Appendix AProject Management Software

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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

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Project Management Software Features

• Budgeting and cost control

• Calendars

• Email

• Graphics

• Importing/exporting data

• Handling multiple projects and subprojects

• Report generation

Project Management Software Additional Features

• Resource management

• Planning

• Project monitoring and tracking

• Scheduling

• Security

• Sorting and filtering

• What-if analysis

4

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

5

Advantages of Using Project Management Software

• Accuracy

• Affordability

• Ease of use

• Ability to handle complexity

• Maintainability and modifiability

• Record keeping

• Speed

• What-if analysis

6

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

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)