Put yourself in the role of a project manager collaborating with MTD, an events company.
Considering the difficulties and problems that MTD encounters in their projects, what insights have you gained this week that could offer assistance?
If an iterative approach were employed in organizing an event as a project, what would be the consequences? Similarly, what are the implications of adopting an agile approach? If the company sought your advice, what would you recommend?
Contribute your thoughts and ideas to the discussion.
Acting as an MTD project manager for an event planning, using an iterative approach in setting out the event as a project here is a fantastic idea because I’ll be able to analyse, project and carry out the assignment in a given period of time. The requirements for the needed expectation from the client will be set out in the planning meeting and I am my team with the brainstorm on how to carry out the expectations of the clients. I will assign the responsibility to each team members to carry out in a speculated time about everything needed for the events to be perfected. There after I will project meetings with the clients on the estimate plans,layout that I have come up with my team to know if there’s a need for a change or it’s satisfying.
The consequence of this approach fantastic because the clients is updated on every attempt and if there is a need for a change it will be easily recommended.
Using an agile approach don’t be a bad idea because it will make the team to be focus to work alongside with time frame for a better output
My advice for the company is to use a combined approach to carry out the projects both iterative and agile approach should be used
As a PM in a similar scenario with MTD, i will first use VUCA to analyse the problem faced by MTD, to know the best approach, i.e whether to use linear project method or iterative project approaches, or i may need to combine them.
Every project involves the creation of documents, materials, and deliverables. Oftentimes, the project team can leverage or borrow creations from previous projects and use them for the current project. This “recycling” can help save time and ensure high-quality project outputs are produced.
The definition of Project Recycling This is a process of iterations and reiteration. This is a post project activity wherein a separate planning based on results will have to be prepared.
**Since agile management focuses on incremental releases, it is able to bring such risks to bear during product development faster. This way, the project team can respond to any potential risks very quickly. It equips managers with sufficient visibility to make decisions that are critical to the project early on. Agile project management reduces complexity by breaking down the time consuming process of determining project requirements, building the product and then testing it, only for the result to not meet client expectations or to include product flaws. According to the Agile Manifesto, the more important values are individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change. Agile organizations use processes and tools, appropriate documentation, contracts, and plans to support the more important values.
The four Agile Manifesto values are:
Individuals and interactions over processes and tools. …
Working software over comprehensive documentation. …
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation. …
Responding to change over following a plan.
so I think going with this is always wise idea. [FAIZA]
I will use VUCA framework to analyze, study and provide solutions. The framework will be aligned with the project lifestyle.
Given the nature of the project carried out by MTD, the dynamics and workability suites the VUCA framework methodology.
Firstly, the stakeholders at MTD project are not all professionals and may need constant meetings and research to fully understand and undertake projects without itemizing each role.
The VUCA framework will help the project manager preempt and proactively lead the team.
The Iterative approach wouldn’t be used so much more than the linear approach. This is because the events are more of providing a rather simple and straightforward end result than a novel idea. Resources needed can be estimated and any volatility can be easily mitigated.
Similarly the agile framework may not really be needed as the events are definite and demands only one outcome.
Thinking about these big global issues such as technology, competition, social and political change, and the environment crisis, how do these affect my organization and my project?
In the rapidly changing landscape of technology, competition, social and political shifts, and the looming environmental crisis, my fish farming business is not isolated. The business exist within a dynamic ecosystem of interconnected factors.
Technology offers opportunities to optimize efficiency, monitor environmental impact, and enhance productivity in fish farming. However, it also demands adaptation and investment to stay current.
Competition drives innovation and forces organizations or individuals to refine approaches inorder to stand out. Staying attuned to market trends and consumer preferences is crucial for maintaining business relevance.
Social and political changes influence consumer expectations and regulatory frameworks. A shift towards sustainability and ethical practices could elevate the reputation of my fish farming endeavors.
The environmental crisis directly impact my business as climate change affects aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Mitigating these effects may require innovative practices and collaborations with environmental experts.
In navigating these challenges, my organization could position itself as a leader in sustainable aquaculture, utilizing technology responsibly, embracing change, and proactively addressing environmental concerns.
By weaving these aspects into organizational strategy, I will create a narrative that not only differentiates my business but also contributes positively to the global challenges we collectively face today .
I will apply the VUCA framework to study and provide solutions. The framework will be aligned with the project lifestyle.
As the project manager of MTD I will combine both linear and iterative approach as these will be of a great deal in:
Testing ideas and learning user requirement.
Involving stakeholders as project progresses to get immediate feedback which will guild my next line of action.
All team members have to be accountable for task assigned to him/her.
The implication of iterative approach is that it embrace trial and error, it works on many things at thesame time, this can lead to lost of focus on the main goal.
I will use the VUCA analysis to ascertain exactly what area of threats the business tilts to.
Then I’ll develop a model for approaching the problem using timing reaction of stakeholders, nature of the problem etc for solving the project
Do you recognise these stages from your experience of teams? What kind of behaviours did you witness in each stage? Please share your thoughts with other learners
the discussion.
Forming: it was exciting knowing I have a new responsibility.
Storming: we had some disagreement about job roles and how we work especially each with his previous work experience/background.
Norming: we came to an agreement with time and understood each other.
Performing: we are a team now, working together.
Adjourning: Yet to disband.
How do you get a common understanding of the purpose and aims of the project among the many different people both within the organisation and beyond?
How do you foster collaborative working to allow various team members to work together to deliver the project’s outputs and outcomes?
As a team how we communicate, collaborate, and relate with each other tells more of our understanding of the project.
Agile is a good method to use for my project team. Also, create room for communication because that solves lots of issues.
Does the prospect of such a challenge and responsibility excite you? Perhaps you find it daunting or have some tips to share in the discussion?
I find it daunting. One has to go through leading, developing and safeguarding the new project members especially when the ones you have develop are no more in the project.
Firstly, I will access MTD environment, categorize it using the VUCA analysis. This will enable me identify which project method to use or if hybrid approach will be suitable for the project. Also, the consider the project team and what method works for them The nature and delivery of the output is a major factor as well.