Implementation, Usage and Advantages of Cloud Computing within Project Management using the example of an Offshore Wind Farm Project

Table of Content

1. Introduction

1.1. Problem and Thesis Definition

1.2. Structure

2. Executive Summary

3. Theoretical Background

3.1. Cloud Computing

3.1.1. Introduction

3.1.2. Definition

3.1.3. Virtualization

3.1.4. Service-oriented Architectures

3.1.5. Cloud Deployment Models

3.1.6. Monetary & Business Aspects of Cloud Computing

3.1.7. Information security

3.1.8. Requirements of Cloud Computing

3.2. Project Management

3.2.1. Introduction

3.2.2. Project Definition

3.2.3. Project Management Definition

3.2.4. Work Breakdown Structure

3.2.5. Project Phases

3.2.6. Project Life Cycle

3.2.7. Organizational Influences on Projects

3.2.8. Megaproject

4. Private Cloud Companies & Market Offer

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Current Situation in Germany

4.3. Stakeholders in Cloud Computing Environment

4.4. Standardization Requirements for Cloud Computing

4.5. Companies

4.5.1. Company Overview

4.5.2. Microsoft SharePoint

5. Offshore Wind Farm Projects

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Project Specifics

5.3. Project Cloud Usages

6. Hypothesis

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Project specific Requirements on Cloud Computing

6.3. Commercial Aspects of Cloud Computing in Projects

6.4. Success Factors

6.5. Cloud Advantages

6.6. Cloud Disadvantages

6.7. Comparison of Usage

7. Conculsion and Summary

8. Future Research & Outlook

Objectives and Topics

This master thesis investigates the implementation, usage, and advantages of Cloud Computing within the field of professional project management. By analyzing the theoretical foundations and applying them to the specific, complex environment of offshore wind farm projects, the research aims to identify how cloud solutions can optimize project performance, cost structures, and communication, while addressing inherent risks and challenges.

• Application of Cloud Computing (CC) in professional project management theory.
• Market analysis of the current status of cloud adoption within Germany.
• Practical evaluation of cloud-based tools (e.g., SharePoint) in offshore wind project environments.
• Identification of critical success factors, advantages, and disadvantages of cloud usage in mega-projects.
• Comparison of IT management approaches (On-Premise, Managed Services, Cloud Computing).

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: This chapter highlights the rising importance of Cloud Computing (CC) in the business world, evidenced by trends at CeBIT, and outlines the thesis objective to analyze CC's impact on project management using the German offshore wind industry as a case study.

2. Executive Summary: A condensed overview explaining the growth of cloud service markets and the thesis goal of investigating cloud-related opportunities for improving project management, cost efficiency, and operational flexibility.

3. Theoretical Background: This chapter establishes the fundamental terminology for Cloud Computing, including service and deployment models, and reviews core project management concepts such as project phases, lifecycles, and the characteristics of mega-projects.

4. Private Cloud Companies & Market Offer: This chapter analyzes the current state of the cloud market in Germany, explores the stakeholder environment, and provides an overview of existing cloud service providers and enterprise platforms like Microsoft SharePoint.

5. Offshore Wind Farm Projects: An in-depth look at the offshore wind sector as a specific project environment, detailing project requirements, the necessity for robust document management, and the use of private cloud applications for project coordination.

6. Hypothesis: This chapter integrates theoretical knowledge with applied PM scenarios to examine commercial aspects, critical success factors, and a comparative analysis of On-Premise, Managed Services, and Cloud Computing solutions.

7. Conculsion and Summary: A synthesis of findings highlighting that cloud computing offers significant cost optimization and flexibility, provided that associated risks—such as data security and vendor lock-in—are proactively mitigated.

8. Future Research & Outlook: A concluding outlook suggesting future research areas, specifically regarding Inter-Cloud interoperability, the combination of Cloud and Crowd models, and increasing device independence for future IT architectures.

Keywords

Cloud Computing, Project Management, Offshore Wind Farm, SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, Infrastructure, Cost Optimization, Project Lifecycle, Risk Management, Stakeholder, SharePoint, Germany, IT Strategy, Digitalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this master thesis?

The thesis focuses on analyzing how Cloud Computing can be implemented and used within project management, particularly examining the advantages and impacts through the practical lens of an offshore wind farm project.

What are the primary thematic areas covered in the work?

The main themes include the theoretical foundations of Cloud Computing, standard project management principles, the specific demands of mega-projects like offshore wind farms, and an evaluation of the German cloud market.

What is the main objective or research question?

The primary goal is to determine how Cloud Computing can be used to its full potential in project management to improve cost efficiency, flexibility, and communication, while identifying and mitigating associated technical and security risks.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The research uses a descriptive and analytical approach, combining a review of established project management standards (such as PMI) with a market analysis and an industry-specific case study to evaluate different IT management systems.

What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?

The main body covers the definition and architecture of cloud models, the transition from CAPEX to OPEX, stakeholder roles in the cloud ecosystem, and a detailed comparison of Cloud Computing against On-Premise and Managed Services.

Which keywords characterize this thesis?

Key terms include Cloud Computing, Project Management, Offshore Wind Farm, Digitalization, Cost Optimization, and IT Strategy.

How does the author define the "Offshore Wind Farm" as a mega-project?

The author defines it based on the large-scale investment (often exceeding $1 billion), high complexity, and the significant impact on environment, budget, and public attention, which necessitates specialized project management tools.

What specific role does Microsoft SharePoint play in the analyzed projects?

SharePoint serves as a central project portal for collaboration, allowing for the storage of documents, project schedules, and management of task lists, acting as a critical, secure private cloud infrastructure for authorized project members.

Why does the author advocate for "Design for Failure" in cloud applications?

The author emphasizes that developers must assume any component can fail at any time; therefore, applications must be designed to avoid single points of failure to ensure continuous availability, even if the underlying infrastructure faces errors.