Hello, this module focuses on how to manage projects in a complicated world. The world is changing rapidly and in unpredictable ways. Just consider the changes caused by new technology, worldwide trade and competition, social and political disturbances, and the environmental emergency.
You might think that project management has little to do with these major global matters. However, all kinds of organizations, whether large or small, are impacted by the world they operate in. How a company understands and responds to this complexity influences the projects it chooses to undertake and how it handles them.
This week, we begin by examining frameworks that help us grasp this intricate world. These frameworks guide our actions, responses, and decision-making in the face of complexity.
Next, we delve deeply into various methods and practices for managing projects when faced with uncertainty, instability, and change. These methods include linear approaches and life cycles, often known as the waterfall method, as well as iterative or agile approaches. You will explore the pros and cons of these methods, as well as the ongoing debates about them.
By the end, you’ll grasp how to use and blend these methods effectively to achieve successful project outcomes.
To start off this week, we’re interested in hearing about your experiences. Considering those major global issues like technology, competition, social and political changes, and environmental problems, think about how they impact your organization and the projects you’re involved in.
Feel free to share your experiences with fellow learners in the discussion.
Various complexities affect an organization in diverse ways, they either boost or disrupt the growth of the project;
Technology :With this era of diverse technological advancement, various innovation, technological trends, organizations and projects managers have to keep abreast with the recent development and innovation.
Competition: With the unfolding of different organizations that undertake project and other sectors, project organizations have to get enough resources to meet Market demand, have optimum resource availability be well equipped to match and fit the unfolding competition in the sector.
Social and political upheaval : The societal influence on the organization as well as the political influence, through taxes and levies, can also influence the organization positively or negatively.
Environmental Crisis: The issue of the proactiveness of the team and the external environmental influence can also affect a project organization positively or negatively.
Technology drives transformation in the modern world. It transformed communication, transportation, healthcare, and other areas of life. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy may solve and create issues. Data privacy, cybersecurity, and technological ethics are also global concerns.
Global competition, especially between states and enterprises, is growing. Economic competition, trade conflicts, and geopolitical rivalries can deeply affect international relations and the global economy. Fair competition, intellectual property protection, and income inequality are some of the issues involved.
Political and social change: Dynamics change constantly. Social justice, gender equality, and racial equity movements have grown. Many countries have seen political polarisation and populism. Immigration, healthcare, and education reform dominate social and political change issues
In the construction industry where I work, Technology and Political Changes are critical factors when handling a project.
I have been able to come across various instances where these have impacted our projects negatively as well as positively.
Technology: Over time there have been inventions of various instruments which aids in measurements, taking levels and transferring levels across distances. As a Construction Project manager, knowledge of the use of these instruments has helped to foster ease of work, save project delivery time and also ensure quality control during construction which is a positive addition in the construction industry. Although, these technology isn’t new, it is a plus for a Construction PM to be abreast with the use of these instruments.
Political Changes: The recent shift in political power which has negatively impacted the economy of the nation is also one factor that’s necessary for consideration. This is due to the fact that prices of materials due to this change has increased which means there has to be a revisit to the budget of a project that probably started before this present political tenure
As an entrepreneur competition has helped me in a positive way by not limiting myself to some certain approach to business and it has also helped me to realize that quality maters in business
As a Caterer, Global changes like new technology, shifting trends, and environmental problems are affecting the food industry and the price hike has been crazy. To deal with this, my team n I need to keep up with new technology and make sure the meals/snacks we make meet up with needs /wants and at the sametime not compromising quality.sometimes Climate change makes it difficult to source for particular foodstuffs thereby making the Food more expensive.
So, to keep making the tasty food people love at prices people can afford, I and my team have to be smart about using new tech, following the rules, and being careful with the environment. It can be a bit challenging, but one has to work on it be on top of the game as well as stay ahead if your competitors.
As a project manager , working a complex world , one has to consider the changes which are new technologies so as to know how to manager financial resources well in achieving project with methods and , one has to consider competition while making sure use of project management ethics still remains intact even in stages where difficult decisions comes in and making sure to know how to lead the project team even with changes in some stages of the project
Global issues are unpredictable and unavoidable at the same time, and a typical example is the general lockdown due to the pandemic crises in the year 2020. This has affected a lot of national and corporate economy till date and some are still struggling to catch up even still.
The essential takeaway point from that case study is that companies should make their strategies adjustable for future reference. Also, as much as they focus on growth, they should leave room for change and adaptive measures in any situation.
As a Business Owner, these issues have affected my work in one way or the other;
1. Technology: talking orders and keeping up with request bben made online has been a major cahllenge as any delay in response seems like you dont take your business serious.
we also have off hours but customes dont seems to see the importance of those off hours.
you are expected to be online 24/7
2. Competition: there are many competitors offering same service even at cheaper rates and low qualities.
3. Social/Political Changes: Many households are struggling with these changes and these affects Business
4. Environmental crisis: like inflation affect prices and its a risk to Business success
Over time, lack of technological infrastructures have affecting the entire work process that we had to resort to manual methods for instance, there are many accounting softwares but some firms, still make use of manual method of Bookkeeping and accounting. On the aspect of competition, I have experienced many times a situation whereby our direct rivals set traps for us just to take us out so it is usually the survival of the fittest. On social, political and environmental changes, on political change, we have grown to find out how most government abandon the previous economic and social policies of the previous government and this has a way of causing so much “storm” in the economy. This impacts negatively on us and as such, it calls for a review of our own policies to adapt to these “changes”.
Competition, Political tussle, Social conflict in general can be managed through ethical project management approaches. All organizations deal in projects, it is imperative that all stakeholders manage the project well to avoid social conflict.
An iterative project, in the context of project management and development, refers to a project management approach where the project is broken down into smaller, manageable segments or iterations. Each iteration involves a cyclical process of planning, executing, reviewing, and making improvements. Instead of completing the entire project in one go, the project is developed incrementally, with each iteration building upon the previous one.
Here are some key characteristics and concepts associated with iterative projects:
Incremental Progress: In iterative projects, work is divided into smaller pieces, often called iterations or cycles. Each iteration results in a partial but functional product or component. These increments are developed sequentially, with each one adding new features or improvements.
Feedback and Review: At the end of each iteration, there is a review and evaluation phase. Stakeholders and team members assess the work completed during that iteration and provide feedback. This feedback informs future iterations and allows for adjustments and improvements.
Flexibility: Iterative projects are known for their flexibility. Changes can be accommodated more easily because the project is not set in stone from the outset. Adjustments can be made based on lessons learned from previous iterations or changing requirements.
Continuous Improvement: One of the primary benefits of iterative development is the opportunity for continuous improvement. With each iteration, the product becomes more refined, and any issues or deficiencies are addressed.
Risk Management: Iterative approaches can help manage project risks. By breaking the project into smaller pieces, it’s easier to identify and mitigate potential problems early in the process.
Client Involvement: Iterative projects often involve regular collaboration with clients or stakeholders. They can see tangible progress at the end of each iteration and provide feedback, ensuring that the final product aligns with their expectations.
Examples: Iterative methodologies are commonly used in software development, such as Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum), where software is built incrementally through short development cycles. They are also used in other industries, including product design, where prototypes and revisions are made iteratively.
Iterative vs. Waterfall: Iterative approaches stand in contrast to the traditional Waterfall project management model, where the project is divided into distinct phases (e.g., requirements, design, development, testing) that are completed sequentially. In Waterfall, changes are more challenging and costly to implement once a phase is completed.
Iterative project management approaches are well-suited for projects where requirements may evolve, where there is a need for rapid development and feedback, or when the project’s scope is not fully understood at the outset. They promote adaptability and responsiveness to change, which can be advantageous in dynamic environments.