Discussion Post: Project Management Tools
Note: This course requires use of the Microsoft Project 2010 (or later) software application. The 2010 version and those released later are similar and suitable for the assignments. Please note the software is not compatible with Mac computers. The course requires a project management software application and in alignment with industry standards, CTU uses Microsoft Project. If you are using a Mac, you must find a comparable project management software tool such as Project Libre, OpenProject, or SmartSheet. Students who use a Mac should consider the best option to alternative software or use a PC with MS Project. An Internet search for "Project alternatives for Mac" will provide many of these options. You are expected to review the options and determine the best for success in the course deliverables. Communication with your faculty member early in the course regarding this issue or any others is strongly recommended.
Project management software such as Project 2010 allows project managers to input data related to the project and monitor the project's progress. One of the first activities that a project manager performs is to determine the project scope, which is the description of the final deliverable of the project. Once the scope has been defined, project managers can determine the work breakdown structure based on the work needed to the performed in the project. The tasks to get the work done are input into the project's schedule. In Project 2010, the tasks can be input prior to creating the work breakdown structure. Please check with your instructor if this SW is required and to learn about the options to acquire it.
Details
1) Using the CTU Library and other sources, research the following project management software tools:
a. Jira software
b. Rally software
c. ServiceNow software
d. MS Project software
e. Primavera software
2) Describe what you learned about these tools and how different are they from one another.
3) What are some of these products' features?
4) What are they best used for?
The response should include a reference list. One-inch margins, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.