3 experts have described difficult decisions they had to take in one project.
Now think about what was important for them in taking the decision the took. Would they act differently in a different context? Why?
(If you are part of an ongoing PM bootcamp cohort on DEXA, also copy your comment to your group)
Upon watching the video, it was revealed that the three speakers had put their organisation, project and client at the forefront by ensuring when issues arose they collaborated by bringing the project team and the client into one room to discuss the issue. I don’t think they would have handled the issue in a different way if they were opportuned to.
After watching the video and listen to the decisions they had taken in their difficult time, a project manager need to be flexible, be able to communicate and negotiate effectively. In the case of language barrier which could be the one of the greatest key to a project progress. Ability to maintain the status in situations is required by a project manager.
At one point, a prospective client requested our firm to develop a punzi scheme website them, that was against our organizational core value of Integrity. So we turn the juicy offer down because the service requirements falls out of our core value. That was really difficult.
Their driving force for handling the problem was the reputation of the organization, satisfaction of the client and the people involved.
They were able to achieve these by adapting to the situation, adequate communication and collaboration.
If they were working in another context, they would have done the same thing because these are the things that will help the to successfully execute the projects.
What was important to each of the three expert while making those decisions were in the interest of the organisation, the impact on the team members and client. How to deliver a project that satisfies the needs of the client which involves collaboration among the stakeholders. adaptability and communication played a major role in the decision each of them made.
Yes, their decisions will be different if the context were different because best decisions would be made in the interest of all involved in the project
The importance of effective decision-making in project management cannot be overstated. Decisions are the driving force behind the successful completion of a project. Here’s why decision-making is crucial in project management:
Defines Project Direction: Decisions help establish the project’s objectives, scope, and overall direction. They clarify what the project aims to achieve, which is essential for aligning the team’s efforts.
Resource Allocation: Decisions guide the allocation of resources, including human resources, time, and budget. Proper resource allocation ensures that the project stays on track and within budget.
Risk Management: Decisions are essential in identifying and mitigating risks. Project managers must make informed decisions to address potential issues and uncertainties, minimizing the impact of adverse events.
Task Prioritization: In complex projects, many tasks need to be completed simultaneously. Decisions are made to determine task priorities, ensuring that critical activities are completed in a logical sequence.
Conflict Resolution: Inevitably, conflicts and disagreements can arise during a project. Effective decision-making helps resolve these conflicts, maintain team cohesion, and keep the project on course.
Scope Control: Decisions are crucial in defining and controlling the project scope. Any changes to the scope, whether to expand or limit it, require careful decision-making to assess their impact on the project’s objectives.
Quality Assurance: Decisions guide the quality standards for project deliverables. They ensure that the project adheres to predetermined quality criteria and that the end product meets the required standards.
Communication: Decisions are central to communication within the project team and with stakeholders. Clear, well-informed decisions help keep everyone on the same page, fostering a shared understanding of project goals.
Change Management: Project managers must make decisions about changes to the project, whether they involve scope, schedule, or resources. Effective change management decisions ensure that project adjustments are made systematically and with minimal disruption.
I think as PM, communication is an effective tool and ability to adapt to changes whether technical change, environmental change, organizational change is important. As a PM should be proactive to enable him handle situations effectively.
As a project manager, you should be ready for anything especially changes while running a project.
Being proactive is very important and good communication cannot be overemphasized when dealing with people, both your team members, stakeholders and the project owner. That way, when there is a challenge or need for changes, it will be easier to pass that information.
There is hardly a project that will not have challenges at one point or the other. Overcoming the challenge is the focus of the project manager as the project must be it’s goals. Project goals cannot just be changed but ways or steps to achieving the goals can be realigned
As a project manager, having flexibility is key to dealing with difficult decisions. This is because some actions might change for each project. Moreso, PM have to take everything into consideration.
In addition, collaboration and sustainable team work is a solution to difficult project decision.
The following factors were important in taking the decisions they took:
1. PM 1:To make sure the options of continuing vrs canceling the project are clearly set out.
2. PM 1: To always ensure the governorship steering group lookes through the options and makes the decision to continue or discontinue a project in the interest of all. stakeholders.
3. PM 1: To take note of the outputs and positives you can learn and salvage from the project.
4. PM 1: To always point all stakeholders back to the goal or objective of the project. to avoid deviations and distractions.
5. PM 1: To always be honest and transparent with stakeholders at every point of the project delivery .
6. PM 1 :The Project manager sometimes needs to come to a compromise to meet the needs of the client.
7. PM 2: To ensure there are always contingency plans in place to manage unforseen challenges and or emergencies.
8. PM 2: To ensure all stakeholders on the project are satisfied with the deliverables.
9. PM 2: Carrying all stakeholders on the project along for the best possible outcome.
10. PM 3. To be able to perceive and bring together people from different languages and backgrounds to ensure they work together to successfully achieve the goal of the project
Yes, I believe they would act differently in a different context because the senerio or situation may be different as such they will then have to make the best decisions in the interest of all stakeholders based on the challenges at that particular point in time on the project .
What was important for the Project Managers while making those decisions were the interest of the organization, the impact on the project team members and clients and how to deliver a successful project that satisfies the needs of the client which requires collaboration among the stakeholders involved. Adaptability and communication played a major role in the decisions each of them made.
In this case study, the absence of teamwork and communication within the group is evident. Successful projects require collaboration, as no one has all the answers. To maintain project quality and the company’s integrity, Kareen addressed the issue by consulting with John and colleagues. While research informed their decisions, involving William could have enhanced understanding. Communication, teamwork, and research enabled them to address project challenges and plan for potential risks.