Project management tool for computer-supported cooperative work during project planning

This paper introduces a new conceptual approach for project management with embedded computer support for group collaboration during project planning. We propose a tool by which project planning would be initially decomposed and distributed to activity teams working independently and in parallel, to determine the requirements of the activities they have been assigned. Upon completion of this, our tool would be used to simulate the project in a group setting during which plans could be reviewed, modified, and improved. Our tool would represent a project as a distributed, dynamic process of multiple independent, interacting agents pursuing a common goal. This representation would provide deeper understanding of the nature of the project and would result in more fruitful group interaction among those participating in the planning process.