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l The programme and project processes and techniques
WHAT CAN SOFTWARE DO? Much of the processing of information in the derivation of a plan and schedule can be carried out effectively, with the advantage of rapid output of the results. It is quite common to find this software just being used to produce a Gantt chart at the start of a project. A presentable chart that looks good and is easy to understand helps to explain to management and others what is intended to happen in a project. This is only the beginning, but to go any further requires an understanding of the more complex features of the software. The computer allows you to turn data inputs to valuable information for reviews, issue management and decision making, as shown in Figure 11.1. Project management software programs are really a combination of graphics, spreadsheet and database programs to make a complex operating system for managing all aspects of the project. The graphics part produces the Gantt chart, the logic diagram or PERT chart and the graphs used for reporting. The spreadsheet part is used for the forms, tables and reports produced using the available data. The database part stores and manipulates the data provided for calculation, using the spreadsheet section to insert results into the tables, charts and diagrams viewed on screen. This combination gives the software a huge range of features with which to assist the project process. The difficulty is the learning curve to
INPUTS PLANNING CHANGES KEY STAGES TASKS T ESTIMATES RESOURCES
OUTPUTS PERT CHARTS GANTT CHARTS REPORTS - COST - PROGRESS - VARIANCE - FORECASTS - MILESTONES ONES
ISSUE RESOLUTION
RESOURCE NEEDS
DECISION MAKING
COSTS V VARIANCES PROGRESS
Figure 11.1 How the computer can help
BUDGET
PROJECT REVIEWS