Skip to ContentGo to accessibility page
OpenStax Logo
Foundations of Information Systems

Introduction

Foundations of Information SystemsIntroduction
Figure 9.1 Project management is a fundamental component of information systems. (modification of work “wocintech stock - 170” by WOCinTech Chat/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

Introduction

Project management is a fundamental component of IS and nontechnical projects. The history of information technology (IT) project management can be traced back to the 1950s, when huge computer systems were designed to be used by the government. As computer systems became more complex, formal project management practices emerged, such as a technique called the critical path method and the Program Evaluation and Review Technique.

In the 1970s, project management became more structured with the development of standards such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) created by the Project Management Institute (PMI). These standards enabled the profession to explode in the 1980s, and the establishment of the Project Management Professional certification further fueled this expansion. Since then, IT and IS project management has become a career many professionals with IS expertise choose—and businesses are eager to employ them.

Today, IT and IS project management is one of the fastest growing professions in the world. It brings together the elements of IS—such as hardware and software, data management, information security and risks—with steps to keep the team and product in scope, on budget, and within schedule. With the emergence of new software, technologies, and methodologies, businesses need effective project management to optimize complex capital projects, strategic operational initiatives, and day-to-day operations.

PreviousNext
Order a print copy
Citation/Attribution
Reuse and redistribution of this content in digital or print format:
  • This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's prior written permission.
  • This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License, which means that you can reuse and modify the material only for noncommercial purposes, must attribute OpenStax, and must distribute any derivative works under the same license.
  • Any commercial printing of this textbook, including using a local or custom printer, must be approved by OpenStax, and proper citation provided.
  • OpenStax-copyrighted images, activities, assessments, and similar components of this book are subject to the same licensing – CC-BY-NC-SA. They can be used for noncommercial purposes with attribution. Commercial use requires permission.
  • Permission requests: Anyone who intends to incorporate this content (including text, images, and other components) into large language models, use it in AI offerings, use it commercially (including in print), and/or has questions about another use case is welcome to complete our reuse request form.
Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a noncommercial print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/1-introduction

  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a noncommercial digital format, then for every page that includes OpenStax content, you must license the derivative work under the same CC-BY-NC-SA license as the original, and include on every digital page view the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/1-introduction

Citation information

The information below includes the information needed to generate citations in most major styles (APA, MLA, etc.); you must reformat and organize the information as needed to fit the requirements of the style. Use the information below to generate a citation. We recommend using a citation tool such as this one.

© Apr 23, 2026 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo, and Rice University name, and Rice University logo trademarks, or wordmarks are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.