A Master Thesis on How Maersk Line IT Can Optimize Project Management

Abstract

This master thesis examines the concepts of project management and IT project management from a controversial and traditional perspective. This is done in order to evaluate, measure and explain how Maersk Line IT can optimize project management for their many software projects.
This master thesis stems from two years’ experience on a student job as project management assistant in Maersk Line IT. Over the years, I have gained a full understanding of project management in Maersk Line. During a previous job as a tutor in IT project management at CBS, I have achieved a great knowledge base within controversial and traditional project management literature. Together, this constitutes the base for doing this Master thesis. Maersk Line IT has provided me with interviewees and relevant data.
The literature review constructs the foundation for the master thesis. The literature review gives a picture of the current state of the nation which is the foundation for further data collection and investigation. The literature review reflects the controversial and traditional project management literature, their conflicts and their agreements.
The master thesis is built up upon the methodology of the social interpretation paradigm with a method triangulation between a qualitative and quantitative research method. This approach has given me the opportunity to gain deep knowledge for the subjects’ project management and IT project management, while understanding Maersk Line IT view on IT project management by testing hypotheses. In conclusion, these advises have been given in order for Maersk Line IT to optimize their IT project management:
 Maersk Line IT should try to combine controversial or traditional project management
 Maersk Line IT should be open-minded when it comes to goal setting of a project and a
project plan.
 A project manager needs to act as a hybrid between being a team leader and responsible of stakeholder management.
 A project manager should focus on drawing benefits from diversity when creating project teams.
 The project manager should share the responsibility for the products.
 Project teams should focus on proper communication and knowledge sharing.
 Project teams should sit together.