Strategic Control and HR Management for StudBudget App

Application of the Controlling Function and HR Management

Project: StudBudget – Student Budget Management Mobile Application

Group: DPA-2502 | Students: Rinat, Bekzat, Maxim

Project Overview

<ul><li><strong>Concept:</strong> StudBudget is a mobile application helping students manage personal finances effectively.</li><li><strong>Features:</strong> Expense tracking, monthly budget planning, and spending habit analytics.</li><li><strong>Goal:</strong> Reduce financial stress for students aged 18–25 through simple, practical digital tools.</li></ul>

Purpose of Controlling Systems

Controlling systems ensure StudBudget achieves both strategic and operational goals by providing oversight at every workflow stage.

Monitor Performance

Reduce Risks

Support Decisions

Improve Efficiency

Control Strategy: Three Types

Feedforward Control

Anticipates issues before work starts by locking in StudBudget app requirements, enforcing security standards, and screening developer skills before coding begins.

Concurrent Control

Corrects issues during development with sprint reviews, real-time bug tracking, daily stand-ups, and peer code reviews that keep StudBudget on track.

Feedback Control

Addresses outcomes after release through KPI analysis, student satisfaction surveys, app store ratings, and post-release retrospectives.

Implementation of Controls

<ul style='margin:0; padding-left:20px;'><li>Clear project requirements</li><li>Strict hiring standards</li><li>Coding & security guidelines</li><li>Budget planning</li></ul>

<ul style='margin:0; padding-left:20px;'><li>Task tracking (Jira/Trello)</li><li>Daily stand-ups</li><li>Code reviews</li><li>Real-time server monitoring</li></ul>

<ul style='margin:0; padding-left:20px;'><li>User reviews & feedback</li><li>Monthly financial analysis</li><li>Sprint retrospectives</li><li>Performance evaluations</li></ul>

Balanced Scorecard Strategy Map

<b>Financial Value</b><br>• Sustainable revenue growth<br>• Break-even within 12 months

<b>Customer Perspective</b><br>• Increase student trust & satisfaction<br>• Grow active user base

<b>Internal Processes</b><br>• Build secure & stable platform<br>• Improve features via analytics

<b>Learning & Growth</b><br>• Develop fintech & security skills<br>• Encourage continuous innovation

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

<div style='font-size:1.45rem; color:#475569; line-height:1.6;'><strong>Monthly Active Users (MAU):</strong><br>Target: 10,000 by month 12<br>Measurement: tracked monthly using in-app analytics dashboards<br>Corrective Action: adjust marketing campaigns, improve onboarding flows, and prioritize retention features<br><br><strong>Customer Satisfaction (CSAT):</strong><br>Target: ≥ 4.5/5.0<br>Measurement: captured through in-app surveys and app store ratings<br>Corrective Action: prioritize UX improvements and resolve recurring complaints<br><br><strong>Bug Resolution Time:</strong><br>SLA: < 24 hrs for critical bugs<br>Measurement: monitored via Jira issue tracking and burndown charts<br>Corrective Action: reallocate developer resources and escalate high-priority issues</div>

Human Resource Management

Skills Requirements<br/>Hard: mobile app development (Flutter/React Native), API integration, and basic cybersecurity hygiene.<br/>Soft: problem-solving, teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability to fast feedback.<br/>Selection Methods<br/>Technical interview with live coding task focused on StudBudget features.<br/>Coding test/bug-fix simulation reviewed by peers for code quality and collaboration.<br/>Behavioral interview probing project ownership and conflict resolution.<br/>Interview Questions<br/>Behavioral: “Tell us about a time you helped your team stay aligned while handling competing priorities.”<br/>Technical: “How would you debug an intermittent crash in the budgeting module’s transaction tracker?”<br/>Situational: “What steps would you take if a production payment flaw was reported hours before a release?”          <br/><br/>

Performance & Motivation

Continuous Feedback

Moved away from annual reviews to real-time feedback loops. Encourages flexibility, open communication, and faster skill development.

Motivation Strategy

• Flexible working hours<br>• Remote work options<br>• Professional training budget<br>• Innovation hackathons

Conclusion

The controlling and HR systems designed for StudBudget supports effective management and sustainable growth.

<ul><li>Balanced control avoids micromanagement while ensuring accountability.</li><li>Strategic HR alignment fosters a skilled and motivated technical team.</li><li>Combining these elements ensures StudBudget remains competitive in the EdTech market.</li></ul>