The researcher presented Chapter one, which showed, the background of the research, Research objectives, research questions. The chapter also included the research process that will be followed in the thesis. The author looked into the design and research methodology. The author included the justification of this research and expected results, and outcomes expected out of the research and delineation of research. The researcher also gave a bird’s eye view of the structure and overview of the chapters.
5.2.2 Chapter 2
Chapter two presented project management tools and techniques in depth. Success factors and variables that define a project’s success, and continuity were also discussed and the benefits of some of these factors were included. The chapter also revealed how that some factors, tools and techniques impacted the project success and delivery within any firm. Other factors impacting on project management were also included based on theories, adopted for the study.
5.2.3 Chapter 3
Chapter three focused on research design and methodology, data collection method, design, research validity and reliability, assumption and constraints. The researcher utilised a questionnaire to obtain results presented in Chapter four. Aspects of research were described in this chapter to gain input into the questionnaire and to specify what outcomes the next chapter will be measured against.
5.2.4 Chapter 4
tabulation of results showed the relationship between other areas and factors in relation to project management. The results answer the research Questions in Chapter 1, in 1.4. The results showed the presence of project management tools, and the benefits derived by ICT firms. A significant amout of reponses, obtained, allowed the data to be reflective of the project management state within Western Cape ICT firms.
5.2.5 Chapter 5
Chapter 5, summarises the study, and discusses the findings. 5.2.6 Chapter 6
Chapter 6, the final chapter of the study, summarises the study, and discusses the findings. This chapter also presents conclusions for the research and proposed recommendations and ends with a conclusion.
5.3 Discussion
5.3.1 Theoretical Implications
The current understanding of ICT SMEs is that they have low annual revenues, and although they are drivers of economies, they serve fewer professionals and corporates. The research done proves otherwise in section 4.10, and it shows, ICT SMEs have high revenues up to R 20 Million +, are big drivers of economies, as they can employ up to 2000 employees, and serve a vast number of target market.
The research in Chapter 4, section 4.17 however, confirms that a significant amount of ICT SMEs revenue, are derived from small businesses as well. The shift in the aspect of revenue shows the aspect of investment capital, and funding drives in technological firms, and high end applications, that are being developed. The change in this dynamic has influenced the ICT environment and has created professionals such as App developers, UX, UI designers and Business Analysts. The impact of this shift has resulted in quick adoption of project management tools, resulting in fresh start ups “leading” the pack in the tools used. The type of services offered has a bearing on the start-ups operated, and a move from conventional business operations has changed. The results, showed, a high presence of project management divisions, which shows, how they are at the heart of organisations.
The literature review in Chapter 2 has also shown that the perspective of the project manager limits or assists in the selection of project management tools. This concept can not be entirely dismissed as Chapter 4 section 4.6 shows how roles and
education levels influence the use of project management tools and techniques. A further study into the types of tools chosen based on the organisational product offerings must be paired with the findings. There is also a significant impact of the presence of project management division and the use of project management tool. This can be seen in section 4.8 and 4.16. It can therefore be argued that the presence of a project management department has a bearing on the use and accurate selection of project management tools. The research also shows that the project managers are limited by the project management tools they use due to their functionality and this can be seen in Chapter 4, section 4.6, 4.13, 4.18, 4.19, 4.20 and 4.21. It is evident in the findings that multiple project management tools were used to serve multiple needs, for example tools for resource planning, reporting, scheduling were used. In the advent of multiple project management tools and techniques, it is evident that some project managers still trust traditional project management tools such as Excel and Microsoft Projects. This further justifies, why almost half of the respondents will not implement the use of new tools within their firms.
The study, in Chapter 4, section 4.4 also showed that there was a significant number of young professionals in ICT firms. This can be a result of entry-level jobs, with entry- level salaries, which is a way for companies to cut out costs. This reveals an aspect of cost savings in ICT SMEs. ICT firms will minimize the cost of staff, whilst building and empowering more youth in the process. Another cost decision made, was in the selection of project management tools. The most prominent tools used by the ICT firms are free and add no costs to the company. If free service offerings are stopped, it will have adverse impact on ICT SMEs budgets and operations. The ICT SMEs will start paying for the service, as non-payment will impact productivity negatively. There is also a need to develop tools that are relevant to the project management process. The split in purpose of tools causes firms to employ more than one project management tool in their organization. There is therefore need to develop a tool that looks at this. Further research can be done to see if one tool can be employed for ICT SMEs.
The results obtained from the research suggest that project management tools affects project success. This in turn affects implications of project delivery and the general health of an organization, for example size and growth, revenue, sustainability and competitiveness.
Other findings showed how the size of the firm influenced the use of project management tools. Smaller teams are easier to coordinate and plan with.
It is wise for project firms to introduce project management discipline at the start of a company, however, there is need for the firm to mature in project management and create standards in project management practices which will reduce costs of changes in the long run.
5.3.2 Project Management Tools Implications
Presented in the graphic format below, Figure 5.1 represents the summary of this research study contribution to the body of knowledge. The project management implications of the study are that a tool must be created to ensure they create value added tools. Project management firms must create affordable tools that can be adopted to cater to the project management needs of firms.
Figure 5.1: New project management tool criteria 5.4 Summary
The chapter has discussed the results obtained from questionnaires and which were emailed and hand delivered to ICT SMEs. The purpose of the research was to determine the extent to which ICT SMEs in Western Cape are using project management tools and techniques. The primary and secondary objectives of the research were fulfilled by the results, which will be used by the researcher to draw up conclusions and recommendations in the next chapter.
Project
Management
Tools
Resourcing Tools Scheduling Tools Product mapping tools (Scoping) Technical & Non Techincal Task breakdown tools (WBS) Risk Management Tools Project tracking & reporting tools Value Added Project Management ToolCHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION 6.1 Introduction
This chapter outlines recommendations in relation to the findings of the research. In this study, all the research objectives were addressed; the results and concluding remarks are discussed below in relation to each research objectives.