IAB402 – 2020 S1 – Mini Proposal (A1)
DUE DATE: SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020 @ 11:59 PM (23:59)
Submission Checklist (Required)
ITEM | DETAILS | Y/N | ||
Team Details (as per QUT records) |
Student # | Student Name | Student Contribution | Y |
8858721 | Michael Huggett | Introduction/Background Personnel/Staffing Closing Statement |
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9946624 | Brianna Lowndes | Executive Summary Goals and Objectives |
||
9941100 | Ben Rawson | Proposed Approach Fees and Billing Arrangement |
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9154370 | Ericson Tang | Problem Definition Benefits of Engagement |
||
Tutorial Details | Tutor Name: Srikanth Nair | Y | ||
Tutorial Day: Wednesday | Tutorial Time: 12-2pm | |||
Submission File (PDF Document) |
Format: IAB402 – 20 S1 A1 – TUTOR NAME – TEAM NAME.pdf Example File Name: IAB402 – 20 S1 A1 – Sri – 402IT.pdf |
Y | ||
Teamwork/Participation | Our team acknowledges that we have understood the requirements of the assessment clearly and declare that we have worked together on this final submission using Trello to manage the project and Slack for communication and the failure to do all of the above, along with the peer/tutor evaluation results, can lead to the team or individual members losing marks. |
Y | ||
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End of document
IAB402: Information Systems Consulting
GBB SCOOTER
TOLL PROJECT
Michael Huggett – N8858721
Brianna Lowndes – N9946624
Ben Rawson – N9941100
Ericson Tang – N9154370
Executive Summary
Our team at Consul have been approached by the Brisbane City Council (BCC), who wishes to implement a tolling system for
all electric scooter riders that use the Go Between Bridge (GBB).
We as a team have had many years of experience working with various companies to provide them with the best solutions
possible. We aim to work closely with the BCC and various organisations to provide a solution that will meet the desired
requirements of the BCC.
Our goal is to facilitate a solution that will implement a tolling system, charging all scooter users that cross the GBB. To work
towards this goal, three SMART objectives have been outlined within this report to deliver client calculated value.
After conducting thorough and rigorous research; brainstorming and planning; we believe that we have devised a solution that
will meet the needs and requirements of the BCC and all other stakeholders involved. The proposition involves implementing a
turnstile system that will ensure all scooter riders who use the GBB will be charged the required toll fee. The fees and billing
required for this project totals at $312,000 and all calculations are detailed within this proposal.
The personnel and staffing that will be involved with this project will include Consul as the primary manager and contact,
AppDev who will be responsible for the installation of the scooter scanning equipment and the development of the GBB
scooter tolling system, Tolling Solutions will be responsible for installation of the turnstile tolling gates, GBB Security will be
responsible for ensuring scooter users are following GBB rules and High Tech Maintenance who will be responsible for the
overall maintenance of the tolling system upon completion.
To conclude, by selecting our consulting firm we will ensure all public and private scooter users travelling across the GBB are
charged accordingly. We are extremely passionate about delivering successful project outcomes and look forward to
developing a strong relationship with the BCC throughout this process.
CONTENTS
Introduction & Background ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
Problem Definition ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
Goals & Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
Benefits of Engagement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Approach……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Fees & Billing Arrangements………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Personnel & Staffing ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Closing Statement……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Appendices …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
1
Introduction & Background
Our consulting firm, Consul, have identified the underlying issue confronting BCC in which electric scooter use has increased
in the past year, resulting in a higher level of foot traffic for people travelling across the GBB. BCC is an essential local
government agency that provides crucial services throughout Brisbane for the betterment of Brisbane’s community. Our firm is
extremely motivated to provide BCC with the perfect solution, which will make Brisbane a better place to live. As a Brisbanebased consulting firm, we believe implementing a toll system that will identify and charge scooter users travelling across the
GBB is an issue of utmost importance that can be resolved through our firm’s services. Our solution to this issue strongly
resonates with our firm’s skillset, due to our 5 years of experience with toll systems in the past. To address this issue, we can
implement an efficient and precise toll system that will effectively identify and proficiently charge scooter users with 99.99%
accuracy upon entry to the GBB.
Our proposed solution is to develop a turnstile toll gate on both sides of the GBB incorporating innovative technology to identify
and charge scooter users accordingly. To enforce understanding of this toll, we plan to install signage around the GBB to ensure
Brisbane’s residents are aware of the toll fee prior to travelling the GBB with an electric scooter. This will create transparency
and understanding for Brisbane’s valued residents. Transparency is an important value of our firm’s and is key to delivering
successful project outcomes. We aim to provide this solution in the most technically understanding manner possible while
addressing all potential loopholes and issues. We look forward to your response and endeavour to answer any questions.
Problem Definition
Scooter use for travelling has risen significantly in recent times, resulting in a higher level of foot traffic. The BCC wishes to
charge a toll fee to scooter users on the GBB. Currently, the bridge is split into three sections: motor vehicles; bicycles, scooters
and etc; and pedestrians. Motor vehicles are the only users who are currently charged a toll for using the bridge. The problem
we face is how to implement a solution to charge a toll specifically for electric scooter riders.
Electric scooter rental firms such as Lime and Neuron have indicated they are cooperative and advised that they are willing to
share enough information to identify users so they can be charged. However, they do not wish to make any design changes or
modifications to their scooters. The main concern is a consideration into how private scooter users can be uniquely identified
and charged a toll and further, how can this toll be mandated on private users if there is no way to uniquely identify a private
scooter.
We will also take into consideration other potential challenges that may arise from the implementation of this toll. These issues
contemplate how the toll will be enforced on all scooter users and how to reduce toll evasion from bridge users. We will also
take into consideration how this technology will affect the public and implement methods to alleviate backlash. We will look
into technologies that will provide an effective and efficient solution to the aforementioned problem.
Goals & Objectives
The client has requested Consul to develop a solution that will involve implementing a tolling system for both public and private
scooter users. This is aimed at controlling and monitoring the volume of foot traffic seen on the GBB.
There are many technologies available such as phone applications and physical tolling infrastructure that can be utilised in a
possible solution. Physical infrastructure and advanced camera technology will also be proposed in an effort to stop toll evasion
occurring.
To achieve the best solution for the BCC, three SMART objectives are as follows:
1. In order to slow the amount of foot traffic on the GBB, two turnstiles on either side of the GBB are proposed. These
would be installed to encourage the public to pay the toll.
S | Focuses on the large piece of physical infrastructure for a proposed solution |
M | This is attainable through regular meetings and communication with the BCC team, GBB team and the development team. |
2
A | This is realistic as there is similar technology in use by a turnstile system at Central station, Brisbane that has been commercialised and successfully used by the public. This provides us with great reassurance that this new innovative technology will be successful. |
R | This goal accurately aligns with the proposed solution as it works towards creating a functional component for the solution. |
T | Must be completed and operational within 8 months |
2. A barcode capability could be introduced to the Lime and Neuron applications, along with a new application holding
the same capability. This technology would enable all scooter users both public and private to be charged on each
crossing of the GBB.
S | Focuses on one of the main technology components for a proposed solution |
M | This is attainable through regular meetings and communication with teams from Lime, Neuron and an application organisation assigned to developing the technology |
A | This is realistic as there is similar technology in use by the QR code that has been commercialised and successfully used by the public. This provides us with great reassurance that this new innovative technology will be successful. |
R | This goal accurately aligns with the proposed solution as it works towards creating a functional component for the solution. |
T | Must be completed and operational within 8 months |
3. Once the previous objectives were put into practice, tracking technology is proposed. This would ensure any members
of the public that use a private scooter to cross the GBB pay the assigned toll amount.
S | Focuses on an preparing essential technological capability for a proposed solution |
M | This is attainable through regular meetings and communication with the GBB team and the development team. |
A | This is realistic as there is similar technology in use by both Lime and Neuron that has been commercialised and successfully used by the public. This provides us with great reassurance that this new innovative technology will be successful. |
R | This goal accurately aligns with the proposed solution as it works towards adding essential capability to already used technology. |
T | Must be completed and operational within 8 months |
Benefits of Engagement
Consul believes that we cannot only offer a solution, but to cater to your unique circumstances. We hold pride in the quality of
service delivered to clients. If the project was to be continued with us, we will begin the engagement with a meeting with the
stakeholders to introduce the Consul team.
We believe in establishing strong relationships with our clients to foster a sense of togetherness, working toward a common goal.
During this time, we will undertake an assessment to identify and understand the project goals, constraints, assumptions and the
project scope. We will review these project goals and objectives to identify any risks, assumptions or constraints of the project.
We will begin intricate planning and draft multiple plans forming a project schedule. These plans will cover issues including the
management of: communication, change, risk, human resources, quality, budget and more. Our firm’s thorough but not overly
complex planning is a guaranteed approach that will save delays and reduce unexpected costs.
During the execution phase, we will manage all project work, resources and the project schedule. We hold extensive experience
in the management of projects, ensuring all work performed is at a high quality, in the most efficient way possible. This ensures
the project is completed on time and within the budget. Consul will continue to monitor and control the activities of the project
to ensure all defined plans and policies are adhered to.
3
In the final step of the project, our firm will lead the project to its closure and carefully detail and ensure all documentation and
artifacts are carefully maintained. We will also execute a transition plan, ensuring the continuation of project initiatives are
effectively transferred to clients.
Our firm’s unique attitude toward projects will not only ensure a resolution of issues, but also an effective and efficient manner
in addressing these problems. We as Consul pride ourselves in working with the best brands and hope we will be able to assist
you with your issues.
Approach
We propose an approach that utilises 3 major elements; physical infrastructure that halts the flow of traffic until a user has
registered their crossing, digital infrastructure that allows users to register their mode of transport and security infrastructure that
ensures the tolling system remains secure and cannot be cheated.
Physical Infrastructure consists of toll gates on either end of the bridge. They will be wide enough to accommodate the easy
passage of scooters, bicycles, skateboards and other means of pedestrian transportation (PT). Gates will be tall enough so a
person could not easily climb over it with their pedestrian vehicle to avoid being tolled. When users enter, they register their
passage and when they leave on the other side they pay their toll digitally. In order to acquire the toll from a bridge crosser they
will have to register with the digital infrastructure.
Digital infrastructure ties directly into the physical infrastructure through an app. For privately owned PT, users will have to
download an app that allows them to register the type of PT they own and intend to use to cross the bridge with as well as their
payment details. When at the tolling gate they would scan their unique QR Code generated for the app which records their details
in the system. They scan their code again when they leave the bridge on the other side, at which point the system will see they’ve
completed their crossing and charge their payment method for the toll. For rental PT, companies such as Lime would simply
implement an identical system within their app that generates a QR code that the user can scan at both ends of the bridge. When
the user completes their ride on the rental PT they are charged for its use and extra fee would be included as the toll.
Both digital and physical infrastructure will be reinforced by the security infrastructure. At bridge entry points cameras will
be employed to identify and differentiate modes of pedestrian transportation (bikes, skateboards, scooters etc.). In order to ensure
each user is tolled appropriately according to their mode of PT. Cameras would work in concert with digital infrastructure to
correlate what the app says the user is riding with what the camera sees. When a discrepancy is found it would be automatically
flagged for human intervention – ensuring incorrect tolling does not occur. Additionally, the presence of prominently displayed
security cameras would serve as an appropriate deterrent for a significant portion of potential toll dodgers.
Finally, we feel this whole approach needs to be made crystal clear to the users of the bridge in order to facilitate a smooth
implementation. So, we’d suggest placing prominent signage long before implementation at appropriate locations near to the
bridge’s entrances that explains – in simple terms – what will be changing and when.
Fees & Billing Arrangements
We’ve identified 6 major costs that are associated with the implementation of the solution. These costs are: App development,
physical infrastructure (which is separated into material and construction costs), security infrastructure (separated into material
and installation costs) and monitoring and maintenance costs. Additionally, there is the matter of our consultancy fees.
App development – major functionality for the required mobile application includes secure account management, payment
features, integration with a local network system, and transaction history. We estimate these features could be developed by an
experienced 4-person team of app developers from the company AppDev within 6 months on a $30 hourly rate. It would cost
$124,800 to pay a 4-person development team to create the application required over the course of 6 months, working 5 days a
week, 8 hours a day at a rate of $30 an hour. (See Calculation Set 1 for reasoning).
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Physical infrastructure – This cost is divided into two sub costs, the
cost of materials and the cost of construction. There are two elements
required to complete the physical infrastructure of this project; tolling
gates and their attached scanning equipment. Given the size of the
GBB’s pedestrian transport lane, a total of four tolling gates and four
sets of scanning equipment will be required – two gates and scanning
equipment sets at entry points and two of each at exit points. The image
on the right demonstrates the available space to work with on the
bridge.
The total width of the pedestrian vehicle lane is 3.94m. Dividing the
lane into two (for ingoing and outgoing traffic) results in lanes measuring in 1.97m each.
Observe the proposed design in appendices (Calculation set 2, image 2). The highest point on this set of gates is 2.5 meters, 0.7m
taller than the average Australian male and 0.9m taller than the average Australian female. The sheer height of these gates will
discourage riders from attempting to climb over the structure with their pedestrian vehicle. In terms of cost, we’d recommend
budgeting around $50,000, then allocating 60% of those funds to materials and the remaining 40% to construction. If this
proposal is selected, we’d be happy to conduct further research into the specific materials that would be suitable (See Calculation
set 2 to see justification behind measurements).
The Security infrastructure again is split into two sub costs: materials and installation. Given the semi complex nature of the
security system required (a system that can differentiate certain types of pedestrian transportation and correlate it with the digital
infrastructure’s database of transactions) we’d recommend allocating $67,500 to this aspect of the project and splitting the funds
evenly between materials and installation.
The final main expenditure we can associate to the development of this solution is attached to monitoring and maintenance. In
regard to monitoring, at least two people would need to be employed – one person on a permanent basis, the other casually. The
permanent employee would be responsible for manning the security system, watching for potential toll dodgers and following
up with law enforcement. The casual employee would be in charge of monitoring the escalated cases of discrepancies (i.e. if the
security system identifies a scooter when the database logs a bicycle) and resolving them on a case by case basis. The final
decision on hourly rates for these roles would fall to the BCC, however we recommend a rate between $25 – $30 an hour for the
permanent staff and $27 – $32 an hour for the casual staff. In regard to maintenance this would fall to a recommended contractor
High Tech Maintenance. They would only be needed for regular maintenance on the physical infrastructure and security
infrastructure
The final calculable cost we can provide in this document is the fees associated with our consultancy services. Given our level
of experience in the industry our rates are $50 per hour, per person. We would like to begin working on this project immediately
to ensure your timeline is kept and the final product can be running by early January 2021 (just over 8 months away). The 8
months of work would include extensive planning, overseeing the construction and installation of the physical and security
infrastructures as well as liaising with the app developers and would culminate in the launch of the system. The total cost for
that period of work would be $312,000 (See calculation set 3 for justification).
The following table summarises the estimated upfront costs listed above (ongoing costs are excluded)
Expenditure description | Expenditure cost |
App development | $124,800 |
Physical infrastructure – material cost | $30,000 |
Physical infrastructure – construction cost | $20,000 |
Security infrastructure – material cost | $33,750 |
Security infrastructure – installation cost | $33,750 |
Consultancy Services | $312,000 |
Total estimated cost | $554,300 |
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Personnel & Staffing
Consul: are an innovative consulting firm specialising in information systems and have over 5 years of experience with toll
systems. We are passionate about delivering high quality consulting services to all clients and have been rated one of the top
ten best consulting firms in Brisbane. Please refer to Appendix 4 to view a summary of our qualifications. Our firm will be
responsible for delegating tasks to various stakeholders and organising the overall management of the project to ensure a high
standard is maintained. We will be the primary point of contact for all project enquiries.
Appdev: are an advanced technology company with specialisation in the development of mobile applications and scanning
technology. Appdev have worked on several toll system projects with Consul in the past and have been extremely diligent to
ensure the technology services they provide is completely error free. They have won several ‘Hackathon’ events throughout
Australia and are continually growing. Appdev will be responsible for the installation of the scooter scanning equipment and
the development of the GBB scooter toll system mobile application.
Tolling Solutions: are a highly demanded company with specialisation in the installation of toll gates and booths. Tolling
Solutions have over 5,000 toll system infrastructures installed across Australia. Tolling Solutions have had a strong track
record for successful toll system installation since 1995 and continue to demonstrate a highly successful record. They will be
responsible for the installation of the physical infrastructure through installing the toll gates on both sides of the GBB cyclist
path. Tolling Solutions ensure the gates cannot be exploited.
GBB Security: are a security firm with previous experience in securing public infrastructures. Many of GBB Security staff are
ex-policemen and are highly capable of ensuring the safety of Brisbane’s residents. GBB Security will be responsible for
ensuring electric scooter users are paying their toll fee upon entry to the GBB and enforcing appropriate speed limits
throughout this process.
High Tech Maintenance: are a highly trained team with combined knowledge in the understanding of the physical
infrastructure and digital infrastructure of toll systems. High Tech Maintenance will be responsible for the overall maintenance
of the toll system following the completion of the GBB toll system project. High Tech Maintenance will be the primary point
of contact following successful completion of the project to ensure the toll system is running perfectly.
Closing Statement
Through accepting our firm’s proposal, we can ensure a precise 99.99% accuracy in the identification of scooter users travelling
across the GBB and charge them accordingly. We are extremely motivated to deliver a successful project outcome for BCC and
look forward to improving the lifestyle of Brisbane’s community. Our solution will accommodate the easy passage of scooters
and ensure the safety of Brisbane’s residents. Through utilising our team’s unique skill set, we can not only deliver the perfect
solution, but we can cater to BCC’s unique circumstances. We believe throughout this project we will develop a strong
relationship with BCC and deliver a high quality project outcome. We strongly value BCC as an organisation and the services
they provide to guide Brisbane’s future growth and development. The success of this project will undoubtedly deliver long term
infrastructure for Brisbane’s future growth and we cherish the opportunity to provide this to Brisbane’s community. Consul are
available to start work upon proposal approval and aim to complete this project within 8 months.
Once again, we endeavour to answer any questions and look forward to your response. Please note, that our key motivation is
the opportunity to make a difference and achieve the best outcome for BCC and Brisbane’s community.
6
Appendices
Appendix 1 – Calculation set 1:
Calculation based on work conducted over 6-month period.
6 months = Approx. 182.5 days → rounded to 183 days
183 days / 7 days in a week = 26.1 weeks → round down to 26 weeks (7-day weeks)
5-day weeks = 26 weeks * 5
130 days
8 hour working days = 130 days * 8 hours per day
1,040 hours per person
$30 hourly rate = 1,040 * 30
$31,200 for one person
For a 4-person team = $31,200 * 4
It would cost $124,800 to pay a 4-person development team to create the application required over the course of 6 months,
working 5 days a week, 8 hours a day at a rate of $30 an hour.
Appendix 2 – Calculation set 2:
Using google maps the total width of the pedestrian vehicle lane was determined
Image 1
7
Using on screen measurements, the google maps distance measurement (in the lower right hand corner) for 5 metres measured
in 1.66 cm – creating a ratio of 1.66 : 5, which simplifies down to 0.332 : 1.
Then using the same measurement method, the width of the GBB’s pedestrian vehicle lanes was measured – this measurement
read 1.31cm.
The measurement ratios at this point.
0.332 : 1
1.31 : X
1.31 / 0.332 = 3.94
The total width of the pedestrian vehicle lane is 3.94m. Dividing the lane into two (for ingoing and outgoing traffic) results in
lanes measuring in 1.97m each.
Image 2
Appendix 3 – Calculation set 3:
4-person team, $50 an hour, 8 hour working days, 8 months of work, working 5 days a week
52 weeks * 0.75 = 39 weeks
39 weeks * 5 days working per week = 195 days of work
195 workdays * 8 hours per day = 1,560 hours
1,560 hours * $50 per hour = $78,000 per person
$78,000 per person * 4 people = $312,000 total cost
The estimated cost will be $312,000.
8
Appendix 4 – Consul Personnel Summary
Consul Team
Michael Huggett – Senior Consultant
Brianna Lowndes – Senior Consultant
Ben Rawson – Project Manager
Ericson Tang – Senior Consultant
Summary
Each team member within Consul has been within the firm for over 7
years. We each have a combined background in negotiation, financial
standards, governance, law, IT development and complex problem
solving. We have established many relationships with clients all over
Australia and have a proven 98% positive feedback evaluation, which
can be viewed in our portfolio available on Consul’s website.
Combined Qualifications of Consul
– Bachelor of Business (Finance)
– Bachelor of Information Technology (Information Systems)
– Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
– Master’s in Business (Accounting)
– Master’s in Information Technology (Computer Science)
Recent Projects for Consul
– Information System Implementation for Toll System– TransLink
– Management System Development for Toll System – Linkt
– Database Implementation for Healthcare System – Department of Health
– Information System Implementation for Cost Estimation – Department of Finance
– ERP Implementation for Construction Tender System – Hutchinson Builders