Project Management in software development has become extremely complex due to the rapid business changes and technology updates. Triggered by multiple project failures, this report describes adjustment for the existing project management processes followed by FTME to overcome contemporary challenges. FTME is an IT vendor based in Dubai providing IT solutions to multiple customers in the region. The problem identified is the predefined uncalculated constraints ; customers impose on vendors as the condition for the project to be awarded.
The research drills down in ‘Agile’ standard process and PMI methodology to recommend appropriate changes in the existing internal processes that will assist in overcoming the constraints. It has analysis of multiple IT vendor experts on the same subject and interview feedback as qualitative analysis to further support the findings.
The recommendations include redefining project success criteria to properly asses project failure attributes, appropriate project selection and existing process enhancement using ‘Agile’ process as a base .
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction
1. Background of the study
1.1. The Problem
1.2. Aims and Objective
1.3. Research Scope
1.4. Significance of the Study
1.5. Limitation of the Study
Chapter 2. Literature Review
2.1. Synopsis
2.2. Detailed Research
2.3. LR Conclusion
2.4. Way Forward
Chapter 3. Research Design and Methodology
3.1. An Overview
3.2. Research Design
3.3. Type of Research
3.4. Sampling
Chapter 4. Data Analysis
4.1. Overview
4.2. Quantitative Analysis
4.3. Qualitative Analysis
4.4. Summary of Findings
Chapter 5. Recommendations
5.1. Defining Project Success Criteria
5.2. Appropriate Project Selection
5.3. Process Enhancement
5.4. Process implementation using Standard tools
5.5. Implementation plan
5.6. Future Research
Chapter 6. Summary and Conclusion
Chapter 7. Appendix
7.1. Project Management Definitions
7.2. PMI Process Groups and Knowledge Areas Mapping
7.3. Abbreviations used:
7.4. Survey Questionnaire
Chapter 8. References and Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
This report aims to analyze and readjust existing project management processes at Farabi Technology Middle East (FTME) to effectively manage external IT projects subject to predefined, rigid customer constraints. The study evaluates the ineffectiveness of traditional methodologies in dynamic environments and explores how adaptive processes can improve project success rates.
- Investigation of process problems caused by externally imposed constraints.
- Analysis of Agile and PMI methodologies for improved project performance.
- Evaluation of current project management maturity levels in UAE-based IT vendors.
- Development of an implementation plan for process enhancement using standard tools.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Background of the study
In the past, organizations have underrated the importance of project management methodologies to execute and implement major projects. Study done by Standish Group CHOAS (2001) revealed that, 40 % of Information Technology (IT) projects are abandoned before completion, 33 % are adversely impacted by schedule slippages or scope creeps, and on an average 52.7 % over budgeted to 189 % of the initial estimates (Yager 2001).
Today, Project Management holds extreme significance and is been practiced by multibillion dollar corporations and non profit companies. It is evident that all projects are unique and carry variations of risks and uncertainties. Different institutions along with industry experts have defined numerous processes and methodologies to reduce uncertainties and risks involved in projects. Still unlocking the mystery of appropriate project management process in the context of the dynamic nature of each organization’s business has been a challenging subject. Needless to mention, how much time and attention each organization spends in defining precise process, but problems do occur.
This paper examines the problem encountered by Farabi Technology Middle East (FTME) an IT vendor company based in UAE, to manage external projects with predefined constraints. The purpose of this study is to analyze and readjust existing project management processes followed by IT vendors to adapt to the dynamic business environment.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the challenges of project management in IT companies, focusing on the problems caused by predefined customer constraints and setting the research objectives.
Chapter 2. Literature Review: This section provides a theoretical foundation by reviewing PMI standards, Agile methodologies, and contemporary project management challenges in globalized IT environments.
Chapter 3. Research Design and Methodology: This chapter details the sequential mix-method approach used, involving quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews to analyze project management effectiveness.
Chapter 4. Data Analysis: This chapter presents the findings from the survey and interviews, highlighting low process maturity and discrepancies in risk assessment and management support.
Chapter 5. Recommendations: This chapter proposes strategic improvements, including redefining success criteria, adopting Agile methodologies, and implementing standard tools like Team Foundation Server.
Chapter 6. Summary and Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the research outcomes, confirming the necessity of aligning internal processes with business objectives to increase project success.
Chapter 7. Appendix: This section provides supporting documentation, including PMI process mapping, definitions, and the survey instrument.
Chapter 8. References and Bibliography: This section lists all academic sources, industry journals, and online resources cited throughout the study.
Keywords
Project Management, IT Vendor, Agile Methodology, PMI, Predefined Constraints, Project Success, Process Maturity, Risk Assessment, Software Development, Business Objectives, Farabi Technology Middle East, UAE, Project Failure, Team Foundation Server, Organizational Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The research focuses on the ineffectiveness of existing project management processes at IT vendor companies, specifically when dealing with rigid, predefined constraints imposed by customers.
What are the primary themes addressed in the report?
The study covers project management maturity, the shift from traditional to Agile methodologies, the importance of risk assessment, and the need for business-value-focused success criteria.
What is the central research goal?
The main objective is to analyze and readjust FTME’s existing project management processes to maximize success rates within dynamic business environments.
Which research methods were employed?
The study utilized a sequential mix-method design, consisting of a quantitative online survey followed by qualitative interviews with industry professionals.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body evaluates current internal processes against PMI and Agile frameworks, analyzes survey data, and provides actionable recommendations for process enhancement.
Which keywords best describe this study?
The key themes are Project Management, Agile Methodology, Predefined Constraints, Project Success, Process Maturity, and IT Vendor management.
How does the author define project success in this context?
The author argues for a shift away from traditional "on time and on budget" metrics toward delivering business value and meeting stakeholder expectations.
What role does 'Agile' play in the recommendations?
Agile is recommended as a base for internal process enhancement because its iterative nature allows for better adaptation to changing requirements and customer constraints.
What specifically does the author conclude about senior management involvement?
The analysis reveals that senior management involvement is currently insufficient in many surveyed companies, which is identified as a critical barrier to process improvement.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Aamir Dawawala (Autor:in), 2009, Overcoming Project Management Problems, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/134612
