Web-Based Project Management Framework for Dredging Projects Miroslaw J. Skibniewski, M.ASCE 1 ; and Gustavo A. Vecino 2 Abstract: This paper describes a project management framework for dredging projects (PMFD) developed to facilitate the performance of dredging projects. The framework uses established project management techniques, a Web-based project management system (WPMS) environment, the Project Management Institute’ s project management body of knowledge project life-cycle concept, and a project delivery system commonly used to procure dredging projects to analyze and optimize project management processes in dredging operations. These processes are intended to be aligned with the project contracting organization’ s business rules to create a practical framework to manage the project. The presented framework addresses WPMS limitations reported in previous research. The paper describes the principles of applying the PMFD to the management of dredging projects. Finally, the paper presents a case study describing a specific project scenario to illustrate the application of the principles and provides a cost-benefit analysis for the implementation of the WPMS. This presented framework can be adapted to manage other types of construction projects, and it may be implemented by a project owner who supervises and controls an entire project life cycle. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000070. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Dredging; Internet; Project management. Author keywords: Dredging projects; Web-based project management. Introduction A successful dredging project depends largely upon the optimal flow of project information to the project stakeholders (Marvel 2006). The logistics of dredging projects management demand a system capable of delivering project management capabilities in real time over multiple geographical locations from the project’ s concept to its conclusion. Traditional project management systems lack real-time project management capabilities. Applying a project management framework for dredging projects (PMFD) to imple- ment real-time management capabilities brings new opportunities and leverages the management of dredging project functions and processes (Becerik 2004). The use of the framework will aid the implementation of project management strategic intelligence (PMSI), the collection, process, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence required for the manage- ment of projects. This type of information management enables the necessary functions to be implemented at all levels of project man- agement. Timely information flow to the proper levels of manage- ment is crucial for appropriate decisio making. The use of PMFD will also aid the application of the real-time project management (RTPM) concept that uses the database attributes and the Internet to automate and manage information to enable and deliver real-time project management capabilities (Kauffman 2006). A dredging project is typically a costly capital project imple- mented over a short time period, requiring highly specialized and expensive equipment. Timely decision making, collaboration, and transparency among stakeholders are the primary factors that will facilitate the project’ s implementation from conception to conclu- sion (Lee et al. 2003). Quick and efficient delivery of a completed dredging project and the balancing of all stakeholders’ interests are the ultimate goals of dredging project management. The project may involve an array of individuals with conflicting interests that must be balanced. However, an equivalent distribution of the risks and the benefits of the project will help develop a spirit of collabo- ration between all key players. To accomplish these goals, a frame- work must be established in which all players can communicate and share project information seamlessly, eliminating geographic and time restrictions and empowering and creating a dialogue within the project community. Finally, as a result, a balanced benefit-sharing project will build confidence, transparency, and momentum, which are all fundamental factors in developing a collaborative environment. Specific dredging project management needs require the cus- tomization of a Web-based project management system (WPMS) (Vecino 2008) for particular dredging project data requirements, making it difficult to use off-the-shelf software. These particular- ized data requirements include acquiring global positioning system (GPS) data for equipment position tracking, acquiring hydro- graphic data for dredged material volume calculation, and acquir- ing production data from the hydraulic transport of the slurry system. These activities require a customized engine to gather, process, and distribute the information and to host all of the func- tions under a single interface. Dredging Project Management Problems Problems related to the management of dredging projects can be defined and analyzed by looking at the management functions, processes, and constraints during each of the major phases 1 A. James Clark Chair Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-3021. 2 Dredging Research Engineer, e-Construction Group, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-3021 (corresponding author). E-mail: gvecino@umd.edu Note. This manuscript was submitted on June 1, 2010; approved on April 28, 2011; published online on May 2, 2011. Discussion period open until September 1, 2012; separate discussions must be submitted for individual papers. This paper is part of the Journal of Management in Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 2, April 1, 2012. ©ASCE, ISSN 0742-597X/ 2012/2-127–139/$25.00. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT IN ENGINEERING © ASCE / APRIL 2012 / 127 J. Manage. Eng. 2012.28:127-139. Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by Univ Of Maryland on 01/07/13. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.