Write a memo recommending a project management software solution based on the following case: You have just been made the program manager for an EMR (Electronic Medical Record) implementation project at an academic medical center. This project is expected to be the largest non-construction project in the organizations historylargest in cost, the number of staff members engaged, and the impact to the organization. This project is considered a central component of the organizations strategic plan and critical to the organization meeting Stage 2 Meaningful Use requirements. As you work with the EMR vendor to identify required resources, you and your PMO (project management office) calculate that the team will consist of 97 to 100 full-time team membersa large team by your organizations standards, and probably by any healthcare organizations standards. The staff will be grouped by major healthcare functionrevenue cycle, inpatient clinical, and outpatient clinicalwith each of those areas being further subdivided into smaller projects. In total, there will be fourteen separate projects with fourteen separate project managers, an additional six managers overseeing the project managers, and four directors overseeing the managers. The project team will also include you, the program manager, the PMO and staff, and a communications manager. These last two positions will report directly to you, while the remaining managers and project managers will report to you for the project (which they will be committed to for the next several years) and to the directors for their administrative non-project needs (performance reviews, time off, pay raises, etc.). Since communication comprises 50 to 80% of the project managers job, and lack of effective communication is one of the primary causes for project failure, this programs success will be put into jeopardy due to the great number of resources involvedcommunications will be complex. As a result, you are seeking approval to purchase and implement a project management software package to help manage this program. The organization currently does not use any project management software.

You are to write a memo to the Chief Information Officer, Pat Winters, stating what project management software solution you would like the organization to purchase and implement. Considerations You may select whatever project management solution you want, but you will need to justify the selection. You need to compare/contrast at least two solutions and justify why you recommend one solution over the other.

You may want to address the following in your memo:

Describe why the organization should implement your selected solution Identify criteria used in making your recommendation

Rate your options Justify your recommendation

Feel free to use any figures, tables, etc. to strengthen your analysis/recommendation and memo.