An object-oriented environment for the visual integration of project scheduling dat

An analysis of business processes reveals that a project's computerized information systems are generally based upon existing organizational structures and operating procedures where each functional department has its own system or systems. This organization of information systems was found to create barriers to the cross-functional flow of project information.;These barriers are "seams" where information passes from one group to another or where information is gathered for decision making or planning purposes. The cross-functional users have no direct access to the information needed to perform routine jobs and must rely upon functional application experts to retrieve and supply this information.;The purpose of this research was to develop a more efficient scheme for the dissemination of cross-functional project information directly to project-team members. An investigation of current system models revealed that a major problem to overcome is that of varying data views and data representations. A new system model, based upon a graphical user interface, familiar project documents, and project procedures, was developed which provides a consistent environment for the representation of project data.;A prototype was developed to evaluate this system model. The application of this prototype was limited to a demonstration of direct access of the project scheduling database by the project crafts/disciplines.;It is concluded that the direct access by foremen to scheduling database can result in a simplification of work flow as associated to the planning and scheduling process. This simplification of work flow takes the form of a reduction in paper work and reduced data input. Additionally, this research demonstrates that a consistent and recognizable information model increases the understanding of information by the various cross-functional users.