Department - Author 1

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Industrial Engineering

Date

2010

Primary Advisor

Karen Bangs

Abstract/Summary

This project addresses problems found within a specific department within Lifewater International. Lifewater faces many unique challenges operating as a nonprofit. Like most nonprofits, elaborate costly solutions are simply not an option when solving department problems. This project addresses three interrelated problems within Lifewater’s Development and Communications Department. The three issues addressed are Volunteer Management, Donor Management, and Project Management. Each problem was examined to determine the areas for improvement that this project can handle and solve. Each problem was given an improved design. A Volunteer Management System was designed to increase volunteer utilization and appropriately match volunteers with appropriate projects. Design changes within the Donor Management system were suggested to aid data entry and data reporting. Finally, the use of project management techniques and tools were utilized to help effectively manage department fundraising campaigns. The volunteer management system has an expected annual return of $3700-5500 of volunteer value added to the organization. The total cost of the database design and software needed to run the database is a one-time investment of $1050. The donor database design changes were implemented easily and have helped increase the functionality and ease of use for volunteers and staff. Finally project management documents are being utilized for a major fundraising campaign.

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