A conceptual approach for modelling system development projects

Abstract

The paper proposes a conceptual model for describing and managing system development projects. The model provides a structured way to subdivide projects into tasks and a tool for measuring a priori the level of control needed to manage projects in information system and other areas. A Project Basic Unit (PBU) is defined as the main building block used to describe various levels of a project hierarchy. Project phasing, the subdivision of higher PBUs into lower level ones, is investigated. Criteria for project phasing which is an important element of managing projects, are outlined and discussed. The area of project control where one person performs more than one project role, called coresidence, is also presented. This phenomenon is a frequent cause of lack of control and malfunctions in system development projects.