Project Management Software Applications

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Evaluate Project Management Software applications. Once a software application is listed, it is evaluated by gap analysis. If the software application meets requirements, there is no gap, and the software application is acceptable as-is. If the software application does not meet requirements, then a summary of the approach to either replacing or improving the tool is prepared.

Here are the two steps needed to list software applications:

1.      Identify software applications used for project management tools through review of notes and through discussion with stakeholders.

2.      List each software application, giving it a unique identifying number.

Once each software application is listed, it can be evaluated using these four steps:

1.      Apply all relevant functional and technical requirements.

2.      Perform a gap analysis.

3.      Write summary work needed to close gaps.

4.      Define approach to the acceptance, improvement, or replacement of this application.

Here is a partial sample list of existing software applications with the evaluations completed:

Gap Analysis of Functional RequirementsFor MS-Project® 20002/15/2007
Requirement ID #	Status of application	Requirement	Summary of work to be done
Category: User Features
FSR-01	Windows compatible	Standard Windows	None – already compatible
Category: Methodology Compatibility
FSR-02	Templates need to be developed, no changes needed to application	Life Cycle	Configuration – PMO creates templates
Category: Standards and Processes Compatibility
FSR-03	Built-in feature meets standard	PERT and CPM	None – already compatible
Category: Access Control
FSR-04	Would require extensive configuration	Network Access Control	Will be skipped, as application will be phased out when current projects using it are complete

 

Gap Analysis of Technical Requirements For MS Project® 20002/15/2007
Requirement ID #	Status of application	Requirement	Summary of work to be done
TSR-01	Operates under XP, but not supported by Microsoft, as version is out of date	OS Compatibility	If technical problems are encountered, upgrade to current version of application
TSR-02	Requires installation of Acrobat printer driver	Printing Compatibility	Install Acrobat printer driver on all machines running this application (IT services)

 
 


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