Adopting disruptive technologies by managing projects in the cloud

Abstract

There has been significant increase in the development of information communication technologies - particularly in Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Web 2.0 and Social Media. These can be described as disruptive technologies that will have a significant impact on project managers and the manner in which businesses operate. If they do not respond appropriately, project managers practicing conventional methods might be missing the opportunities and benefits that these disruptive technologies present. In the realm of information technology, the term "cloud" simply refers to the Internet which suggests that cloud computing is Internet computing. It is, however more than simply going online and surfing the web. Cloud computing involves operating applications that one would use at home or to operate a business, but over the Web. These applications would conventionally run on hardware that one would purchase, install and maintain. With cloud computing the applications run on a server on the Web. This effectively eliminates the need to purchase expensive hardware or software, install or maintain it which ultimately eliminates the high cost of an IT infrastructure. The research problem, as indicated by various surveys, is that communication failures are evident, often resulting in project failure. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate to what degree cloud computing could improve Project Communications Management and in so doing improve overall project success. The research methodology is quantitative and included a survey of relevant literature. The literature review indicates that several surveys have been conducted on project failure and that poor communication management appears to be a major contributory factor to many failures. In conclusion, the study has shown that cloud computing benefits include the sharing of documents, videos, presentations, photos, calendars and other information communication technologies which are all valuable for managing projects. Through the adoption of cloud computing and the effective use of its associated technologies, project communications management can be significantly improved and consequently the success of projects.