Computer Software Usage Computer Support for Project Management MOT 8221 Karl A. Smith Computer Software Usage Computer Support for Project Management

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Project Management Software Suggestions for Use 1.Set up the basic schedule information: name of project file, name of project, project manager; input milestones, tasks and their estimated duration, interdependencies between tasks; input resources for each task. 2.Periodically update the schedule by indicating tasks completed, delayed, and so forth, as well as changes in resources. 3.On an as-needed basis, perform what if analysis using the software and data.

Types of Use REPORTING Schedule data is used to produce graphs and tables for meetings. TRACKING Log project work and effort in terms of completed tasks. ANALYSIS Perform analysis by moving tasks around, changing task interdependencies, changing resources and assignments, and then seeing the impact on the schedule. COSTING AND ACCOUNTING Assign costs to resources. TIMEKEEPING Enter the time and tasks worked on by each member of the project team.

Project Management and the World Wide Web Project management, like many other things – bookstores, newspapers, computer suppliers – has developed a web presence. As mentioned above, the Project Management Institute has a very thorough web site and provides access to the A Guide to the Project management body of knowledge (PMBOK™ Guide). A few project management web sites I have found useful include: Project Management Institute – http://www.pmi.org HMS Project Management Articles – http://www.hmssoftware.ca/articles/art_list.html ALLPM: The Project Manager's Home Page – http://allpm.com/index.htm Project Control Tower – http://www.4pm.com/ WELCOM: Project Management for a Changing World – http://www.welcom.com/ NewGrange Center for Project Management – http://www.newgrange.org Project Management Leadership Group – http://www.pmlg.org 9

Fewer communication errors between project team members; Web-enabled project management is gaining momentum and will probably change some businesses, as it is currently doing to the construction industry (Roe & Pfair, 1999; Doherty, 1999). Web-enabled project management couples both the communication aspects (e-mail, FAX, voice and multimedia, intranet, extranet, and others) and the project management aspects (scheduling, document and file management, project administration, job photos, job cost reports, and project status reports). Doherty (1999) cites several reasons for using a project extranet: Fewer communication errors between project team members; Up-to-the-minute intelligence on all the decisions and collective information related to a project; Less expense for messengers, couriers, copying, and blueprints; Customized sites for each project and customized access for each user; Security 10