Computer-Aided Project Management

Ideal for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in management, project, systems, and construction engineering, Computer-Aided Project Management builds a bridge from the genesis of project management principles through today's software, developing a postmodern project management systems paradigm for the twenty-first century. Adopting a unique systems perspective that emphasizes project coding--an essential skill in project database management--this book shows what fundamental project management principles are, what they do, and how they work in the software environment. Addressing all phases of a project, it illustrates and expands theories through the use of realistic case studies--which are based on actual project experience--and extensive exercises running on PCs. An important feature of systems project management, the use of "scope" and "quality," is also discussed.

An in-depth, application-based introduction to effective systems and methods for project planning and control, Computer-Aided Project Management provides students, instructors, and professionals with the essential knowledge to manage successfully and to create, use, and communicate PC-, Server-, Web-, and Internet-based project management information. It covers essential concepts and skills including:


· the use of structures such as PDS (Project Definition Structure), WBS (Work Breakdown Structure), OBS (Organizational Breakdown Structure), and Masterformat


· project coding for areas, functions, elements, phases, stages, packages, purchase orders, contracts, and human resources


· planning and scheduling by CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)


· communicating with Gantt and bar charts and graphics such as S curves


· relating estimating and cost control from order-of-magnitude numbers to appropriation grade budgets