This paper introduces a new conceptual approach for project management with embedded computer support for group collaboration during project planning. We propose a tool by which project planning would be initially decomposed and distributed to activity teams working independently and in parallel, to determine the requirements of the activities they have been assigned. Upon completion of this, our tool would be used to simulate the project in a group setting during which plans could be reviewed, modified, and improved. Our tool would represent a project as a distributed dynamic process of multiple independent, interacting agents pursuing a common goal. This representation would provide deeper understanding of the nature of the project and would result in more fruitful group interaction among those participating in the planning process.

A project management tool for computer-supported cooperative work during project planning

The author discusses the planning, monitoring, and revising of project schedules with reference to a large and complex database development project. A Simple yet effective methodology for managing such projects successfully in an adaptive and flexible manner is presented. A simple computer program developed in house and a standard graphic software package were used on a weakly basis to product summary reports and graphical charts that provided crucial information about and yielded valuable insights into the performance of the project. The fast, low-cost computer program was used also to conduct 'what if' studies both for planning purposes and for comparison of alternatives whenever modification or corrective actions became necessary during the life cycle of the project. Though the analytical tools and computer aids were simple, they provided the essential information needed by managers and supervisors to manage the project effectively. >

M.W. Siddiqee

Papers

Adaptive management of large development projects