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.
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Table of Contents
1 Preface
2 Introduction
2.1 The Topic of this Thesis
2.2 Hypotheses and Findings
2.3 Definition of Multimedia
2.4 Types of Multimedia Products
2.4.1 Forms of Delivery
2.4.2 Categories of Multimedia Products
2.4.3 Conclusion
2.5 Project Management Definitions
2.5.1 Project and Project Management
2.5.2 Project Stakeholders
2.5.3 Project Methodology, Methods and Processes
3 The Historical Development of Project Management
3.1 The Philosophy of Ancient Project Management
3.2 The Philosophy of Modern Project Management
3.3 Conclusion
4 The Components of a Project Management Method
4.1 The Project Management Context
4.2 The Project Life Cycle
4.3 Project Processes
4.3.1 Project Integration Management
4.3.2 Project Scope Management
4.3.3 Project Time Management
4.3.4 Project Cost Management
4.3.5 Project Quality Management
4.3.6 Project Human Resource Management
4.3.7 Project Communications Management
4.3.8 Project Risk Management
4.3.9 Project Procurement Management
4.4 Conclusion
5 The Necessity of Project Management
5.1 The Subconscious Management of Projects
5.2 The Single Point of Responsibility
5.3 The Advantages of a Project Management Method
5.4 Conclusion
6 Existing Information on Multimedia Project Management
6.1 Interviews
6.1.1 Redefine
6.1.2 DCG
6.1.3 Griffith University
6.2 Published Materials
6.2.1 Managing Multimedia: Project Management for Interactive Media
6.2.2 Managing Multimedia Projects
6.2.3 Developing Effective Websites: A Project Manager’s Guide
6.3 Internet
6.4 Conclusion
7 The Suitability of Existing Methods for the New Concept
7.1 Differences Between Traditional Projects and Multimedia Projects
7.2 Software Development Management
7.3 Conclusion
8 The Development of the New Concept
8.1 The Choice for the Method
8.2 Multimedia Pathways
8.3 Alterations on Multimedia Pathways
8.3.1 The Life Cycle
8.3.2 The Processes
9 Critical Reflection on the Findings
9.1 The Quality of the Findings
9.2 What Else Would Need to be Done?
10 Bibliography
10.1 Books
10.2 Internet Resources
10.2.1 WebPages
10.2.2 Electronic Publications
10.2.3 Newsgroups
10.2.4 E-Mail Contacts
Objectives and Research Themes
This thesis examines the current lack of a standardized project management methodology specifically tailored for multimedia projects. It investigates whether existing traditional or software-oriented management methods are suitable for multimedia production, identifies their shortcomings, and proposes an adapted concept based on the analysis of the "Multimedia Pathways" methodology.
- Analysis of project management requirements within the multimedia industry.
- Evaluation of existing management strategies and their limitations for multimedia applications.
- Exploration of the "Single Point of Responsibility" concept and its importance.
- Comparison between traditional construction, software development, and multimedia production processes.
- Development of a new, iterative project management concept for multimedia-specific needs.
Excerpt from the Book
The Subconscious Management of Projects
This author had his first experiences in developing, admittedly rather basic, websites before he had even heard of project management. The process for providing a customer with a homepage usually followed a few basic steps. In a first interview it was discussed what kind of information should be put on the website, what the client wanted to achieve from their online presence, what content was already available that could be used and what still had to be produced, etc. The second meeting then usually happened when a basic flowchart, depicting the number of pages as well as the navigation structure and a few rough drafts of the site layout were ready and an estimation of the costs for development had been established. After the client’s feedback, the production would start, interrupted by presenting the current status of work on a couple of occasions to ensure that the site was developed according to the customer’s ideas. After completion of development, the site was tested for dead links, display errors in different browsers and then uploaded to the web server.
In the context of the topic of this paper this example might sound primitive. Yet, it shows clearly, that even without the knowledge of any existing project management strategies, there appears to be an automatic application of underlying principles of project management. First signs of processes, such as budgeting, prototyping and testing can found. Furthermore, basic developments of project stages, i.e. specification, design, production, testing, hand-over, are recognizable. Since it appears that it is automatic or logical to realize the need for and to follow some basic processes in developing products, it gives rise to the question of why a formal method is necessary in the first place.
Summary of Chapters
1 Preface: Outlines the motivation behind the thesis, noting the lack of standardized project management for multimedia and the author's academic context.
2 Introduction: Defines the scope of the thesis, discusses the definitions of multimedia and project management, and sets out initial hypotheses.
3 The Historical Development of Project Management: Explores the origins of project management theories, contrasting ancient construction practices with modern military and industrial origins.
4 The Components of a Project Management Method: Details the essential elements of a project management framework, such as project life cycles and key knowledge areas.
5 The Necessity of Project Management: Discusses why structured project management is essential, emphasizing the role of a single point of responsibility in team environments.
6 Existing Information on Multimedia Project Management: Provides an analytical review of available resources, including interviews with industry professionals and published materials.
7 The Suitability of Existing Methods for the New Concept: Compares traditional project management against multimedia and software development to determine the requirements for a new management approach.
8 The Development of the New Concept: Introduces the adapted management concept based on "Multimedia Pathways" and provides specific process recommendations for different project stages.
9 Critical Reflection on the Findings: Reviews the limitations of the current research and suggests directions for future study, particularly in team management and legal aspects.
10 Bibliography: Lists all referenced books, electronic publications, and personal communications used throughout the thesis.
Keywords
Multimedia, Project Management, Development Methodology, Multimedia Pathways, Project Life Cycle, Software Development, Interaction Design, Single Point of Responsibility, Iterative Development, Project Planning, Risk Management, Resource Estimation, Quality Control, Technical Specifications, Integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the lack of standardized project management methodologies for multimedia production and aims to create a tailored concept for this specific industry.
What are the central thematic fields covered in this thesis?
The key themes include the definitions of multimedia, project life cycles, the history of project management, existing industry practices, and the adaptation of processes to suit creative and technical multimedia teams.
What is the primary objective of this research?
The goal is to develop a comprehensive project management concept that addresses the unique challenges of multimedia projects, such as iterative design and the complexity of combining diverse media assets.
Which scientific methods were applied in this paper?
The author utilized literature analysis, interviews with industry agencies (Redefine, DCG) and academic experts, and reflected on practical experience from student-led multimedia projects.
What does the main body of the paper discuss?
It details the components of project management, evaluates why traditional methods are often unsuitable for multimedia, and provides an in-depth, stage-by-stage process model derived from the "Multimedia Pathways" methodology.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Multimedia, Project Management, Iterative Design, Project Life Cycle, and Development Methodology are central to the work.
How does the author address the "Single Point of Responsibility"?
The author identifies this concept as essential for effective communication in complex project teams, allowing one person to coordinate diverse expertises and prevent information overflow.
Why is the "waterfall model" considered inadequate for multimedia?
The author argues that multimedia specifications are harder to define upfront and requires a non-linear, iterative approach that the rigid waterfall model lacks.
- Quote paper
- Stefan Hartweg (Author), 2002, A Project Management Methodology for Multimedia Projects - Analysis of Existing Strategies and Creation of a New Concept, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/4090
