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.
As a manager in a production firm, the government policies have greatly affected the business in the cost of production. This has equally expanded my horizon to look inward for material resources. Also, my negotiation skills have improved with our resource agencies. Technology has also helped to mitigate wastage and other forms of loss to the company.
The world has fast changed as a result of advancement in Technology and it’s has a positive and negative effect. But I’m the overall, technology has improved and positively influenced PM. Teams can be across nations and they can meet hitch-free online because of easy access to Zoom, google meet, WhatsApp among others
Research too has been made easy as a result of technology.
I think undertaking a project in this ever changing complex world is a necessary task and a bit of a hurdle for the project manager because of the constant shifts that may happen within a short period.
Within a period of 6 months AI has disrupted the world of information technology with the advent of ChatGPT.
Yes, there may be projects that do not get impacted directly but indirectly this change in technology often affects everything.
My organization is an educational institution so we see how the impact of change in tech affects projects. During the lockdown technology was what we relied on to survive. We had to adapt very quickly and I was given the task of positioning the organization in a position to go virtual and for 3 months we engaged our learners with virtual learning. I heavily relied on zoom, Google classroom, etc to meet up. Since then we have build a functional computer laboratory, ensured all staff get trainings on digital skills and adaptability. Just last week we engaged the teachers on deploying and taking advantage of Chat GPT and Bard.
Competition is a strong driver of new projects within my organization. As I had stated in a previous discussion one of our values is innovation. We always want to be ahead in driving technology for education within our region. And we set the pace others follow, we have tried to make our online presence more engaging than that of the competition therefore hiring a company to handle social media engagement. Also our banner we have noticed is always being copied or removed. Therefore we engaged in a different approach for advert using Facebook ads, going to the landlords association pages around us to place adverts all these to gain an advantage over the competition.
Social and political upheaval. Yes this has impacted negatively on the cost of undertaking new projects because a new administration is in power and has changed a major economic decision as a result pump price for fuel has more than tripled. And as a result finance for new projects are scarce or even unavailable.
Environmental changes affects us in a way that is both positive and negative. This year the weather is either extremely cold or Hot and the learners at my organization needed new cardigans it is left to us to source for even though the price for dollar keeps going up and the exchange rates keeps fluctuating we had to cut ties with our old suppliers to undertake a new project with a new and locally sourced supplier.
Truly, global issues affects the the type and many other aspects of projects management.
Indeed, every organization and by extension, project can not be executed outside or independent of the environment (the world)-hence, Project Managers and Organizations should be conversant with global trends and developments.
Whether it is a natural occurrence like flooding or a thunderstorm or hurricane, or perhaps man-made socio-political issues, they all have direct impact on the Project, hence, the project manager must be aware of these things and forecast properly.
No well-meaning organization or sponsor would love to lose their investment,so they want to be properly guided.
Take for example, now is not the time to go invest in amusement parks in war-torn zones. That is not really a smart investment move, because the population will be thinking of safety and security and so will hardly come out to have fun.
Also, in flood -prone areas, the project manager should consider what kind of business or project to execute there.
By implication, he is also considering movement of people/stakeholders to and fro the site.
1) In my organisation, working as a translator and interpreter, technology has made demand for services drop with advancement of AI, Chat GPT etc.
2)Also, more sustainable options are being used in many projects where you find stakeholders wanting to improve on existing structures as opposed to setting up new ones.
3) Recent political change in Nigeria has slowed down a lot of processes as many are in a “wait and see” mode which prevents them from undertaking new projects because of the uncertainty of changes that may come with removal/appointment of decision makers in the government body.
Yes, as we all know. technology, political instability, inflation has both a negative effect and positive effect to project delivery . it now depends on where we find ourselves and the environment we find ourselves and generally individual responses to this changes and how the organization respond to it can affect a project. thats why is recommended for a PM to be adaptable to environment, economy etc.
Political change had effects on project project management. The world is rapidly growing and changing, project managers have to develop problem solving skills for the success of the project.
While Carrying out a project one has to put into consideration Government, political and economic policies. For instance receiving a project contract and the government policy on finance which is unstable, affecting the exchange rate in my country, which results in price increment, will hinder the project. Upholding to ethical values and standards. The stipulation price as earlier agreed is altered and to going through communication will alter the time delivery of project.
Also technological drive in a country where the is no constant electricity supply and higher prices of internet services to learn and updates the technology of the company with up to date technological equipment is quite expensive. Buying gas to work on this is also very expensive.
The political climate of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has negatively affected the global supply and demand of crude oil. The logistics industry is faced with unwarranted increases in the pump price per litre of Automotive gas oil (AGO). As a result of this, operating cost has more than doubled. This has also snowballed into an increment in the cost of transportation and subsequently increment in the prices of goods and services.
Some projects have been postponed till a later date while ongoing projects are being reviewed and operating costs are also been reviewed.
The impact of global issues in the HR space:
Technology: Technology is enabling HR professionsls to do things that were not possible before. For example, chatbots can now be used to answer employee questions, and virtual reality can be used to simulate job training. This is changing the way that HR interacts with employees and the way that work is done.
Competition: The increasing competition for talent is forcing HR professionals to focus on attracting and retaining top talent. This is leading to a greater emphasis on employee engagement and development. HR professionals are also under pressure to provide a more personalized experience for employees.
Social and political changes: Social and political changes are also having an impact on HR professionals. For example, the rise of diversity and inclusion is leading to a need for more inclusive hiring and promotion practices. HR is also responsible for creating a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment.
Environmental problems: Environmental problems are also having an impact on HR professionals. For example, companies are now looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. This is leading to a greater focus on sustainability in HR practices.