Impact of IT in Project Management - Assignment Example

Impact of IT in Project Management

Contents

Section A: Impact of IT Implementation in project management3

Question 13

Question 24

Question 36

Question 47

Question 59

Question 611

Question 712

Question 814

Section B: Challenges of Implementing IT in Project Management16

Question 916

Question 1018

Question 1119

• Section A: Impact of IT Implementation in project management
  • Question 1

Respondent 1

In my company various IT software are used in managing different projects. Implementation of IT increases the efficiency in allocation of resources in the project. IT is used by our managers in detecting the progress of work in the project. Amount of work completed by project members is detected in software for effective further allocation of work among the members. Software is used in my company for budget allocation of the project. “Collabtive software” is used in my company for managing tasks, check-lists of the projects which support time tracking and basecamp integration.

Respondent 2

IT has been integrated to save time which will enhance the effectiveness of the quality of our projects. My organization uses “Liferay social office” software which builds cohesion among group and enhances the cooperation of the group members among the team. It also raises the productivity of each member of the project. “Open Goo” software is used in our company for sharing internal and external data between the project members and the client.

Respondent 3

For managing project in my company IT is integrated for managing the human resources associated with the project. Project manager has many responsibilities towards completion of a project. Support of IT in the project enhances the efficiency of the project. In our company, the project managers are using applications such as “Clarizen” which offers project planning, resource management, expense management, case management, risk management, etc. This application is used for overall management of projects by our project managers.

Respondent 4

IT is integrated in the projects of our company for risk management. Risks are always there in a project. We have to assess the possible risks associated with a project. Integration of IT will help our company in taming uncertainty in work and chaos in the project. “LiquidPlanner” application is used in our company for prediction of project management. It is used in predicting completion of the project. It calculates the assessment of risks which are captured in every progressing tasks of the project.

Respondent 5

Our company focuses on 360 degree view on every project. “Zoho Project” is used in our company for creating custom reports and allocating resource in multiple projects. IT integration emphasizes on quality of work and resource allocation within the project. “Zoho Project” helps in business intelligence and usage of advanced analytics in our construction project.

• • Question 2

Respondent 1

I strongly think that all the projects in our organization have multiple deadlines and that is why time is the main constraint compared to that of cost and quality. When IT is implemented in various projects, there are fewer chances of human errors. Therefore, quality is not affected to that extent. In fact, our organization perceives quality as the ultimate objective and not constraint. To avoid time constraints, our organization maps out the plans for a project wisely. For instance, if the number of experienced people is increased in a project team, then a project can be successfully completed within a shorter span of time.

Respondent 2

I believe cost is a major constrain for successfully completing a project. When IT is used in projects, it consumes more capital than that of other conventional methods. Most of the time, budget that is estimated in the initial stage of a project in our company proves to be insufficient during the latter half. Sometimes advanced technologies need to be imported from overseas nations due to unavailability in the domestic market. As a result, cost of our project increases invariably and exceeds the anticipated one.

Respondent 3

In my opinion time is a big constrain for completing any construction project. Many of our clients and partners also sign agreement with us and ask us to complete projects within a given time period. Project management that can implement IT to its optimum level can get good quality output but completing single handed or in a small team is a problem. It takes extra effort and time.

Respondent 4

After 2 years of experience, I can say that quality is the primary constrain related to any project, despite of implementing IT to a large extent. Whether a project’s quality is up to the mark or not is decided by third party or client of the organization. As a result, we focus on the quality whenever any project is carried out. In due course of time, level of excellence determines that whether an organization will continue to get project contracts or not.

Respondent 5

For 5 years I am working in construction industry. Most of our organizations’ clients demand that the projects should be completed within stipulated time period. In order to do so, scheduling is required, which is both tedious and frustrating. If we fail to successfully schedule the project then it will take a lot of time to complete. However, in the long run it helps us to successfully complete a project where multiple operations are carried out.

• • Question 3

Respondent 1

I think projects pertaining to construction industry require IT to a large extent for various purposes such as project budgeting, account auditing, material testing, quality assurance, unloading and loading inspection, milestone monitoring, et cetera. In fact in the initial stage of construction projects, monitoring and costs tracking are done. After the completion of first phase of our projects, impact monitoring is carried out to understand whether the project is progressing or not. Form this data we can analyze that slow progressing projects need more effort and its counterpart can continue at the same pace.

Respondent 2

I am working in a construction company as an assistant manager for last five years where IT has been implemented in all its operations. The manager of our company encompasses several activities by using IT system. Some of these activities are resources planning, cost and time estimation. Another important monitoring job in construction industry is automated reporting system. Hardly any project manager of giant organization has time to reply all the mails that they receive in a day.

Respondent 3

Tools like CWM or collaborative work management are used by our company in order to receive Smart-sheet benefits. Our manager is the primary users of these tools to monitor and get updates. Automated reporting, real time updates and integrated apps are used in streamline processes by the firm. All activities such as project closeout and initial bidding process of construction companies are carried out via IT system. Most of the monitoring responsibility of our firm’ manager is related to initial budgets.

Respondent 4

To evaluate output systematically and track implementation, monitoring is done by the company where I am working. If any risk is related to construction project management, then it can be tracked by the help of IT system. Once risks are identified, mitigation becomes easier for our project managers. In this process some amount of cost that could have been spent after exposure to risk become subject to savings by us.

Respondent 5

Progress of projects in our firm is identified with the assistance of IT system. If obstacles can be identified in a project, it will be easier for our managers to change their course of actions as per requirement. Obstacles include various types of cost, time or quality constrains. However, it is important to remember that sincerity of our project manager plays an integral part for successfully completing a construction project.

• • Question 4

Respondent 1

Simple software such as Microsoft Project is used by our firm for tracking day to day or smaller progress in operational goals. Sometimes my department thinks differently. For instance, I think that using software makes my work easier whereas my department thinks that antiquated excel spreadsheet can take off their workload to keep track of the project progress. However, there are some flaws while we use different types of software for monitoring. For example, maintaining optimal level needs all the resources of FTE. These resources are not always allocated in the initial stage of the project. As a result, the project progress is delayed due to lack of information about the resources.

Respondent 2

IT is very important for us to successfully complete all the stages of a project’s lifecycle. Resources allocation plays an integral part for our company to track performance within pool of assets and time table. Software helps our construction managers and the firms to allocate resources more efficiently. In our firm, we predominantly use BuildIT System so that projects can be tracked. As I am in a leadership role, this software is both challenging and advantageous. Construction projects require highly complex application of this software.

Respondent 3

I have been working in construction industry of Qatar where technology is not that advanced. Recently, government implemented various policies where project management teams of our company can import software from foreign countries to accelerate the process of completion of projects. Some of this software is BuildStar, PMWeb and SIS Compass. As a result, construction projects in our country are carried out faster than it was previously. Some common monitoring that our firms conduct are process monitoring, context monitoring, results monitoring, compliance monitoring, financial monitoring etc.

Respondent 4

The organization from where I have retired one year back was a construction company. IT was used in construction projects over there for context monitoring. That software was used to track the project settings where it was operating. Mainly these operations were pertaining to identify assumptions and risks or any unexpected events that can suddenly crop up during the entire lifecycle of our projects. For instance, I think projects of conflict prone zones may need to estimate the time gap that can arise due to political reasons.

Respondent 5

Apart from process monitoring, our organization has installed many software which help us to monitor financials and budgetary aspects. Our company is operating in West Germany where different types of software are available in the market for construction companies. The software includes Rocore, Aconex, Relatics, GenieBelt, RENOMii, etc. Financial monitoring is conducted with process and compliance monitoring in our firm.

• • Question 5

Respondent 1

I think that team work is very important when it comes to construction project. Good collaboration between the project members who are involved in site is necessary. Our team members must be acquainted with the shared goals of the project. In my company, software is used in effective task delegation and controlling excess budget allocation in different areas of the project.

Respondent 2

I believe that construction projects need to reach its objective at a stipulated time, budget and quality. For this co-ordination among the people of the project is necessary. Project managers of our company are very much focused in team work. They always motivate the team members for enhancing their productivity in a certain project. However, IT software is used in our company for checking the progress of work and allocating work accordingly in the construction projects.

Respondent 3

Our company focuses on safety issues of the project members who are working on the site. People working in the site handle many heavy machines. Risks are there for those people. We have many safety programs for our employees. Project managers also ensure the co-ordination between the people on site and people who are working in other departments for reducing the errors of the workers on site. Software is used by our managers for maintaining co-ordination among different members of the project.

Respondent 4

I believe that element of teamwork is the most important factor in completion of a project in construction industry successfully. The companies should keep track on the communication management of the people involved in a project. Communication management needs IT integration in order to enhance effective communication among the project members. Discussions among the team members are necessary for transparency of work in the project.

Respondent 5

I think that team work will be successful only when our project managers will maintain co-ordination with their co-workers and build trust with the team members. My project manager always delegate work according to the skills and expertise of people in the team. It enhances the productivity of each member and the project gets completed within its deadline. I believe that quality of work is more important than quantity of work.

• • Question 6

Respondent 1

In our company, successful integration of IT in the projects enhances overall success of the projects. Software or applications are used by our managers for managing the activities of project and for smooth running of projects. “BuildTools” is used in my company for effective delegation of work so that teamwork is improved. It can be used for customizing projects by remodelers and builders of the project. Builder’s attentions are drawn by scheduling conflicts in the software.

Respondent 2

My company handles projects which involve many risks both for the project and the workers associated with the project. Use of IT integration in the management of project will reduce the risks in it. However, we use safety related programs for the safety of employees on site. “Co-Construct” is used by our construction project managers which help in co-ordination of schedules of each member. It is based on the challenges encountered by construction project managers.

Respondent 3

Our company is very efficient in integration of IT in the construction projects. Implementation of software has many advantages for management of projects. Projects of this sector need co-operation of both on-site and official project members. Our project managers use applications like “Construction manager” and “Fieldwire” for maintaining logs, time sheets, estimation of projects between construction sites and headquarters of the company. “FieldWire” is used by our mangers for co-ordination of members who are on site and in company headquarters. “Construction Manager” is also responsible for making estimations on on-site projects and repair projects. “FieldWire” helps the construction manager in field for sharing information and co-ordinating the work among the onsite people.

Respondent 4

I believe that use of IT software in construction projects enhances the productivity of the members which will improve the efficiency of the project as a whole. “Groupware applications” are used by our construction managers. “Groupware” facilitates in teamwork by integration of virtual whiteboards, web-meeting applications, version control systems, etc. Meetings with international clients are done by using “Groupware” software in many construction companies. Meetings among the onsite workers and workers in our company headquarters are also done by using “Groupware”.

Respondent 5

Software and applications of project management helped me a lot in the success of a project. Being a project manager, I use many software and applications like “Safety meeting app”, “Buildtools”, “Construction Manager” for improving the project efficiency by constant monitoring the progress of the project. I focus on my team members more than implementation of software. IT integration helps in reducing the errors resulting in perfection of the work. The main work is done by the human resource of our company.

• • Question 7

Respondent 1

I am working in Gulf Construction Companies for a long time where most of my experiences are gained. These days our company is using IT system in construction projects to design the sites. Once the sites are designed, our project managers and other associate members find loopholes in the framed design. Designing is an integral part of our construction project and that is why we use software such as Expo-Net. In this way our employees who work in construction sites are safeguarded from any potential risk.

Respondent 2

As a project manager, it is my responsibility to look after the health and safety hazards of our employees. Some software is made by the IT department of our firm which helps laborers of the construction sites to communicate with each other whenever they need to. For instance, once one of our employees was in danger on the construction site, he conveyed that message to other available nearby employees soon. Our integrated IT system’s aim is to form an injury-free environment.

Respondent 3

Whenever construction sites are designed by our company, we consider the safety of employees. The software that our company uses helps the project managers to locate all the employees in construction site so that any potential safety hazard can be avoided at the earliest. In fact previously, many of our employees in construction sites have been safeguarded in this way. Making virtual models of the construction sites has become easier for us after implementing IT system in project management.

Respondent 4

After working in construction firm, I have understood that using IT system in construction design is very helpful, especially for the part time labors and full time employees. Various risks are associated with our employees present in the sites such as sudden building collapse, falling down from heights, etc. The software of my firm is efficiently helping us to mitigate these types of risks by reviewing the virtual models from the early phase of project.

Respondent 5

The organization where I am working for last fifteen years is a famous construction company of East London. It is an attractive place for our company to make maximum profit as many new buildings are raised in that area in recent years. However, in construction sites our employees are constantly facing life risk and that is why new software is installed by us. Designs that are made by our project designers before construction should be subject to scrutiny for safeguarding the employees.

• • Question 8

Respondent 1

My company faces many risks in managing projects of constructions. In my company, project manager faces many risks like cost management, people management, etc. Ignorance of the risks of the project increase the cost of the project, reduced profit margin, damage of reputation of the brand of the company. Risks are mitigated by risk analysis, regulatory compliance, external assurance, internal audit, steering committee, etc. However, risks change throughout the lifecycle of our project. Our managers use software or application for assessment of risk in projects.

Respondent 2

I have faced many challenges of risks in the construction projects of our company. Time management and information management are some of the risks in my projects. Sometimes risks are not visible manually when the project is in progress. It will lead to delays, insufficient time for testing, poor estimation etc. To mitigate the risks in my project I am using IT Software and applications like WorkflowMax, Procore which helped me in monitoring and identifying the loopholes of the project.

Respondent 3

Cost management is the most important risk usually found in my construction projects. Low margins, risk of profit, fluctuation of industry, intense competition of the industry are some of the factors that influence the cost of the project of our company. However, these are the external factors which are very hard to mitigate. I use Software and applications for budget allocation and calculation of financial transactions within the project can be used. Usually my managers avoid Manual handling of calculation of transaction of money which will lead mistake.

Respondent 4

According to me, schedule uncertainty, performance, quality management and technological issues are some of the risks in management of construction projects. In a project, if our managers use outdated technology on the site, the project gets delayed and it is not completed within the deadline. With the advancement of technology our company uses various software, applications and technologies for perfection of the project. Integration of IT on the above areas of risks will reduce the human errors in our project thus increasing the efficiency of the project.

Respondent 5

Risks of construction project management includes poor safety management, change management, poor team management etc. Our company should improve safety management both in construction sites and company headquarters so that employees can work in a safe environment. Risks of health issues in my company de-motivate the team members to work in the project. Change management must be implemented by our managers efficiently so that all the team members have a clear understanding of the desired changes in the project schedule. IT integration in these areas will not only improve the efficiency of the project but also improve co-ordination among our team members.

• Section B: Challenges of Implementing IT in Project Management
  • Question 9

Respondent 1

As a project manager in a construction firm, I have observed that the employees are reluctant to embrace new technology that is installed by our IT portfolio. There is no doubt that after implementation of IT system, our tasks have become more cost effective and time effective. The labors who work in our construction sites are not well educated and that is why new technologies are sometimes beyond their understanding level.

Respondent 2

After we have implemented IT system in our construction projects, budget for some particular projects have increased to a large extent. Almost all the projects of our company have faced budgetary constrains previously because of inadequate planning. Fortunately, the efficient team members have monitored them in correct time to avoid potential pitfalls. New technologies are expensive and that is why budget structure has to be implemented in fresh ways to mitigate the problems related to these projects of our company.

Respondent 3

I am working in a construction organization for many years and understood that IT system is very important for both employees and the project managers. Integrated IT system synchronizes all the operations of our organization and thus increases our productivity. Apart from this, trivial manual works are also decreased after implementing IT in our firm.

Respondent 4

The construction company, where I am working for last 3 years, has recently initiated new software in order to improve planning, controlling and monitoring techniques. Unfortunately, all the employees who are tech-savvy and relatively younger are becoming excessively dependent on new technologies. For this reason we think that IT implementation is not a good thing rather it makes our employees lazy. However, our employees are safer in construction sites these days than they were previously. In due course of time, I think that they will understand the importance of new technology in construction companies.

Respondent 5

I strongly believe that there are no such challenges faced by construction companies in implementation of IT system. In our company, the project manager and other board members include all the junior executive members in various discussions so they do not feel left out from the new system. Even their opinions are also taken before making any final decisions pertaining to IT system. I also think that when there is coordination amongst the team members in project management and no one feels felt out, implementation of technology is no more challenging.

• • Question 10

Respondent 1

When our company was implementing IT system it was difficult for us to prepare a new budget. Costs that were estimated for various operations in construction project increased invariable for investing in new software. Most of the software that we are using is expensive than the other ones. We have recently started to map out comprehensive project budget to allocate resources more efficiently. We focus more on Work Breakdown Structure where all the necessary works are included. In our company, the project manager builds resource and budget plan at the initial stage without any objection from other team members.

Respondent 2

Our Company is providing training to the employees pertaining to new technology who are reluctant to change. Soon after they received training, productivity increased and they started to use the IT system more efficiently. Both on-job and off-job training have been provided to our employees so that it becomes easier for them to embrace new technologies. In our firm engineers on the construction site are very tech-savvy these days and that is why it is no more difficult to implement IT system.

Respondent 3

Extra cost that is incurred by our company apart from other resources is due to implementation of IT system. Two types of costs that are calculated by our accountant are indirect and direct cost. The project manager in our organization aims to reduce the cost by effective budgeting. We still doubt that in future that whether it is possible to harvest huge amount of profit from these projects or not.

Respondent 4

The firm where I am working is trying to blend both traditional and new technology in project management. I think that this process will work out as the resistant employees will accept the change gracefully. Our employees are not completely removed from their comfort zone by implementing the new strategy. We are trying to take care of our employees. However, new technology has increased the progress rate of our construction projects and earned a decent amount of profit.

Respondent 5

I believe that whenever new technology is introduced in any organization, employees resist to new things that are implemented. After working in a construction company for last 5 years I have gained the knowledge about IT system implementation in this industry. Our company is facing a large number of problems after they have done the same. Some of these include excessive cost incurred, lack of training, etc. Moreover, our company is also facing skill gap after implementing IT system.

• • Question 11

Respondent 1

Information technology has changed the era of management of projects especially in our company. Previously, our company performed all the works of the project manually which takes huge time. Integration of IT in the management of projects in this company has helped completion of error free projects within a very short time. It also helps our company in making more profits by completing more projects.

Respondent 2

I support use of IT software in my company in different aspects of project management. Implementation of software in our company helps our managers to track the progress of the project, checking the risks of the project and the financial aspects. It is not possible for a project manager to look after all possible small changes and problems in a project. Ignorance of the problems occur mistakes and degrading quality of the project.

Respondent 3

I think our company must integrate IT in the management of the projects. Construction projects are very time consuming and are influenced by external factors to some extent. Risks related to external environment and internal environment are projected by using software and applications pointing loopholes in our projects. Errors are reduced with IT integration while increasing the profitability of our company.

Respondent 4

I believe that engineering software and applications have a vital role in completion of project. Construction problems of site and other problems of members working on site are easily tracked with the use of engineering software by our construction managers. Clients expect error free high quality work from us. So project managers of our company are also using many tools regarding construction project management for improving the project quality. Respondent 5

In project monitoring and resource allocation my company uses different software and applications of project management. Our construction managers were facing several problems in the construction site. With the integration of IT, problems are solved with ease. Applications are used by our site managers to maintain co-ordination of the workers and checking the schedule of their work on the site. Quality managers in our company are using many tools in maintaining the quality of the projects.