As the best project manager, please help me design the project schedule slide and excel. Please help me to visualize the full slide and excel so that I can just directly follow you to create my slide and excel. Please take note of the requirement again "Project Schedule
Prepare a detailed project plan outlining the proposed starts and stops of key activities for both IT and Business, from project design to closure. Please include approval gates, milestones, and dependencies.
The plan should be a visual representation of the overall project management approach and methodology.
1 slide + Excel/MS Project" Please note that key activities & milestones must be indicated.

Here is the project schedule we have decided:

Adjusted Project Schedule
Project Management Approach
o	Methodology: Hybrid (Agile-Waterfall)
o	Waterfall Elements: For sequential phases requiring firm approvals (e.g., project initiation, requirements gathering, systems integration planning).
o	Agile Elements: For iterative development and feedback (e.g., app development, communications platform development, testing, training).
 
Phase 1: Project Initiation and Planning
Duration: Weeks 1-2 (January 8, 2024 – January 19, 2024)
Key Activities:
1.	1.1.1 Define Project Scope, Objectives, and Success Criteria
o	Start: Week 1 (Jan 8)
o	End: Week 1 (Jan 10)
o	Responsible: Project Manager (PM), Business Analysts (BAs)
o	Dependencies: None
o	Milestone: M1: Project Scope Document Completed
o	Approval Gate: AG1: Scope Approval by CIO and EVP of Retail
2.	1.1.2 Develop Project Charter and Obtain Approvals
o	Start: Week 1 (Jan 10)
o	End: Week 1 (Jan 11)
o	Responsible: PM
o	Dependencies: Completion of 1.1.1
o	Milestone: M2: Project Charter Approved
o	Approval Gate: AG2: Project Charter Approval by Steering Committee
3.	1.1.3 Assemble Project Team and Assign Roles/Responsibilities
o	Start: Week 1 (Jan 11)
o	End: Week 2 (Jan 15)
o	Responsible: PM, HR
o	Dependencies: AG2
o	Milestone: M3: Project Team Assembled
4.	1.1.4 Develop Detailed Project Plan (Schedule, Budget, Resources)
o	Start: Week 2 (Jan 15)
o	End: Week 2 (Jan 19)
o	Responsible: PM, Integration Lead (IL), Vendor Project Manager (VPM)
o	Dependencies: M3
o	Milestone: M4: Detailed Project Plan Approved
o	Approval Gate: AG3: Project Plan Approval by Steering Committee
5.	1.1.5 Establish Project Governance Framework
o	Start: Week 2 (Jan 17)
o	End: Week 2 (Jan 19)
o	Responsible: PM, CIO
o	Dependencies: AG3
o	Milestone: M5: Governance Framework Established
6.	1.1.6 Conduct Project Kickoff Meeting with Key Stakeholders
o	Start: Week 2 (Jan 19)
o	End: Week 2 (Jan 19)
o	Responsible: PM
o	Dependencies: M5
o	Milestone: M6: Project Kickoff Completed
 
Phase 2: Vendor Management
Duration: Weeks 1-4 (January 8, 2024 – February 2, 2024)
Key Activities:
1.	2.1.1 Identify Vendor Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
o	Start: Week 1 (Jan 8)
o	End: Week 1 (Jan 10)
o	Responsible: PM, BAs
o	Dependencies: Project Initiation
o	Milestone: M7: Vendor Requirements Defined
2.	2.1.2 Issue RFPs/RFQs and Collect Proposals
o	Start: Week 1 (Jan 10)
o	End: Week 2 (Jan 19)
o	Responsible: PM, Procurement Team
o	Dependencies: M7
3.	2.1.3 Evaluate Vendor Proposals
o	Start: Week 2 (Jan 19)
o	End: Week 3 (Jan 26)
o	Responsible: PM, Evaluation Committee
o	Dependencies: Receipt of Proposals
o	Milestone: M8: Vendor Evaluations Completed
4.	2.1.4 Negotiate Contracts and SLAs
o	Start: Week 3 (Jan 26)
o	End: Week 4 (Feb 2)
o	Responsible: PM, Legal Team, Vendor Representatives
o	Dependencies: Vendor Selection
o	Milestone: M9: Vendor Contracts Finalized
5.	2.1.5 Finalize Agreements and Secure Approvals
o	Start: Week 4 (Feb 2)
o	End: Week 5 (Feb 9)
o	Responsible: PM, CIO, Legal Team
o	Dependencies: Completion of Negotiations
o	Milestone: M10: Vendor Contracts Signed
o	Approval Gate: AG4: Vendor Contract Approval by CIO and Legal
Note: By moving vendor selection and contracting to start in Week 1, we ensure the vendor is onboarded in time for the requirements gathering and design phases, addressing Observation c.
 
Phase 3: Requirements Gathering and Analysis
Duration: Weeks 2-6 (January 15, 2024 – February 16, 2024)
Key Activities:
1.	3.1.1 Engage Business Stakeholders and Style Advisors
o	Start: Week 2 (Jan 15)
o	End: Week 3 (Jan 26)
o	Responsible: BAs, Style Advisor SMEs
o	Dependencies: M6
o	Milestone: M11: Stakeholder Input Gathered
2.	3.1.2 Document Functional Requirements
o	Start: Week 3 (Jan 29)
o	End: Week 4 (Feb 9)
o	Responsible: BAs
o	Dependencies: 3.1.1
o	Milestone: M12: Functional Requirements Documented
3.	3.1.3 Define Non-Functional Requirements
o	Start: Week 3 (Jan 29)
o	End: Week 4 (Feb 9)
o	Responsible: BAs, IT Team
o	Dependencies: Parallel with 3.1.2
o	Milestone: M13: Non-Functional Requirements Documented
4.	3.1.4 Specify Supported Platforms and Devices
o	Start: Week 4 (Feb 5)
o	End: Week 5 (Feb 16)
o	Responsible: BAs, IT Team
o	Dependencies: 3.1.2, 3.1.3
5.	3.1.5 Include Security and Compliance Requirements
o	Start: Week 4 (Feb 5)
o	End: Week 5 (Feb 16)
o	Responsible: BAs, IT Security Team
o	Dependencies: 3.1.2, 3.1.3
6.	3.1.6 Prioritize Features and Create Requirements Specification
o	Start: Week 5 (Feb 12)
o	End: Week 6 (Feb 16)
o	Responsible: PM, BAs
o	Dependencies: 3.1.4, 3.1.5
o	Milestone: M14: Requirements Specification Document Completed
o	Approval Gate: AG5: Requirements Approval by CIO and Stakeholders
Adjustment: Extended the requirements gathering phase to Week 6 to align with the project timeline, addressing Observation 3 (from previous analysis).
 
Phase 4: Systems Integration Planning and Design
Duration: Weeks 6-8 (February 19, 2024 – March 8, 2024)
Key Activities:
1.	5.1.1 Analyze Existing Systems for Integration
o	Start: Week 6 (Feb 19)
o	End: Week 6 (Feb 23)
o	Responsible: IL, IS
o	Dependencies: M14
2.	5.1.2 Define Integration Architecture and Data Flow Diagrams
o	Start: Week 7 (Feb 26)
o	End: Week 7 (Mar 2)
o	Responsible: IL, IS, VIS
o	Dependencies: 5.1.1
3.	5.1.3 Identify Required Interfaces and APIs
o	Start: Week 7 (Feb 26)
o	End: Week 8 (Mar 9)
o	Responsible: IS
o	Dependencies: 5.1.2
4.	5.1.4 Establish Integration Environment and Tools
o	Start: Week 8 (Mar 5)
o	End: Week 8 (Mar 9)
o	Responsible: IT Infrastructure Team
o	Dependencies: 5.1.3
o	Milestone: M15: Integration Planning and Design Completed
Adjustment: Extended the integration planning phase to Week 8 to match the project timeline, addressing Observation 4.
 
Phase 5: Mobile App Design and User Experience
Duration: Weeks 9-12 (March 11, 2024 – April 5, 2024)
Key Activities:
1.	3.2.1 Develop Mobile App Wireframes and Mock-ups
o	Start: Week 9 (Mar 11)
o	End: Week 10 (Mar 22)
o	Responsible: Vendor UI/UX Designers, Style Advisor SMEs
o	Dependencies: M14
2.	3.2.2 Define UI Standards Consistent with Branding
o	Start: Week 10 (Mar 18)
o	End: Week 11 (Mar 29)
o	Responsible: Vendor UI/UX Designers, Marketing Team
o	Dependencies: 3.2.1
3.	3.2.3 Create Interactive Prototypes for Stakeholder Review
o	Start: Week 11 (Mar 25)
o	End: Week 12 (Apr 5)
o	Responsible: Vendor UI/UX Designers
o	Dependencies: 3.2.2
4.	3.2.4 Incorporate Feedback and Finalize App Design
o	Start: Week 12 (Apr 1)
o	End: Week 12 (Apr 5)
o	Responsible: Vendor UI/UX Designers, BAs
o	Dependencies: 3.2.3
o	Milestone: M16: App Design Finalized
o	Approval Gate: AG6: Design Approval by CIO and EVP of Retail
Adjustment: Shifted the design phase to Weeks 9-12 to align with the project timeline, addressing Observation 5.
 
Phase 6: App Customization and Development
Duration: Weeks 13-28 (April 8, 2024 – July 19, 2024)** (Extended to ensure adequate time per Observation e)
Key Activities:
1.	3.3.1 Customize the Prepackaged Mobile App
o	Start: Week 13 (Apr 8)
o	End: Week 28 (Jul 19)
o	Responsible: VDT
o	Dependencies: AG6
2.	3.3.2 Configure Digital Black Book Feature
o	Start: Week 13 (Apr 8)
o	End: Week 18 (May 17)
o	Responsible: VDT, IS
o	Dependencies: 3.3.1, Integration Planning
3.	3.3.3 Integrate Product Catalogue
o	Start: Week 15 (Apr 22)
o	End: Week 20 (Jun 2)
o	Responsible: VDT, IS
o	Dependencies: 3.3.2
4.	3.3.4 Implement Mobile-Specific Features
o	Start: Week 17 (May 6)
o	End: Week 24 (Jun 28)
o	Responsible: VDT
o	Dependencies: 3.3.1
5.	3.3.5 Perform Unit Testing of Customized Components
o	Start: Week 13 (Apr 8)
o	End: Week 28 (Jul 19)
o	Responsible: Vendor QA Testers
o	Dependencies: Concurrent with development
6.	Milestone: M17: App Development Completed
Adjustment: Extended the development phase to 16 weeks to allow for iterative development, testing, and feedback incorporation, addressing Observations d and e.
 
Phase 7: Communications Platform Development
Duration: Weeks 15-28 (April 22, 2024 – July 19, 2024)** (Adjusted per Observation 7)
Key Activities:
1.	4.1.1 Define Communications Platform Requirements
o	Start: Week 15 (Apr 22)
o	End: Week 16 (May 5)
o	Responsible: BAs, VDT
o	Dependencies: M14
2.	4.2.1 Select Communications Service Provider
o	Start: Week 16 (May 5)
o	End: Week 17 (May 12)
o	Responsible: VDT, ISA
o	Dependencies: 4.1.1
3.	4.2.2 Develop Communications Module
o	Start: Week 17 (May 12)
o	End: Week 24 (Jun 28)
o	Responsible: VDT
o	Dependencies: 4.2.1
4.	4.2.3 Implement Authentication and Authorization Mechanisms
o	Start: Week 19 (May 26)
o	End: Week 28 (Jul 19)
o	Responsible: VDT, ISA
o	Dependencies: 4.2.2
5.	Milestone: M18: Communications Platform Development Completed
Adjustment: Shifted the communications platform development to start in Week 15, matching the timeline and addressing Observation 7.
 
Phase 8: Integration Development
Duration: Weeks 15-28 (April 22, 2024 – July 19, 2024)**
Key Activities:
1.	5.2.1 Develop APIs for Customer Data and Inventory Access
o	Start: Week 15 (Apr 22)
o	End: Week 20 (Jun 2)
o	Responsible: IS
o	Dependencies: Integration Planning
2.	5.2.2 Implement Middleware Solutions
o	Start: Week 20 (Jun 2)
o	End: Week 24 (Jun 30)
o	Responsible: IS
o	Dependencies: 5.2.1
3.	5.2.3 Ensure Real-Time Data Synchronization
o	Start: Week 24 (Jun 30)
o	End: Week 26 (Jul 12)
o	Responsible: IS
o	Dependencies: 5.2.2
4.	5.2.4 Develop Error Handling and Logging Mechanisms
o	Start: Week 26 (Jul 12)
o	End: Week 28 (Jul 26)
o	Responsible: IS
o	Dependencies: 5.2.3
5.	Milestone: M19: Integration Development Completed
Adjustment: Shifted integration development to start in Week 15, matching the timeline and addressing Observation 8.
 
Phase 9: Implementation of Security Measures
Duration: Weeks 28-32 (July 22, 2024 – August 16, 2024)
Key Activities:
1.	6.2.1 Implement Data Encryption
o	Start: Week 28 (Jul 22)
o	End: Week 30 (Aug 2)
o	Responsible: ISA, VDT
o	Dependencies: Completion of Development Phases
2.	6.2.2 Set Up Secure Authentication Protocols
o	Start: Week 30 (Aug 2)
o	End: Week 31 (Aug 9)
o	Responsible: ISA, VDT
o	Dependencies: 6.2.1
3.	6.2.3 Configure Access Controls and User Permissions
o	Start: Week 31 (Aug 9)
o	End: Week 32 (Aug 16)
o	Responsible: ISA, IS
o	Dependencies: 6.2.2
4.	Milestone: M20: Security Measures Implemented
 
Phase 10: Testing and Quality Assurance
Duration: Weeks 29-40 (July 29, 2024 – October 4, 2024)** (Extended per Observation f)
Key Activities:
1.	7.1 Test Planning and Preparation
o	Start: Week 29 (Jul 29)
o	End: Week 31 (Aug 9)
o	Responsible: QA Manager (QAM), QA Analysts (QAAs)
o	Dependencies: Completion of Initial Development Phases
2.	7.2 Functional and Integration Testing
o	Start: Week 31 (Aug 9)
o	End: Week 34 (Aug 30)
o	Responsible: QA Team
o	Dependencies: 7.1
3.	7.3 Performance, Load, Compatibility, and Security Testing
o	Start: Week 34 (Aug 30)
o	End: Week 38 (Sep 27)
o	Responsible: QA Team, ISA
o	Dependencies: 7.2
4.	7.4 User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
o	Start: Week 38 (Sep 27)
o	End: Week 40 (Oct 11)
o	Responsible: BAs, Style Advisor SMEs
o	Dependencies: 7.3
o	Milestone: M21: UAT Sign-Off Obtained
o	Approval Gate: AG7: UAT Approval by CIO and Stakeholders
Adjustment: Extended and staggered testing phases to allocate additional time, addressing Observation f.
 
Phase 11: Training and Change Management
Duration: Weeks 30-40 (August 5, 2024 – October 11, 2024)
Key Activities:
1.	8.1 Training Material Development
o	Start: Week 30 (Aug 5)
o	End: Week 36 (Sep 20)
o	Responsible: Training Specialists, CML
o	Dependencies: Ongoing with Development and Testing
2.	8.2 Training Delivery
o	Start: Week 36 (Sep 20)
o	End: Week 40 (Oct 11)
o	Responsible: Training Specialists
o	Dependencies: Completion of Training Materials
o	Milestone: M22: Training Completed
3.	8.3 Change Management Initiatives
o	Start: Week 30 (Aug 5)
o	End: Week 40 (Oct 11)
o	Responsible: CML
o	Dependencies: Ongoing
Adjustment: Began training material development earlier and extended the duration, addressing Observation g.
 
Phase 12: Deployment Planning and Rollout
Duration: Weeks 40-43 (October 14, 2024 – November 1, 2024)
Key Activities:
1.	9.1 Deployment Planning
o	Start: Week 40 (Oct 14)
o	End: Week 41 (Oct 18)
o	Responsible: PM, IL, VPM
o	Dependencies: AG7
2.	9.2 Mobile App Deployment
o	Start: Week 41 (Oct 21)
o	End: Week 43 (Nov 1)
o	Responsible: IT Infrastructure Team, Vendor Support
o	Milestone: M23: App Deployed
3.	9.3 Post-Deployment Support and Monitoring
o	Start: Week 43 (Nov 1)
o	End: Week 48 (December 13, 2024)
o	Responsible: Support Team, PM
o	Dependencies: Deployment Completion
Adjustment: Aimed to complete deployment by Week 43, providing a buffer before the blackout period, addressing Observation h.
 
Phase 13: Post-Deployment Support
Duration: Weeks 43-52 (November 1, 2024 – January 3, 2025)
Key Activities:
1.	9.3.1 Establish a Support Team for Issue Resolution
o	Start: Week 43 (Nov 1)
o	End: Week 44 (Nov 8)
2.	9.3.2 Monitor App Performance and User Metrics
o	Start: Week 44 (Nov 8)
o	End: Week 52 (Jan 3, 2025)
3.	9.3.3 Gather Feedback and Identify Improvement Areas
o	Start: Week 44 (Nov 8)
o	End: Week 52 (Jan 3, 2025)
4.	9.3.4 Plan for Updates and Enhancements
o	Start: Week 48 (Dec 6)
o	End: Week 52 (Jan 3, 2025)
Adjustment: Extended post-deployment support through Week 52, ensuring stability during the blackout period, addressing Observation i.
 
Phase 14: Project Closure and Documentation
Duration: Weeks 49-52 (December 9, 2024 – January 3, 2025)
Key Activities:
1.	10.1 Final Documentation
o	Start: Week 49 (Dec 9)
o	End: Week 50 (Dec 20)
o	Responsible: PM, ITPC
2.	10.2 Project Evaluation and Lessons Learned
o	Start: Week 51 (Dec 23)
o	End: Week 52 (Jan 3, 2025)
o	Responsible: PM, Team Leads
3.	10.3 Administrative Closure
o	Start: Week 52 (Dec 30)
o	End: Week 52 (Jan 3, 2025)
o	Responsible: PM, HR, Finance
o	Milestone: M24: Project Closure Completed
Adjustment: Adjusted project closure activities to occur after an extended post-deployment support period, addressing Observation i.
 
Adjusted Approval Gates, Milestones, and Dependencies
Approval Gates (AG):
o	AG1: Scope Approval (M1)
o	AG2: Project Charter Approval (M2)
o	AG3: Project Plan Approval (M4)
o	AG4: Vendor Contract Approval (M10)
o	AG5: Requirements Approval (M14)
o	AG6: Design Approval (M16)
o	AG7: UAT Approval (M21)
o	AG8: Final Acceptance and Project Closure (M24)
Key Milestones:
o	M1: Project Scope Document Completed
o	M2: Project Charter Approved
o	M3: Project Team Assembled
o	M4: Detailed Project Plan Approved
o	M5: Governance Framework Established
o	M6: Project Kickoff Completed
o	M7: Vendor Requirements Defined
o	M8: Vendor Evaluations Completed
o	M9: Vendor Contracts Finalized
o	M10: Vendor Contracts Signed
o	M11: Stakeholder Input Gathered
o	M12: Functional Requirements Documented
o	M13: Non-Functional Requirements Documented
o	M14: Requirements Specification Document Completed
o	M15: Integration Planning and Design Completed
o	M16: App Design Finalized
o	M17: App Development Completed
o	M18: Communications Platform Development Completed
o	M19: Integration Development Completed
o	M20: Security Measures Implemented
o	M21: UAT Sign-Off Obtained
o	M22: Training Completed
o	M23: App Deployed
o	M24: Project Closure Completed
Dependencies:
o	Adjusted dependencies to ensure critical phases are completed before dependent activities begin, addressing Observation j.
 
Alignment with WBS, Project Organization Chart, and Timeline
Alignment with WBS:
o	Deliverable titles and numbering match exactly with those in the WBS, addressing Observation a.
o	Each phase corresponds to a deliverable in the WBS.
Alignment with Project Organization Chart:
o	Roles and responsibilities in the schedule align with those defined in the project organization chart.
o	Clear assignment enhances accountability.
Alignment with Project Timeline:
o	Adjusted the schedule to match the project timeline's dates, durations, and milestones.
o	Ensured buffer periods before the blackout period.
o	Addressed misalignments identified earlier.
 
Conclusion
By making these adjustments, the project schedule now:
o	Fixes Misalignments: Aligns with the project timeline, ensuring consistency across project documents.
o	Addresses Observations a-j: Incorporated all suggested improvements to enhance feasibility, clarity, and executability.
o	Enhances Project Control: Clear milestones, approval gates, and dependencies facilitate better project management.
o	Ensures Readiness Before Blackout Periods: Deployment and post-deployment support are scheduled to avoid peak retail seasons.
 
Next Steps
1.	Review and Approval:
o	Please review the adjusted project schedule and confirm that it meets your expectations.
2.	Update Project Documentation:
o	Incorporate the adjusted schedule into the project plan and other relevant documents.
3.	Communicate Changes:
o	Share the updated schedule with all stakeholders and team members.
o	Highlight the changes and their benefits.
4.	Resource Allocation:
o	Confirm resource availability for the adjusted timelines, especially with the vendor and internal IT teams.
5.	Detailed Planning:
o	Develop detailed plans for each phase, including specific tasks, assigned resources, and risk mitigation strategies.
6.	Risk Assessment:
o	Reassess risks based on the updated schedule and adjust mitigation strategies accordingly.