The document analyzes the lack of media richness capabilities in existing project management software. It conducted a market analysis of the top 20 project management software based on functionality and media richness criteria. The analysis found that most software only offered basic text-based messaging and few offered audio or video chat capabilities. The document recommends developing a new project management software that maximizes both project management functions like task delegation and time tracking, as well as media richness through integrated video chat and other collaboration tools. This would help address the importance of non-verbal cues and nuanced communication highlighted in the literature.

1. The Future of Project Management Software:
Improved Media Richness Capabilities
A Market Analysis by:
David Todd
Colt Wakefield
Daphine Liddell-Love
Zac Christo

2. Problem
●Lack of media richness in project management software
●Many softwares offer integration with other apps such as:
Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Zoom.
●However, NO project management softwares in our analysis
offered a video chat function within the software.
●Importance of richness
○ - Provides important non-verbal cues
○ - Helpful in conveying nuances of communication, especially complex info
○ - Lengel and Daft (1988) suggest that richer mediums allow people to show
personal interest, caring concern, and to build trust in interpersonal relationships

3. Market Analysis: Methods
Analyzed top 20 Project Management Softwares as indicated by ZEEF Based on two criteria: Project
Management Functionality and Media Richness
Assessed Project Management Functionality:
1. Work breakdown structure,
2. Task Delegation
3. Time tracking
Assessed Media Richness:
1. Text Based Messaging
a. Instant Messaging and Group Chat
2. Audio Chat
a. Audio Notes, Voice Messaging, and Real-time Audio chat
3. Video Chat
a. Conferencing and video importation/ embedding
b. Fully Integrated
These three functions combine to make Total Media Richness Assessment: Low, Medium, High

4. Market Analysis: Results
Richness Instant
Messaging
Group
Chat
Audio Chat Video Chat Delegation Time
Tracking
Work
Breakdown
Richness
12 are low
8 are medium
0 are high
10 do have
10 do not
14 do
6 do not
3 have audio
17 do not
0 have video
chat
19 do have
delegation
19 do have
time tracking
19 do have
WBS

6. Recommendation
●Create a project management software that maximizes
project management functionality and media richness
●Maximize project management functionality: work
breakdown structure, delegation, time tracking.
●Maximize media richness: Build Video Chat into the
software, in addition to IM, Group Chat, Audio Chat.

7. Conclusion
●Lack of media richness in project management software
●Media richness is important for effective communication
●Conducted market analysis to determine need to
richness. Based on our analysis, there is a need for
improved media richness in PM software
●Create a project management software that maximizes
project management functionality and media richness

8. References
Lengel, R. H., & Daft, R. L. (1988) The Selection of Communication Media as an Executive Skill.
Academy of Management Perspectives, 2(3), 225-232.
Sherblom, John C. (2020). Computer-mediated communication, approaches and perspectives. San
Diego, CA: Cognella.