Verified Document

It Project Management Project Metrics Research Paper

Many large companies such as Intel have benefited from it to the extent that case studies were conducted on the results. Many such case studies are documented on Microsoft's website as a testament to the success of this utility. Microsoft Project allows employees, resources, and tasks to be defined. A wide range of relationships can be drawn between each of the defined entities. For example, a resource such as a server can be assigned to be used for certain tasks at certain times. The definitions in Microsoft Project allow for a high level of analytics to be done. Each resource has a cost involved. Time constraints are also defined for the workforce and the resources. Project managers are able to use this information to track the costs to ensure that the project is running on budget and on schedule. The definitions can be further utilized when determining staffing requirements to optimize site performance and customer satisfaction.

Another feature that Microsoft Project includes is the ability to detect bottlenecks in the project cycle. If certain events must take place before the next phase of the project can resume or if there is a conflict over the availability of resources, it will be detected as early as possible. This helps prevent inefficiencies that are caused by the current business processes and allows the managers to make the needed decisions early to keep the project running smoothly. This feature has especially been utilized in fields where inspections or testing are a necessary component, as these factors can be more accurately taken into account and applied to the scenario. In this same vein of utilization, Microsoft Project Manager provides prioritization software that will allow for analysis and prioritization of all current tasks and projects. This ensures that large-scale projects with smaller sub-projects are properly time-lined and can be efficiently supervised.

Additionally, Microsoft project enables project managers to keep reports clear, concise and transparent to other departments through department networking. In one case study from Revlon, the company was able to reduce meetings by 30% and integrate departments that were throughout the world. This saved the business considerable time and money.

As previously mentioned, forecasting is a vital component to accurate project management and statistical...

Microsoft Project Manager offers an easy-to-use method of forecasting where all the necessary formulas and contingencies are automatically analyzed for the project manager. This reduces time spent programming macros and allows the manager more time to apply and implement strategies.
Project managers are given large amounts of responsibility and are held to an equally high standard of accountability. The knowledge obtained by constant monitoring of performance metrics allows them to remain informed about the status of their projects in meaningful ways. The metrics also provide them an easy method of presenting and explaining their progress to stakeholders. Programs like Microsoft Project offer a comprehensive tracking method for documenting and analyzing the performance surrounding their projects. It is an invaluable tool that helps ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and to complete satisfaction.

References

Brown, Mark Graham (1996). Using the Right Metrics to Drive World-class Performance. AMACOM.

Fitz-Gibbon, Carol Taylor (1990). Performance indicators. BERA Dialogue.

Reh, F. Key Performance Indicators: How an organization defines and measures progress toward its goals. About.com Management. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://management.about.com/cs/generalmanagement/a/keyperfindic.htm

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated: Coca-Cola Bottle Co. Consolidated Improves Project Cost Reporting. Microsoft Case Studies. Published 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?casestudyid=4000004270

Marquette University: University Identifies it Project Priorities, Delivers Results to CIO and VP of Finance. Microsoft Case Studies. Published 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Microsoft-Project-Server-2010/Marquette-University/University-Identifies-it-Project-Priorities-Delivers-Results-to-CIO-and-VP-of-Finance/4000007234

Revlon: IT Department of Global Cosmetics Company Cuts Time in Meetings by up to 30%. Microsoft Case Studies. Published 2011. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Microsoft-Project-Server-2010/Revlon/it-Department-of-Global-Cosmetics-Company-Cuts-Time-in-Meetings-by-up-to-30-Percent/4000011328

Sources used in this document:
References

Brown, Mark Graham (1996). Using the Right Metrics to Drive World-class Performance. AMACOM.

Fitz-Gibbon, Carol Taylor (1990). Performance indicators. BERA Dialogue.

Reh, F. Key Performance Indicators: How an organization defines and measures progress toward its goals. About.com Management. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://management.about.com/cs/generalmanagement/a/keyperfindic.htm

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated: Coca-Cola Bottle Co. Consolidated Improves Project Cost Reporting. Microsoft Case Studies. Published 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?casestudyid=4000004270
Marquette University: University Identifies it Project Priorities, Delivers Results to CIO and VP of Finance. Microsoft Case Studies. Published 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Microsoft-Project-Server-2010/Marquette-University/University-Identifies-it-Project-Priorities-Delivers-Results-to-CIO-and-VP-of-Finance/4000007234
Revlon: IT Department of Global Cosmetics Company Cuts Time in Meetings by up to 30%. Microsoft Case Studies. Published 2011. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Microsoft-Project-Server-2010/Revlon/it-Department-of-Global-Cosmetics-Company-Cuts-Time-in-Meetings-by-up-to-30-Percent/4000011328
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Project Management Supporting Activity Project Characteristics &Bull;...
Words: 555 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Project Management Supporting Activity Project Characteristics • What are some of the characteristics that differentiate projects from other functions carried out in the daily operations of an organization? List some examples of work considered to be a project and work not considered to be a project. The main trait and attribute that differentiates projects and non-projects is the duration of the event in question. Events that are ongoing in perpetuity are not projects.

Project Management and Restraints
Words: 870 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

Project Management and Scope Control Briefly describe the difference between time-constrained project and resource-constrained project with regard to scheduling methods: Every experienced project manager can attest to the constant threat posed by a phenomenon known as scope creep, wherein the prudently planned objectives of a particular project are unwittingly permitted to swell in a seemingly independent fashion. When budgets slowly begin to balloon and an unending stream of employees are added superfluously

Project Management Planning and Risk
Words: 961 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Balanced Scorecard Flexibility One of the characteristics of the balanced scorecard model is that it is largely flexible and easy to customize to fit a wide range of different applications in a variety of different industries. The Tesco 'Steering Wheel', for example, includes the four main components but then adds a fifth perspectives -- capturing their commitment to the community in addition to their tradition balanced scorecard metrics along the lines

Information Technology IT Project Management Sustainability and...
Words: 3448 Length: 12 Document Type: Research Paper

Project Management, Sustainability and Whole Lifecycle Thinking ITT Project Management - Sustainability and Whole Lifecycle Thinking Although the sustainability movement has been advocated predominately in response to the irresponsible expansion of inefficient infrastructure by industrialized nations, with the United States and Japan now making significant efforts to embrace "green" growth practices, a growing movement has emerged that promoting sustainability throughout developing nations presents the most productive path. Even as the most modernized

Management Accounting This Memorandum Serves
Words: 1595 Length: 5 Document Type: Essay

The use of managerial accounting to keep profit margins where they need to be and make sure that individual product offerings are not a net drain on the company is not the only thing that Thai Airlines can and must do to keep a competitive edge and to protect themselves from things like corporate malfeasance and terrorists attacks, but it is certainly a major thing that should be take

Project Management Emerging Markets Continue to Be
Words: 3333 Length: 11 Document Type: Essay

Project Management Emerging markets continue to be a promising area for many of America's most beloved companies such as Coca-Cola, Apple and more. This bodes well for project managers in the digital age as the expand operations overseas. However, as these companies become more global, the risk associated with their operation becomes more important. Understanding gender, ethnic and cultural differences can have a profound impact on the overall success of a

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now