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.
Immanuella Obazele
Cohort 26, Team 5
Global competition has impacted me the most in my working experience so far especially because I work with international teams that can neither relate to nor understand the plight of living in a third world country. This means that I always have to be on my toes since I’m competing against people who have the necessary resources to deliver great work within the shortest possible time.
Global competition has impacted me the most in my working experience so far especially because I work with international teams that can neither relate to nor understand the plight of living in a third world country. This means that I always have to be on my toes since I’m competing against people who have the necessary resources to deliver great work within the shortest possible time.
Anwar Chiemela Steven
Cohort 26 Team 2
Complexity in project management refers to the intricacies and nuances that make a project challenging to plan, execute, and deliver. This can include:
1. Interconnected tasks and dependencies
2. Multiple stakeholders with varying interests
3. Uncertain or changing requirements
4. Technical complexities
5. Resource constraints
Effective project management involves navigating these complexities to achieve project goals.
Types of Complexity
1. Technical complexity: intricate technologies, systems, or processes.
2. Organizational complexity: multiple stakeholders, teams, or departments involved.
3. Environmental complexity: external factors like market changes, regulations, or weather.
Challenges of Complexity
1. Increased risk: complexity can lead to unforeseen issues and risks.
2. Difficulty in planning: complex projects require more detailed planning and forecasting.
3. Communication breakdowns: complexity can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications among team members and stakeholders.
4. Resource allocation: complexity can make it challenging to allocate resources effectively.
Strategies for Managing Complexity
1. Break down complex tasks: divide large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
2. Use project management tools: utilize tools like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, or project management software.
3. Establish clear communication channels: ensure that all stakeholders are informed and aligned.
4. Develop a flexible plan: be prepared to adapt to changes and unexpected issues.
Olivia Sarah Aber, Project Management Cohort 26, Team 1
Technology encompasses the tools and techniques used to execute tasks in an organization/project. Technology eases the way tasks are executed on projects and in organizations by shortening time. The desire to accomplish project tasks within the planned timeframe makes it inevitable to adopt technology such as the Gantt chart and Trello which are used to plan and map out project activities, in addition to making collaborations in projects easier. Also adopting technology in projects and organizations brings innovative ways of accomplishing tasks that would otherwise be impossible.
Competition exists in the marketplace because of a niche that is deemed profitable in the eyes of a business person. Competition requires that every project or organization put their best foot forward in terms of quality, price, meeting customer expectations, etc, if they want to survive and remain relevant; otherwise, the reverse is true. Therefore my organization and project should understand the forces and drivers of competition and work out strategies for survival since competition cannot be eradicated, but managed.
Social and political change, mainly are associated with a group of people living together, and the arrangement that exists in such communities for leadership. The social aspect embodies a culture from which the values, beliefs, and norms are created; and these are passed on from one generation to another through both formal and informal ways; and they dictate what is and what is not acceptable behavior in that community.
Political arrangement considers the laws and governance structures that have been put in place to be followed by businesses, projects and organizations.
The social and political change will affect organizations and projects both positively and negatively. Positively in a way that projects and organizations that adhere to the social and political arrangements of a certain community will most likely be accepted while those that do not will most likely be faced with a lot of opposition and negative criticism.
Environmental crisis are natural unplanned occurrences that have adverse effects on projects and organizations. They include incidences such as earth quakes, floods, larva eruptions, mudslides, fire outbreaks, etc. Such environmental crisis disrupts the normal operations of projects and organizations by causing severe loss and damage to people and property. To avert such occurrences, projects and organizations need to carry out adequate research before establishing themselves in a particular locations which could have a tendency of experiencing such calamities.
Enobong Faith Asanga
In the current evolving world, global issues has impacted My organization and the project l am involve in significantly, through:
1. Technology-Technology help us to improve our delivery services especially through digital e-platform, but we have to continuously upgrade and adapt to it ever changing ways.
2. Competition: There is pressure on organization to improve on innovation, so as to improve quality that is fast and safe delivery.
3. Social and political change: society is changing and government policies are also changing with every new administration in power, which brings about instability in project priorities and disrupt funding.
4. Environmental crisis: Rise in environmental hazards can disrupt project it can also bring about new opportunities in an emerging markets.
Therefore any organization that wants to succeed must stay adaptive, proactive to global issues and vigilant to ensuring long term success.
The complex world affects positively and negatively in organisations and has another impact in some individuals, who were once skillful though illiterate but today it seems like the world is changing against them. Old and can’t go back to school, some eyes are dim, yet environment has it demands,
The method of communication, upgrades of gadgets, changes in banking industry. Digital ID’s. The children’s education depending on technology help. Children can not use their capacity and capabilities fully. However, technology has helped us to connect to the world other our countries. It has brought online distance learning like this one. Sturdy while in your own home. It has minimise ques, people transact from home. Complex because there’s more lies and truth in one source of Media, some bring others down while others commend
Technology has taken over, as the world changes, so has been a great change and newer technology, which help shape and make, things easy .
The world is changing and so are we all. Every change comes with a range of complexity and how we respond to them individually or organisationally determines how we manage such complexity.
Technology is bringing in different innovations in projects management and making work easier and collaboration too.
Idoko precious
How does technology, competition, social and political change, and the environmental crisis affect my organization and my project globally
The use of technology has impact in my organization positively.tools like the Ai, cloud computing and analytical has improve productivity in my organization.However it comes with its own crisis.
In terms of competition, competitors can set new standards or expectations for performance, quality, or customer service.
For social change alters regulation and stakeholders’ expectations
While environmental crises require sustainability, focus, and regulatory risk.