Abstract
M. Ing.
Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) is a technology that enables the reception of television services/programmes on a specific mobile handheld device. MultiChoice Subscriber Management Services (Propriety) Limited, in the year 2006, commenced a project in South Africa; to deploy a trial DVB-H network. The initial phase of the project included the major cities, namely Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The trial network deployed in South Africa assisted MultiChoice in optimizing the efficiency and reliability of the system. It was at this stage that MultiChoice decided to deploy the DVB-H network in other parts of Africa. MultiChoice soon applied for frequency licenses in Nigeria, Kenya and Namibia. These licenses would enable MultiChoice to operate the DVB-H networks on a commercial platform in those countries; and would also enable MultiChoice to start generating an income by providing this service. Shortly after being awarded a license to broadcast DVB-H, a commercial DVB-H network was launched in Kenya in April 2007. The network consisted of two broadcast sites, at the time. MultiChoice came to an agreement with one of the local Mobile Network Operators (MNO) in Kenya to assist MultiChoice in getting the mobile television handset to the Kenyan people. The MNO possessed the required customer base and also the correct billing infrastructure.
An immediate concern was raised by the MNO, about the DVB-H network coverage. With DVB-H, portable outdoor network coverage is guaranteed; however, to obtain coverage inside a building, can be somewhat problematic, especially if that building consists of two or more walls. It will be difficult for the DVB-H signal to penetrate those walls. The MNO’s retail outlets were mostly situated in shopping centre type buildings, hence, the MNO put forward a request for coverage inside the outlets where the mobile handset will be sold. This means that network coverage inside these shopping centre type buildings was required.
Therefore, an indoor broadcast system was required in order to obtain the required coverage inside the building. MultiChoice decided to undertake a project to design and build this type of system for the current trial DVB-H network deployed in South Africa. This project would be used as a case study for future projects to be implemented for the network in Kenya.
In order to successfully implement an Engineering related project, it is essential to consider both the Project Management aspects and the Engineering Management aspects of that particular project. These two concepts are very closely linked and should not be considered individually when implementing an Engineering project. It is understood that all projects go through certain life cycle phases in some form or other. This document provides the background theory to the four commonly recognized phases of the Project Life Cycle, it is then further shown how various aspects of these life cycle phases were applied to the actual project; and how the implementation of these aspects could improve project performance in the future. Some Engineering Management principles are also discussed and shown how they were applied to the actual project. Elements of this case study shall provide useful information for the projects to be implemented in Kenya.