Speleology is the scientific study of caves and other karst features, their make-up, structure, physical
properties, history, life forms, and the processes by which they form (speleogenesis) and change over
time (speleomorphology). The term speleology is also sometimes applied to the recreational activity
of exploring caves, but this is more properly known as caving.
Australian Speleological Federation (ASF) Inc. is an environmental organisation, registered by the
Department of the Environment and Heritage in Canberra, with the primary objective of protecting
the cave and karst environment of Australia. The ASF is also the national body that represents the
interests of 28 caving clubs, over 700 members throughout Australia and represents Australia on the
International Union of Speleology.
ASF Inc., is managed by director, John Cugley. Cugley believes in hiring highly talented and motivated
professional organisations that specialise in virtual team processes. You have been working for GoVirtual Inc. casually for the last three months in their mobile app development department. As a virtual
team specialist, your company has applied for a tender to develop an app for ASF. Due to the
importance of this project, the CEO of Go-Virtual Inc, Danielle Taylor, and the Director of Mobile
Development William Shannon have both made this project a priority.
The initial investment in the project is estimated to be $180,000 in year 0, $14,500 in year 1, $16550
in year 2, $18580 in year 3 of the project. Go-Virtual Inc. requires a discount rate of 9%. It is anticipated
project future cash inflow as follows (Years 0 to 3): $0, $50,000, $80,000, and $100,000.
ASF Inc wants an app that helps cavers to explore Australia’s underground cave systems safely and
responsibly by promoting effective exchanges of information between cave enthusiasts and other
speleologists and maintaining a close liaison with cave diving training bodies. It is hoped features and
tools, in the app should help cavers to understand the impact of caving on the fragile environments
that exist within cave systems, assisting the Australian Cave Rescue Commission.
The goal of the project is to develop an app, which is optimised for iPhone and Android devices. The
app should allow cavers to enrol and pay membership fees, subscribe to ASF publications, in particular
the Caves Australia magazine, receive updates, register for all Australian caving, speleological and
related events, expeditions and conferences. Cavers should be able to access safety and risk
management guidelines, as well as basic first aid and rescue training. The app should provide cavers
with an overall ranking of caves in terms of attractions, safety aspects, wildlife and environmental
issues. Cavers should be able to view comparison between caves. Senior managers believe it will take
about five months for this important project.