Project Management for Dummies, 2nd UK Edition

Chapter 18

Using Technology to Up Your Game

In This Chapter

Recognising software’s role in project planning, control and communication

Sizing up the benefits and limitations of technology in project management

Making data available and supporting virtual teams

Getting computer software and services for free

An important part of project management is dealing with information – getting it, creating it, storing it, analysing it and sharing it. But a key to successful project management is to do that intelligently both to exercise control and to help people on the project to work together as effectively as possible.

Technology is providing ever easier and more affordable ways to handle information and for people to work together. For example, office apps (applications – programs) allow you to enter, store and analyse information and then present the results in professional formats. Email allows easy and almost instant written communication with people in all locations at all hours of the day (and night!), and telephone conferencing and video conferencing allow you to talk to them too. ...