Object Oriented Programming for Project Management Software

What does object oriented programming have to offer project management software systems? This question is examined by first seeking out those development trends and directions that will be of importance for project management systems in the future. These are ability to the flexibility, integration and intelligence. The basic characteristics of object oriented programming are then described; namely the use of projects and encapsulation, messaging and polymorphism, hierarchies and inheritance, and a new overall approach to programming. Three components of object oriented programming is also discussed: the model, the mechanics, and the conventions. Finally, the advantages that the basic object oriented characteristics and design approach offer for moving project management systems (and architechture-engineering-construction management and automation systems in general) towards the identified goals are presented.