This paper tries to define a concept for managing multimedia projects efficiently and takes the suitability of existing methods into account.
Developing a valid solution makes it necessary to look at project management as a generic discipline first and then apply the results to the multimedia discipline. Only then can we be sure that no important aspects of project management have been forgotten, nor that existing and working strategies, which could be applied to multimedia projects, have been ignored. This paper therefore defines project management and generally describes its areas of responsibility. The question of whether project management is necessary and beneficial needs to be addressed as well. After project management and the necessity to actively apply it in some form has been understood in general, a specific focus on the existing information for multimedia project management will be undertaken. It will become apparent that different viewpoints exist as to whether multimedia project management should apply project management methods of related industry areas, such as software development. This will justify the need to compare multimedia projects with software development projects. After having gained an insight into project management as well as the characteristics of multimedia projects, it is possible to determine the demands that a project management method needs to be able to meet, to successfully manage multimedia projects. It would be beyond the scope of this thesis to analyse every existing method. Instead, one method will be analysed as an example. The useful aspects of the analysed method will be identified along with its shortfalls in relation to multimedia development. Finally, recommendations on how the shortfalls could be corrected will be made, so that a project manager will be able to use the examined method, specifically suited to multimedia projects.
Table of Contents
1 Preface
2 Introduction
2.1 The Topic of this Thesis
2.2 Hypotheses and Findings
2.3 Definition of Multimedia
2.4 Types of Multimedia Products
2.4.1 Forms of Delivery
2.4.2 Categories of Multimedia Products
2.4.3 Conclusion
2.5 Project Management Definitions
2.5.1 Project and Project Management
2.5.2 Project Stakeholders
2.5.3 Project Methodology, Methods and Processes
3 The Historical Development of Project Management
3.1 The Philosophy of Ancient Project Management
3.2 The Philosophy of Modern Project Management
3.3 Conclusion
4 The Components of a Project Management Method
4.1 The Project Management Context
4.2 The Project Life Cycle
4.3 Project Processes
4.3.1 Project Integration Management
4.3.2 Project Scope Management
4.3.3 Project Time Management
4.3.4 Project Cost Management
4.3.5 Project Quality Management
4.3.6 Project Human Resource Management
4.3.7 Project Communications Management
4.3.8 Project Risk Management
4.3.9 Project Procurement Management
4.4 Conclusion
5 The Necessity of Project Management
5.1 The Subconscious Management of Projects
5.2 The Single Point of Responsibility
5.3 The Advantages of a Project Management Method
5.4 Conclusion
6 Existing Information on Multimedia Project Management
6.1 Interviews
6.1.1 Redefine
6.1.2 DCG
6.1.3 Griffith University
6.2 Published Materials
6.2.1 Managing Multimedia: Project Management for Interactive Media
6.2.2 Managing Multimedia Projects
6.2.3 Developing Effective Websites: A Project Manager’s Guide
6.3 Internet
6.4 Conclusion
7 The Suitability of Existing Methods for the New Concept
7.1 Differences Between Traditional Projects and Multimedia Projects
7.2 Software Development Management
7.3 Conclusion
8 The Development of the New Concept
8.1 The Choice for the Method
8.2 Multimedia Pathways
8.3 Alterations on Multimedia Pathways
8.3.1 The Life Cycle
8.3.2 The Processes
9 Critical Reflection on the Findings
9.1 The Quality of the Findings
9.2 What Else Would Need to be Done?
10 Bibliography
10.1 Books
10.2 Internet Resources
10.2.1 WebPages
10.2.2 Electronic Publications
10.2.3 Newsgroups
Objectives and Core Topics
This thesis aims to develop an efficient project management concept for multimedia production by analyzing existing management methods and adapting them to the specific requirements of the multimedia industry.
- Comparison of traditional and multimedia project management.
- Evaluation of software development methodologies for multimedia contexts.
- Analysis of existing multimedia project management resources.
- Development of an adapted lifecycle and process model.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4.1 Forms of Delivery
Offline means that all the software and media needed to run the product is stored at the location where the product is being executed. A couple of years ago the most important medium for offline delivery were floppy disks, which then had to be installed or copied to a hard disk. Today, CD-ROM’s or DVD’s are generally superseding floppy disks.
The term online products means that some sort of data connection has to be in place between the computer or display device the product is supposed to be used with and a remote service that stores the data of the multimedia product. Most prominent example for an online product is a website that is displayed on a remote computer which is connected to the Internet. But also CBT lessons that are offered in a company and run through the internal network or, in the future, interactive television channels are part of the online family.
A hybrid product uses both offline and online technology. Typically, the main application is delivered via CD-ROM. Information within the product that requires frequent updating, such as product and price lists, new levels and characters, etc. is then downloaded via an online channel.
Summary of Chapters
1 Preface: Introduces the necessity of formal project management in multimedia production and outlines the research goal.
2 Introduction: Defines the thesis scope, the term multimedia, and explores types of multimedia products and basic project management terminology.
3 The Historical Development of Project Management: Discusses the evolution of project management from ancient construction techniques to modern military and aerospace-driven methodologies.
4 The Components of a Project Management Method: Breaks down project management into context, lifecycle phases, and specific knowledge area processes.
5 The Necessity of Project Management: Explains why informal project management is insufficient for complex projects and introduces the importance of a single point of responsibility.
6 Existing Information on Multimedia Project Management: Reviews interviews and published materials, concluding that existing methods are often too generic or insufficient for multimedia.
7 The Suitability of Existing Methods for the New Concept: Compares traditional and software development methods, highlighting the specific challenges of multimedia production.
8 The Development of the New Concept: Proposes an adapted lifecycle and process model specifically for multimedia projects, based on an analysis of the Multimedia Pathways method.
9 Critical Reflection on the Findings: Reflects on the research limitations and identifies areas for future study, such as the analysis of additional RUP adaptations.
10 Bibliography: Provides a comprehensive list of sources used throughout the thesis.
Keywords
Multimedia Project Management, Project Lifecycle, Methodology, Software Development, Multimedia Pathways, Design, Production, Testing, Risk Management, Stakeholder, Integration, Processes, IT Projects, Quality Control, Web Development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
This work focuses on the lack of standard project management methodologies tailored specifically for multimedia production and proposes a new, adaptive concept based on existing practices.
What are the central thematic fields of this work?
The work covers project management theory, the specific characteristics of multimedia products (offline, online, hybrid), and the integration of project management processes into the multimedia lifecycle.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The goal is to determine the suitability of existing project management methods for multimedia and to create an adapted, more efficient framework for managing multimedia projects.
Which scientific methods were applied in this paper?
The paper employs a comparative analysis of existing methods, interviews with industry professionals, and an evaluation of current academic and practical literature.
What is covered in the main section of the document?
The main section details the components of a project management method, evaluates the necessity of project management, examines existing multimedia literature, and develops a new, adapted methodology.
Which keywords characterize this thesis?
Key terms include Multimedia Project Management, Project Lifecycle, Methodology, Risk Management, and Integration.
How does the author view the difference between software and multimedia projects?
The author argues that while multimedia has a software component, it differs significantly due to its emphasis on design, creative content, and the difficulty of defining qualitative specifications.
Why does the author recommend an iterative approach for multimedia?
Due to the unpredictable nature of multimedia specifications and the complexity of combining design and technical tasks, an iterative approach allows for testing and refinement before final production.
What role does the "Single Point of Responsibility" play?
It is essential for efficient communication, preventing information overflow in teams, and ensuring that project objectives remain aligned despite the involvement of various specialists.
- Citation du texte
- Stefan Hartweg (Auteur), 2002, A Project Management Methodology for Multimedia Projects, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/185753
