GLOBAL DEFENSE CORPORATION

Implementation of web-based project management software for Global Defense Corporation

Chris Firestone

ITM 6000 Eve Yeates

Abstract

The paper explores the concpet of implementing the web-based project management software in a holistic context. The purpose of this study is determining the benefit of implementing web-based project management software for Global Defense Corporation's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The research also analyzes many aspects of implementing the web-based project management software and tries to gauge its effect on “the company's employees. Academics and practitioners anticipated that web-based project management systems (WPMSs) would enhance and revolutionise the way in which defence organisations processes their operations. However, widespread adoption and effective use have not reached expected levels partly because of a lack of comprehensive understanding on how to implement WPMSs avoiding pitfalls and failure. This paper aims to investigate the rationale behind WPMS performance deviations in order to suggest ways to effectively employ WPMSs in the Global Corps project. Three project-level case studies were undertaken representing a highly successful, a moderately successful, and an unsuccessful WPMS implementation. For each case, WPMS implementation and operational issues were examined, followed by a detailed investigation on the key factors affecting the WPMS application. The findings from the three case studies were then compared and analysed. The case studies reveal a clear pattern related to WPMS performance in relation to a number of issues. Following this pattern, the study identifies “basic” requirements as well as “important” and “key” factors for a successful WPMS implementation. The conclusions from the case studies suggest ways in which the project teams can reap greater benefits from using WPMSs in their work. A WPMS is an electronic project management system conducted through the “extranet”, which is a private network using internet protocols to transmit information and only accessible by authorised users at different predefined levels. Project data are stored on centralised servers, and a standard web browser is used as a gateway to access, exchange, and share information from remote locations at any time, eliminating the problems that occur in linear communication schemes (Thorpe and Mead, 2001). A basic WPMS is typically aimed at supporting project collaboration and information sharing, but advanced WPMSs also enhance users in searching for specific information (e.g. codes/permits, economic trends, product information, cost data, etc.) or conducting business transactions completely online (e.g. electronic bidding and procurement). Presently, the most widely used WPMSs are provided by application service providers who offer all the computing power, storage, security, backup, network infrastructure, and technical staff required to manage the platform. Such systems require minimal technical, financial, and human resources to operate; therefore, they are deemed practical for firms without in-house expertise or resources to develop systems for exclusive company use. Figure 1 shows the generic system architecture of a WPMS. Similarly, Ilich et al. (2006) found that many new teams in the USA had started their projects without using any project collaboration. This finding is complemented by another USA-based survey which revealed that the application of WPMSs had been limited to commercial (41 percent) ...