Project management information system for ocean research projects

Newfoundland Oceans Research and Development Corporation Limited (NORDCO) was established in 1975 as a crown corporation for the exploration of opportunities related to ocean services and technology. By exploring these opportunities, it is to enhance the capabilities of the Province to undertake research and to provide services for developing the technology required for ocean research in the North West Atlantic. -- The company mandate requires it to operate on an aggressive commercial basis to substantially recover its operating costs. To achieve this objective, among other things, the company has introduced a project management system to control its research projects. -- This project report addresses the problem of conceiving, designing and implementing a management information system to suit the specific needs of NORDCO. Computer program Project Management System IV (PMS-IV), a general purpose project management program, has been adapted for research projects. The elements of management information in ocean research environment have been identified, the responsibilities of staff towards project management have been analyzed and suitable information packages have been developed. Both computerized and manual reports are presented to the management on a monthly basis