A Project Management Methodology for Multimedia Projects

Analysis of Existing Strategies and Creating of a New Concept

Diploma Thesis , 2002 , 131 Pages , Grade: 1.4

Communications - Media Economics, Media Management

This paper tries to define a concept for managing multimedia projects efficiently and takes the suitability of existing methods into account.
Developing a valid solution makes it necessary to look at project management as a generic discipline first and then apply the results to the multimedia discipline. Only then can we be sure that no important aspects of project management have been forgotten, nor that existing and working strategies, which could be applied to multimedia projects, have been ignored. This paper therefore defines project management and generally describes its areas of responsibility. The question of whether project management is necessary and beneficial needs to be addressed as well. After project management and the necessity to actively apply it in some form has been understood in general, a specific focus on the existing information for multimedia project management will be undertaken. It will become apparent that different viewpoints exist as to whether multimedia project management should apply project management methods of related industry areas, such as software development. This will justify the need to compare multimedia projects with software development projects. After having gained an insight into project management as well as the characteristics of multimedia projects, it is possible to determine the demands that a project management method needs to be able to meet, to successfully manage multimedia projects. It would be beyond the scope of this thesis to analyse every existing method. Instead, one method will be analysed as an example. The useful aspects of the analysed method will be identified along with its shortfalls in relation to multimedia development. Finally, recommendations on how the shortfalls could be corrected will be made, so that a project manager will be able to use the examined method, specifically suited to multimedia projects.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Preface
• Introduction
  • The Topic of this Thesis
  • Hypotheses and Findings
  • Definition of Multimedia
  • Types of Multimedia Products
    • Forms of Delivery
    • Categories of Multimedia Products
    • Conclusion
  • Project Management Definitions
    • Project and Project Management
    • Project Stakeholders
    • Project Methodology, Methods and Processes
• The Historical Development of Project Management
  • The Philosophy of Ancient Project Management
  • The Philosophy of Modern Project Management
  • Conclusion
• The Components of a Project Management Method
  • The Project Management Context
  • The Project Life Cycle
  • Project Processes
    • Project Integration Management
    • Project Scope Management
    • Project Time Management
    • Project Cost Management
    • Project Quality Management
    • Project Human Resource Management
    • Project Communications Management
    • Project Risk Management
    • Project Procurement Management
  • Conclusion
• The Necessity of Project Management
  • The Subconscious Management of Projects
  • The Single Point of Responsibility
  • The Advantages of a Project Management Method
  • Conclusion
• Existing Information on Multimedia Project Management
  • Interviews
    • Redefine
    • DCG
    • Griffith University
  • Published Materials
    • Managing Multimedia: Project Management for Interactive Media
    • Managing Multimedia Projects
    • Developing Effective Websites: A Project Manager's Guide
  • Internet
  • Conclusion
• The Suitability of Existing Methods for the New Concept
  • Differences Between Traditional Projects and Multimedia Projects
  • Software Development Management
  • Conclusion
• The Development of the New Concept
  • The Choice for the Method
  • Multimedia Pathways
  • Alterations on Multimedia Pathways
    • The Life Cycle
    • The Processes
• Critical Reflection on the Findings
  • The Quality of the Findings
  • What Else Would Need to be Done?
• Bibliography

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the management of multimedia projects, aiming to analyze existing project management methods for their suitability in this context. The paper goes on to develop a new concept based on the findings of the analysis, proposing adjustments to an existing method to better suit the complexities of multimedia production. The key themes explored include:

• The need for a specific project management methodology for multimedia projects
• The analysis of existing project management methods in relation to multimedia projects
• The adaptation and development of a new concept for multimedia project management
• The importance of considering the unique challenges and requirements of multimedia production
• The critical reflection on the findings and potential for further research

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Preface: Introduces the topic of multimedia project management and highlights the lack of a standardized approach in the field. It outlines the objectives of the paper, which are to analyze existing methods and develop a new concept for managing multimedia projects.
• Introduction: Defines the scope of the thesis, outlining the hypotheses, key terms, and types of multimedia products. It provides a brief overview of project management principles and definitions.
• The Historical Development of Project Management: This chapter traces the historical development of project management philosophies, starting from ancient times and exploring its evolution to modern practices.
• The Components of a Project Management Method: This chapter examines the essential components of a project management methodology, including the project context, life cycle, and various processes such as scope, time, and quality management.
• The Necessity of Project Management: This chapter argues for the necessity of project management in multimedia development, highlighting the inherent complexities and benefits of employing structured methodologies.
• Existing Information on Multimedia Project Management: This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of existing information on multimedia project management, including interviews with industry experts and analysis of relevant publications. It provides insights into the current state of the field and existing approaches to managing multimedia projects.
• The Suitability of Existing Methods for the New Concept: This chapter analyzes the suitability of existing methods for managing multimedia projects. It explores the differences between traditional projects and multimedia projects and evaluates the applicability of existing methods in this specific context.
• The Development of the New Concept: This chapter presents the development of a new concept for multimedia project management. It outlines the choice of method, the multimedia pathways, and specific adaptations to better address the unique challenges of multimedia production.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper focuses on the critical area of project management within the dynamic field of multimedia production. Key topics include the analysis of existing project management methods, the adaptation of those methods to the specific needs of multimedia projects, and the development of a new concept for effectively managing these complex productions. The work explores the unique challenges and requirements of multimedia development, drawing upon research, interviews with industry experts, and a review of relevant literature.

• College: Furtwangen University
• Grade: 1.4
• Author: Stefan Hartweg (Author)
• Publication Year: 2002
• Pages: 131
• Catalog Number: V185753
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656982586
• ISBN (Book): 9783867466370
• Language: English
• Tags: project, management, methodology, multimedia, projects, analysis, existing, strategies, creating, concept