Project Management Software Feature Profitability: Windows, Networks, Mainframes, Filtered Task Diagrams, Schedules and Calendars

1 We will provide additional appendices, tables, glossaries, program code listings and screen shots upon written request (omitted to save space).

Abstract

Project management is never easy, but an abundance of sophisticated Project Management (PM) software tools have certainly made the job of project managers easier than it was in the recent past. Project management software can manage, schedule, and monitor tasks, resources, and costs. However, with the plethora of features, the selection of the “right” features for inclusion in project management software becomes a dilemma for developers and vendors.

This study provides a methodology for selecting the most profitable features for project management. Developers can include these features in contemplated future PM product lines. Filtered task lists and links to mainframe packages are the highest ranked profitable PM features. In contrast, On-line help is the lowest ranked among PM features.

It is important to discover which features contribute the most to the segment margin. It reflects the profitability to the vendor and should guide the product designer. If the PM software contains these highest margin features, then most likely, it would command the highest possible profits.