What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Project Management Software

Web-enabled project management solutions are becoming more obsolete as software vendors dedicate more of their resources to developing web-based software applications. Web-based applications provide a platform for better project communication and collaboration without being tied to a specific network or software application. A standard web browser (ie. Internet Explorer) is the interface for project information. These applications provide instantaneous communication, collaboration, and secure access for project participants.

This course provides the foundation for successful project planning, organization, and implementation within the realm of information technology. The course uses real-world examples and identifies common mistakes and pitfalls in project management. Topics covered include project scoping, estimating, budgeting, scheduling and staffing, tracking and controlling, and software tools for project management.

With the exceptional growth in technology, the present day projects are often large and complex involving a significant risk. So, a Project Management Methodology enables the delivery organization to handle these projects comprehensively, systematically and in an integrated manner, which results in strategic, tactical and operational benefits.

There are many types of project management tools. From proprietary licensed tools such as Smartsheet for Salesforce, Oracle Project Planning and Control and Microsoft Project and Portfolio Management; to theoretical project management tools such as Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), Gantt charts and Critical Path Method (CPM). All of these tools aim to streamline the planning,

Project Management can be used in everything you do in life; both personal and work related.

As the world is chaotic (Djavanshir and Khorramshahgol, 2006) it is impossible to always predict the future accurately. Teller at al (2012) describes project management as balancing the “iron triangle”, where changes to any one of the planned costs, quality or scope will change the other elements. Risk management allows contingency to be put into project plans, (APM, 2012) minimising negative effects and maximising the benefits of uncertainty.

Students often ask about the use of project management software applications in this course. In the past we required the use of MS Project for this course but removed it as a requirement when we rewrote the course. The reason we removed it was that MS Project has a very steep learning curve for all but the most basic functions. The software is very expensive and is not web-based so it requires installation on

relatively short-term objective that has been established to complete specific goals and objectives. project management utilizes the systems approach to management by having functional personnel assigned to a specific project (Kerzner, 2006).

MS Project can help you establish your initial plan as well as monitor progress. MS Project can quickly produce reports and other information that will help keep management, customers, and your project team informed. To get the most from MS Project, not only do you need to understand project management terminology,

Describe the real-world project management examples of when you would use one or more of the tools and techniques.

A paper submitted in partial fulfillment of MMIS 621: Information Systems Project Management course requirements

Projects are unique because it is a one-time operation designed to accomplish a set of objectives in a limited time frame. They all involve planning, preparation, and coordinating work that is to be done. Priorities must be set in order for the project to be accomplished. Project management techniques and software is necessary to maintain a schedule and budget performance. Project Management is the set of knowledge, skills, and abilities that plan, organize, implement, control, and complete projects given finite resources of people, equipment, and time.

Impossible schedule commitments if there is no planning and proper schedule may delay the project.

While projects can be similar in some instances, no two projects are ever the same. For this reason, management of projects requires the application of tools and techniques to meet the goals of the temporary endeavor. Project managers apply these tools and techniques to determine what is required for project delivery such as the list of activities to completed, the time required to complete the activities, resources needed and the various risks associated with the deliverable and efforts. A multitude of tools and techniques are employed by the project manager based on the need of the effort to organize, identify and communicate the various aspects of the project. While in contrast, the repetitive nature of operations activities

They are not tool specific. In today's software-reliant world, the reality is that the methodology and the organization's project management software tool are often heavily intertwined. Complication and sophisticated client expectations of the latest projects reveal the flaws of traditional project management methods. In addition usually project managers are expected to make a sense of balance between client expectations and business interests and also to improve the end product, decrease cost and duration of the project (Project Management Institute 2005). The disadvantages of traditional project management method are listed below.