Diploma thesis provides an overview of IT project management and its methodologies. It follows the goal of exploring the most widely used approaches. Special attention is devoted to recognize the position of IT project management between general management and technical computer perspectives. Chosen methods will be compared to identify common elements and differences.

The topic of the thesis focuses on the implementation and optimization of project methodology in the IT company. Introductory part of the thesis analyzes two project methodologies using some specific criteria and their suitability of application in the IT company. Next part consists of several analysis of current state project methodology in the IT company. The analysis was based on SWOT, CMMI and survey methods. Its outputs are used for the main part of the thesis afterwards. This segment consists from new design concept and the various part of the new project methodology in the IT company. Finally the thesis verifies proposed principles in practice on a pilot project, which brings recommendations for following implementation.

The main goal of the diploma thesis is to analyze whether a selected company uses efficient project management on a specific project and, if necessary, to propose changes in the project management of the selected project that would have a positive impact on its results. Based on the evaluated benefits of the proposed changes, establish recommendations summarizing further steps in improving project management in the company. The output of the analytical part are selected shortcomings (deviations from the PRINCE2 methodology), which had a negative impact on the objectives and financial results of the project. The following chapter deals with the proposal of changes in accordance with the PRINCE2 medotics, which should replace the selected shortcomings and the evaluation of the benefits of these changes. In the end, a recommendation for the company is set and the limitations of the research are listed.

Problem statement: Virtual and distributed projects are now fast replacing collocated projects as they bring up more skills needed for projects. There are various problems that have been encountered while working on virtual and distributed projects which include lack of face-to-face communication, different geographical locations and culture. Project management, through the use of project management methodologies, is becoming more crucial to ensure the problems are removed or minimized. The aim of this study is to look at the use and effectiveness of project management methodologies in virtual and distributed projects. Research method: The positivistic research paradigm was used in this study since it allowed the researcher to quantify and analyse the data received from the survey. As part of the positivistic research a survey was conducted for the research method while a questionnaire was used for data collection purposes. The collected data was then tested and analysed using the quantitative data analysis which included descriptive statistics, t-tests, factor analysis, KMO and Bartlett’s test, Cronbach’s alpha test, spearman’s rho, Levene’s test for equality of variance and non-parametric correlations. Main findings: While companies apply different project management methodologies to virtual and distributed projects, it is other factors (which include lack of face-to-face communication, different geographical locations and different cultures) which influence the use and effectiveness of the project management methodologies as well as the success of the virtual and distributed projects. In some cases it is how the project management methodology is used as some only apply certain parts of it while others report not having enough time to apply the project management methodology. Principal conclusion: Project management methodologies are useful and effective in virtual and distributed projects when they are effectively applied and followed. Issues caused by lack of face to face communication, different geographical areas and different cultures also have to be addressed as they influence the results on the virtual and distributed projects’ success. This is further discussed in this study and proposed solutions are given to the issues caused when using project management methodologies in virtual and distributed projects. / MSc (Computer Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Problem statement: Virtual and distributed projects are now fast replacing collocated projects as they bring up more skills needed for projects. There are various problems that have been encountered while working on virtual and distributed projects which include lack of face-to-face communication, different geographical locations and culture. Project management, through the use of project management methodologies, is becoming more crucial to ensure the problems are removed or minimized. The aim of this study is to look at the use and effectiveness of project management methodologies in virtual and distributed projects. Research method: The positivistic research paradigm was used in this study since it allowed the researcher to quantify and analyse the data received from the survey. As part of the positivistic research a survey was conducted for the research method while a questionnaire was used for data collection purposes. The collected data was then tested and analysed using the quantitative data analysis which included descriptive statistics, t-tests, factor analysis, KMO and Bartlett’s test, Cronbach’s alpha test, spearman’s rho, Levene’s test for equality of variance and non-parametric correlations. Main findings: While companies apply different project management methodologies to virtual and distributed projects, it is other factors (which include lack of face-to-face communication, different geographical locations and different cultures) which influence the use and effectiveness of the project management methodologies as well as the success of the virtual and distributed projects. In some cases it is how the project management methodology is used as some only apply certain parts of it while others report not having enough time to apply the project management methodology. Principal conclusion: Project management methodologies are useful and effective in virtual and distributed projects when they are effectively applied and followed. Issues caused by lack of face to face communication, different geographical areas and different cultures also have to be addressed as they influence the results on the virtual and distributed projects’ success. This is further discussed in this study and proposed solutions are given to the issues caused when using project management methodologies in virtual and distributed projects. / MSc (Computer Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014