Project Management For Dummies, 4th Edition

Chapter 16

Using Technology to Enhance Project Planning and Management

In This Chapter

Recognizing software’s role in project planning and control

Supporting project management with social media

A major part of project management is information — getting it, storing it, analyzing it, and sharing it. But the key to successful project management is using this information to guide and encourage people’s performance.

Today’s technology provides easier and more affordable ways to handle information. For example, computer software allows you to enter, store, and analyze information and then present the results in professional formats. In addition, different types of social media provide vehicles for quickly sharing project information with a wide range of audiences. However, technology alone can’t ensure focused and committed team performance. In fact, if not used appropriately, excessive reliance on today’s technology can actually result in decreased morale, confused and disorganized team members, and reduced performance.

In this chapter, I explore the different types of software that are available and how they can help you plan and manage your projects more effectively. I also discuss the different types of social media currently in the marketplace, review their benefits and drawbacks, ...