Appendix A Project Management Software

1
Appendix AProject Management Software
2
Learning Objectives

• a discussion of the common features
• criteria for selecting a system
• a discussion of some advantages
• a discussion of some disadvantages
• a discussion of vendors offering software

2
2
3
Project Management Software Features

• Budgeting and cost control
• Calendars
• Email
• Graphics
• Importing/exporting data
• Handling multiple projects and subprojects
• Report generation

3
3
4
Project Management Software Additional Features

• Resource management
• Planning
• Project monitoring and tracking
• Scheduling
• Security
• Sorting and filtering
• What-if analysis

5
Criteria for Selecting Project Management Software

• Capacity
• Documentation and on-line help facilities
• Ease of use
• Features available
• Integration with other systems
• Installation requirements
• Reporting capabilities
• Internet features
• Security
• Vendor support

4
6
Advantages of Using Project Management Software

• Accuracy
• Affordability
• Ease of use
• Ability to handle complexity
• Maintainability and modifiability
• Record keeping
• Speed
• What-if analysis

5
7
Concerns about Using Project Management Software

• Becoming distracted by the software
• Focus on the people!
• A false sense of security
• Too much Fix slippage GIGO
• Information overload
• The learning curve
• Overreliance on software
• SW just a tool must know PM basics

6
8
Popular Project Management Software Packages

• CA-SuperProject
• Microsoft Project
• Project Scheduler
• SureTrak Project Manager
• Time Line
• High-End Project Management Software
• Primavera (www.primavera.com)