Title: Improved methods for task estimation and project tracking

Authors: James R. Burns, Balaji Janamanchi

Addresses: Rawls College of Business Administration, Texas Tech University, ISQS Area, P.O. Box 42101, Lubbock, TX 79409-2101, USA. ' Division of International Business and Technology Studies, Texas A&M International University, 5201 University Blvd., Laredo, TX 78041-1900, USA

Abstract: Among the most arduous aspects of project management are those of task estimation, coupled with task execution and tracking. In this paper, new methods for task estimation and tracking are discussed. Change management, of course, is driven by the accuracy of project tracking. The topics of task estimation and Earned Value Analysis (EVA) are investigated for tighter integration and validity. EVA is well accepted as a technique for tracking of projects during execution. Even so, some shortcomings are found and improvements are proposed. A Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)-based probabilistic approach to estimation and tracking is presented in this paper that will provide probabilities of on-time as well as within-budget completion, taking into consideration the critical path. The implications for change management are discussed.

Keywords: project management; change management; theory of constraints; TOC; questionnaires; surveys; interviews; task estimation; project tracking; earned value analysis; EVA; PERT; on-time completion; within-budget completion; critical path; probability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISCM.2007.015118

International Journal of Information Systems and Change Management, 2007 Vol.2 No.2, pp.167 - 189

Published online: 17 Sep 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article