Analysis and Design of a Project Management Information System: Practical Case in a Consulting Company

Nowadays, due to globalization, business diversification and a growing number of different business projects, the need to support people involved in tasks related to project management is becoming increasingly important. Timely and accurate data about projects' plans, their progress and related costs, are extremely important for project managers and consequently for assuring the success of the project. In this context, Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) are commonly viewed as an important tool for project management. However, this kind of Information Systems (IS) is relatively expensive and therefore out of reach for many small and medium enterprises (SME) that often choose not to use them. As a way to overcome this situation many consulting companies decide to invest in the development of their own PMIS. This paper presents the design process of an Information System for Project Management, whose main purpose is to manage investment projects throughout their life cycle. The system supports all the application process for incentive programs, as well as the documentation and procedures required, and helps to manage the project itself, when it is approved. This solution will thus contribute to the improvement of the performance of the Projects & Incentives' division of the consulting company, but can also be replicated by other companies that have similar needs.