Production-Enabling Projects in German Public Broadcast Organizations

Abstract

Traditional broadcast technology is being replaced byinformation technology-based systems. Due to their complexity, these systems’ implementation requires a sophisticated project managementapproach. The current methods applied by the public service broadcasting organizations in Germany do not seem sufficient for these new requirements. Our paper analyses the management of technical projects in broadcasting organizations considering the technological change. The analysis is based on the basic principles of projectmanagement with its institutional, functional and instrumental aspects. An explorative and qualitative analysis of 13 interviews with managers from six (out of eleven) public service broadcasting organizations identifies deficiencies in defining objectives, communication and projectevaluation. Approaches for improvements include training for project managers and adapting the project to meet increased requirements.

Key Words:

• project management
• technology change
• complexity
• public broadcasting
• Germany