage 1 Design<ref>[[Stage 1 Design Document 2010]]</ref>. At this point in time, the two tasks currently being completed are testing/modifying the web crawler, and testing/modifying the pattern matching algorithm. This is more or less matching the expected time line from the [[Media:Cipher_gantt.jpg|Gantt Chart]] that was previously created. Due to end of semester assignments and exams, it is likely that very little work will be done for the next few weeks and the project may fall behind. However, during the mid-semester break, there will be sufficient time to catch up and potentially get ahead of schedule.

[[File:WorkloadBreakdown blockdiagram.jpg|250px|centre]]

===Budget & Resources===
As stated when this project was started, the majority of the work related to this work is software based. The software being utilised is java based and can be readily used and accessed for free through the university's resources and on the internet. It was estimated that very little of the $500 budget would be used. Although barely any of the budget has been used, it is still available should we come to a situation where we need it (such as funding alcohol, etc to further highlight our results).

Costs so far:
*The Secrets of Codes: Understanding the World of Hidden Messages by Paul Lunde - $50

===Risk Management===

As stated in the Stage 1 Design, the project has very little risk involved. As such, the risk assessment is very similar to the previous assessment. Since we are now more familiar with the project, we are more aware of the more of the risks and potential dangers that could cause the project to fail. This includes not being able to sufficiently code the pattern matching algorithm or use the web crawler. While both of these are unlikely, there is a possibility that these problems could cause a delay. Additionally, due to the current winter weather, there is a greater chance of a project member becoming ill.

The new risk assessment is below.


<center>
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
!  Risk
!  Probability
!   Impact 
!  Comments
|-
|  Project member falls sick
|  4
|  6
|  Could leave 1 member with a huge amount of work to complete
|-
|  Unable to code pattern matching algorithm
|  2
|  8
|  Additional time might have to be spent, delaying the project
|-
|  Unable to contact project supervisors
|  2
|  6
|  If it is at a critical time problems may arise
|-
|  Crawlers not effective at parsing data
|  3
|  5
|  A different web crawler may have to be used, delaying the project
|-
|  Run out of finance
|  1
|  7
|  Has the potential to be a problem if software needs to be purchased
|-
|  Somebody else cracks the code
|  .009
|  5
|  The project may lose its "x" factor but the web crawler will still be useful
|}
</center>


Most of these risks can be minimised with proper management of time. If a project member ever hits a road block in the project progression, a supervisor can be spoken to for help. If they are unavailable, e-mails can be sent and and reply will typically be given as soon as possible. Sickness shouldn't really delay the project very much at all because the project is very software based and can be worked on at home.