Abstract: Featured is a method for controlling work of a project, that is particularly suited for controlling development of files of a software project. Such a method broadly includes defining S status levels (S≧2), where the number and definition of each status level relates to at least certain of the workflow paths of the project workflow and defining U user statusing rights sets (U≧2), one user rights set for each type of user. The method also includes classifying each work item as one of being within or being without the workflow and using the S status levels to define a work status for each work item classified as being within the workflow. The method also includes assigning the work item and a work status change control process whereby changes in work status are permitted based on the user statusing rights. Also featured is a computer program, program code for execution on a microprocessor and a computer system embodying such program code.