Web-based Project Management Tools: The Impact on Project Communication Doug Kapernick University of St. Thomas May 21, 2003

Statistics of concern Projects are failing at an alarming rate 16.2% complete as planned 52.7% complete—impaired >31% fail completely The Standish Group, 2000

Disturbing project headlines “Denver Int’l Airport Project delays opening due to baggage handling problems.” “Boston’s Big Dig exceeds budget and schedule…by millions.” “Red Rock School delays opening sending kids back to overcrowded districts.”

What the literature Says The world has changed More complex More competition Decentralized environments More international project teams

Poor Communication cited as the reason for many project failures Software providers suggest: We have increased collaboration needs now. New tools will make communicating easier.

What the literature says Communication isn’t always at fault Training Lack of sponsorship Lack of fundamental project management best practices and process Elaborate web-based project management tools won’t insure project success

Why do this research? Want my projects to succeed Link between communication and project performance Does the Internet hold the secret for increased project success?

Do web-based project management tools improve communication among stakeholders?

Methodology Project Management Institute (PMI) Minnesota Chapter breakfast and dinner meetings 169 project managers were surveyed Survey consisted of 20 questions

Response profile 106 surveys were returned for a response rate of 63% 59% had over 5 years project management experience Validity across manufacturing, consulting, financial, and healthcare The majority work on Information Technology projects

Using web-based project management tools Tools Used

Communication is improved among stakeholders on projects with web- based project management tools.

How effective do you consider your organization’s project management communication?

What was the justification for not using a web-based project management tool?

I believe the benefit of web-based project management tools outweighs the cost. 71% believed this statement to be accurate or very accurate

I recommend that organizations use web-based project management tools. 71% believe this statement to be accurate or very accurate

Research indicates… Microsoft Project is the most widely used tool Hybrid ‘home grown’ tools are widely used Web doesn’t require high tech

Research does not indicate… Organizations must have a tool in order for project teams to communicate effectively and for the project to succeed Project management tools must be elaborate and expensive

Do web-based project management tools improve communication among stakeholders? YES! …however

Recommendations Don’t lead effort to improve project communication with a tool purchase Assess organization’s needs and project maturity—fix what’s broken Implement the tool(s) that meet the need with clear communication on the expectations for usage

Questions?