From interactive control to IT project performance: examining the mediating role of stakeholder analysis effectiveness

Purpose This paper aims to unpack the relationship between the interactive use of project control systems (PCS) and project performance by examining the role of stakeholder analysis effectiveness in enacting this relationship. A conceptual framework was developed based on the stakeholder theory and the levers of control framework. Design/methodology/approach Partial least square-structural equation modelling analysis was conducted on the cross-sectional questionnaire data collected from 109 information technology (IT) projects. Findings The interactive use of PCS enables project managers to effectively deal with the stakeholders-related uncertainty, and stakeholder analysis effectiveness partially mediates the positive relationship between the interactive use of PCS and IT project performance. Originality/value This study extends the project control literature by explaining the positive relationship between the interactive use of PCS and project performance. The findings contribute to the stakeholder analysis literature by operationalizing the stakeholder analysis effectiveness construct and identifying it as a new mediator between the interactive use of PCS and project performance.

Python-Microscope – a new open-source Python library for the control of microscopes

ABSTRACT Custom-built microscopes often require control of multiple hardware devices and precise hardware coordination. It is also desirable to have a solution that is scalable to complex systems and that is translatable between components from different manufacturers. Here we report Python-Microscope, a free and open-source Python library for high-performance control of arbitrarily complex and scalable custom microscope systems. Python-Microscope offers simple to use Python-based tools, abstracting differences between physical devices by providing a defined interface for different device types. Concrete implementations are provided for a range of specific hardware, and a framework exists for further expansion. Python-Microscope supports the distribution of devices over multiple computers while maintaining synchronisation via highly precise hardware triggers. We discuss the architectural features of Python-Microscope that overcome the performance problems often raised against Python and demonstrate the different use cases that drove its design: integration with user-facing projects, namely the Microscope-Cockpit project; control of complex microscopes at high speed while using the Python programming language; and use as a microscope simulation tool for software development.

Company Cost Accuracy Benchmark toward Industry Practice and International Guidelines at Project Phases Gate

Research in the last decade is confirming that Oil & Gas Company consistently executes the project with an optimist cost estimate and an aggressive schedule. Cost accuracy of an Oil and Gas Company is benchmarked toward Industry Practices of Independent Project Analysis (IPA) research result and International Guideline of Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) & Guild of Project Control (GPC). Relationship of cost accuracy versus project definition deliverables, spent in % of Facility Installed Cost and End Usage are graph presented and assessed. Company authorizes the project with minimum project definition deliverables within International Guideline with an average of 30% less cost than Industry Practices. Company cost accuracy is on average 30% wider than Industry Practice and within International Guideline. Company cost accuracy remains strongly supports Company business performance in current oil & gas business environment.

Analisis Risiko Kegagalan Konstruksi Infrastruktur Permukiman

Equitable distribution of settlement infrastructure is one of the current regional government programs. However, the high budget for residential infrastructure every year is not directly proportional to the quality of the infrastructure buildings realization. Good construction project control is available for every work implementation activity, but not all construction actors can apply it correctly. Weak project control resulted in construction failure and not achieving project objectives. This study aims to analyze the most dominant risk of construction failure and respond to construction failure mitigation using the Soft System Methodology. Variables that caused construction failure were the low quality of human resources who occupy the highest rank, the quality of work that is not in accordance with specifications, inappropriate planning, low levels of supervision and a culture of contractors that have not prioritized the quality of construction work; they are factors that cause road construction and residential infrastructure failures in Bekasi Regency. The conceptual model in the form of packaging work that is tailored to the capabilities of Human Resources is one of the recommended model options, hence that work can be completed in accordance with predetermined specifications.

Impact of Rule Governance Mechanism on Project Performance in Public Rental Housing PPP Projects: Control Rights as a Moderating Variable

Exploring the relationship among rule governance mechanism, project control rights allocation, and project performance in public-private partnership (PPP) projects is of great significance for optimizing control rights allocation and governance mechanism to improve project performance of PPP projects. Previous studies have mainly focused on the impact of contractual governance or rule-based governance on the performance of PPP projects, and the research on the allocation of project control rights into the analysis framework is insufficient. The goal of this study is to explore the moderating effect of the allocation of project control rights on the project’s rule mechanism affecting project performance. Based on the theoretical analysis and literature review, three hypotheses are put forward, and the hypotheses are tested by structural equation model using the large sample data collected by questionnaire survey. This study shows that both the rule governance mechanism and project control right allocation have a positive impact on project performance, and the allocation of project control right has a negative moderating effect on the impact of rule governance mechanism on project performance. The public characteristics of PPP projects determine that it is inappropriate for social capital to have too much project control rights. The degree of project control rights owned by social capital should be balanced with the rule governance in the dynamic management process.

A measurement model of project control systems success for engineering and construction projects case study: contractor companies in Saudi's petroleum and chemical industry

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to presents a new modeling approach that provides a measurement tool for evaluating the effectiveness of Project Control Systems (PCS) and the improvement of the project control capability as a part of an organization's project management processes.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a project management maturity approach to develop a measurement model of PCS success. The key elements in this model have been identified using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method to analyze data from a case study involving contractor companies in Saudi's petroleum and chemical industry.FindingsThe results identified six critical elements for PCS success: (1) Change Management, (2) Earned Value, (3) Baselined Plan, (4) Resource Loaded, (5) Progress Method and (6) Governance Program. In addition, Project Forecasting and Corrective Action Verification were identified as the main areas where clients and contractors need to focus for the effective deployment of a PCS.Practical implicationsThe results of this study were used to create a PCS Maturity Model (PCSMM) and a PCS Success Index (PCSSI). The value of this index can help project managers to identify the maturity level of their PCS and improvement areas that lead to enhanced project performance.Originality/valueThis research presents an alternative maturity model for PCS assessment that provides a practical tool to identify areas for improving the critical elements of PCS success. The study draws a clear distinction between overall project success and the success of the PCS.