Project Length and Management Control: Case Study of IT System Upgrade in Berlin, Germany

Authors

  • Rolf Bartsch Khattak Humboldt University
  • Wolfgang Mützenich Podgórska Humboldt University
  • Dietmar Kubicki Rahman Humboldt University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5221

Abstract

Project length refers to the amount of time it takes to complete a particular project from start to finish. The complexity and size of the project scope can significantly impact the project length. The impact of project length on management control can vary depending on the location of the project. The availability and allocation of resources such as people, equipment, and funding can also affect project length. Effective management control and quality management can help project managers to identify potential issues, control costs, ensure compliance with project requirements and standards, and ultimately deliver a high-quality project that meets or exceeds stakeholders' expectations. Performance measurement is an essential component of management control. The research used the descriptive research design. The target population was 55 employees of the IT Company in Berlin, Germany.  The research did sampling of 43 participants that were chosen from the target population of 55 employees of the IT Company in Berlin, Germany. Questionnaires were utilized to gather the data. It was concluded that a longer project length may introduce additional risks, including changes in technology, evolving business requirements, and shifting stakeholder expectations. These factors necessitate ongoing adjustments and adaptations to the project plan, with a particular focus on ensuring the quality of the IT system upgrade. Vigilant management control practices, such as regular quality assessments, risk management, and effective communication, are crucial in mitigating these risks and maintaining a high standard of deliverables. The study recommended that a robust project governance structure should be established. This structure should clearly outline roles and responsibilities, decision-making processes, and communication channels. Appointing a competent project manager who possesses the necessary authority and resources to enforce control measures is vital. The project manager should be supported by a skilled and multidisciplinary team, fostering effective collaboration and information flow among team members and stakeholders.

Keywords: Project Length, Management Control, IT System Upgrade, Germany

Author Biographies

Rolf Bartsch Khattak, Humboldt University

Postgraduate Student, Humboldt University

Wolfgang Mützenich Podgórska , Humboldt University

Lecturer, Humboldt University

Dietmar Kubicki Rahman, Humboldt University

Lecturer, Humboldt University

References

Akhtar, M. (2020, November). Dealing with EPC Project Management Problems and Challenges A Case Study on Petrochemical, Oil and Gas EPC Projects in Middle-East. In Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference. OnePetro. https://doi.org/10.2118/203431-MS

Alrikabi, Z. (2022). Time and quality in construction projects in Iraq (Master's thesis, Altınbaş Üniversitesi/Lisansüstü Eğitim Enstitüsü).

Alwaly, K. A., & Alawi, N. A. (2020). Factors affecting the application of project management knowledge guide (PMBOK® GUIDE) in construction projects in Yemen. International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 9(3), 81-91.

Ballesteros-Pérez, P., Cerezo-Narvaez, A., Otero-Mateo, M., Pastor-Fernandez, A., & Vanhoucke, M. (2019). Performance comparison of activity sensitivity metrics in schedule risk analysis. Automation in Construction, 106, 102906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.102906

Donnellan, J., & Rutledge, W. L. (2019). A case for resource‐based view and competitive advantage in banking. Managerial and Decision Economics, 40(6), 728-737. https://doi.org/10.1002/mde.3041

Gondia, A., Ezzeldin, M., & El-Dakhakhni, W. (2022). Dynamic networks for resilience-driven management of infrastructure projects. Automation in Construction, 136, 104149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104149

Heigermoser, D., de Soto, B. G., Abbott, E. L. S., & Chua, D. K. H. (2019). BIM-based Last Planner System tool for improving construction project management. Automation in Construction, 104, 246-254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.03.019

Hussain, K., He, Z., Ahmad, N., Iqbal, M., & Nazneen, S. (2023). Mapping Green, Lean, Six Sigma enablers through the lens of a construction sector: an emerging economy’s perspective. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 66(4), 779-812. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2021.2006155

Kerzner, H. (2022). Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to measuring and monitoring project performance. John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119851592

Khattak, M. S., & Mustafa, U. (2019). Management competencies, complexities and performance in engineering infrastructure projects of Pakistan. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(7), 1321-1347. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2017-0079

Lill, P., Wald, A., & Munck, J. C. (2021). In the field of tension between creativity and efficiency: a systematic literature review of management control systems for innovation activities. European Journal of Innovation Management, 24(3), 919-950. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-11-2019-0329

Lukovszki, L., Rideg, A., & Sipos, N. (2021). Resource-based view of innovation activity in SMEs: an empirical analysis based on the global competitiveness project. Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, 31(3), 513-541. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-01-2020-0018

Niederman, F. (2021). Project management: openings for disruption from AI and advanced analytics. Information Technology & People. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-09-2020-0639

Park, Y. J., & Yi, C. Y. (2021). Resource-Based Quality Performance Estimation Method for Construction Operations. Applied Sciences, 11(9), 4122. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094122

Podgórska, M., & Pichlak, M. (2019). Analysis of project managers’ leadership competencies: project success relation: what are the competencies of polish project leaders?. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-08-2018-0149

Rahman, I. A., Al Ameri, A. E. S., Memon, A. H., Al-Emad, N., & Alhammadi, A. S. M. (2022). Structural Relationship of Causes and Effects of Construction Changes: Case of UAE Construction. Sustainability, 14(2), 596. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020596

Saad, A., Zahid, S. M., & Muhammad, U. B. (2022). Role of awareness in strengthening the relationship between stakeholder management and project success in the construction industry of Pakistan. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(10), 1884-1893. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2020.1742854

Votto, R., Lee Ho, L., & Berssaneti, F. (2020). Applying and assessing performance of earned duration management control charts for EPC project duration monitoring. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(3), 04020001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001765

Yousefi, N., Sobhani, A., Naeni, L. M., & Currie, K. R. (2019). Using statistical control charts to monitor duration-based performance of project. arXiv preprint arXiv:1902.02270.

Downloads

Published

2023-08-16

How to Cite

Khattak, R. B., Podgórska , W. M., & Rahman, D. K. (2023). Project Length and Management Control: Case Study of IT System Upgrade in Berlin, Germany. Journal of Entrepreneurship & Project Management, 7(9), 11–21. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5221

Issue

Section

Articles