'n Ondersoek na die moontlike rekenarisering van 'n projekbestuursafdeling binne 'n groot vervaardigingsonderneming

Abstract

This thesis covers an investigation into the possibility of computerizing a Project Management Department within a large Manufacturing Organization. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the influence on the productivity between the existing filing/retrieval system and the proposed computerized system with specific reference to the retrieval of information and not only the documentation as such. The investigation is based on observations which were made during the day to day functioning of the Department. It is also based on data and information which were collected by means of questionnaires and interviews with the different Section Heads. In Chapter l, the investigation first covers a general background of information on Management Information Systems. Chapter 2 then studies the application of this general theory in a Project Management Environment. In view of these backgrounds Chapter 3 investigates and evaluates the existing Project Management Office. At the end of Chapter 3 the findings, conclusion and recommendation are formulated. Chapter 4 goes into a deeper investigation into the above-mentioned conclusion and recommendation and proves the need in this Office for an automated filing/retrieval system. It covers an economical evaluation on a typical system and a brief application description of the system within the existing Office.

The overall finding is that a computerized system can have a remarkable effect on productivity. At this stage the implementation of a computerized filing/retrieval system won't have a significant effect on the methodology and procedures of the existing Office. It is also recommended that the services of a professional analyst be employed after implementation, for an indepth investigation on the existing Management Information System. The last part of the thesis is a personal view on the development of these type of computerized systems in South Africa.