Effective Information Flow In Project Management: Lessons From An Information Technology Project

Network analysis of scheduled activities is a widely-applied project management tool which promotes timely and efficient project delivery. However, lack of coherent network of information flow during the project implementation can render the project objectives and targets unrealisable. In this study, the researcher analysed lessons on information management from a plant installation process in an information technology (IT) company within the Manchester neighbourhood. The lessons were relatable because the researcher was a member of the team who managed the plant installation. In particular, an electronic information model (under the auspices of Excel software) was designed and implemented in collaboration with the project team. This immediately kept the team well informed of the project progress, corrected slowdowns in activity execution and facilitated timely completion of the plant assembly. The multiple-machine plant was successfully prepared for production operation within the specified timeline. This study therefore argues that project managers may take lessons from this experience in creating a network of information flow such that the project team implements their assigned activities with full information knowledge of what comes before and after each activity.