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.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Thinking About Complexity and Applying to SHE-Day as an instance.
SHE-Day in our organization is a project that promotes Safety, Health, and Environment awareness. Like many projects, it faces uncertainty, volatility, and change — from new regulations and environmental challenges to last-minute logistical shifts.
Managing Complexity in SHE-Day
Linear (Waterfall) Approach – Ideal for fixed, compliance-heavy tasks like venue booking, speaker scheduling, safety demonstrations, and printed materials. This ensures predictability and accountability.
Iterative (Agile) Approach – Ideal for adaptable elements like awareness campaigns, social media engagement, and interactive activities, allowing us to adjust based on employee feedback or emerging SHE trends.
Blending the Two (Hybrid Approach)
By combining linear and agile approaches, we secure structure where it’s needed and flexibility where it adds value.
Structure ensures we meet legal and safety standards.
Flexibility keeps the event relevant, engaging, and responsive to change.
RESULT: Even in a complex and changing environment, we can deliver a SHE-Day that is compliant, impactful, and adaptable, ensuring safety, health, and environmental care stay at the heart of what we do.
As a Laboratory Assistant in my organization, I play a key role in making sure our products meet the highest quality standards, even as technology, markets, and regulations continue to evolve at a rapid pace. Using advanced laboratory equipment, I help deliver accurate and timely results that guide important decisions. In today’s competitive environment, there’s no room for error—every sample and every test matters.
I also adapt to changes in political and environmental conditions by assisting in the testing of alternative raw materials and supporting the development of eco-friendly products. This means my work not only helps maintain our company’s reputation for quality but also contributes to sustainability goals that matter to our customers and our community.
These global trends make my role dynamic and rewarding. Each day brings a new challenge—whether it’s learning to use innovative lab tools, meeting tighter deadlines, or finding ways to improve our testing processes. Knowing that the results I help produce protect consumers, support our company’s success, and promote a greener future keeps me motivated and proud of the work I do.
Here Technology is driving so much change in our world today. Global warming is creating many issues affecting how things are being done nowadays.
Organizations are not immune to the effects of these changes, so all projects being embarked on are impacted positively or negatively. Every Project Manager needs to up-skill to remain relevant and deliver
world-class projects using the latest technology, in good time and within a reasonable budget
ANICHI CHRISIAN
COHORT 27
TEAM 2
Technology and ploiticatiacl changes has had a great effect in the organisation where I work in a Transport company but we must know that the world is constantly evolving and changing everyday, so as project manager we should move with it and know that the only thing that is constant around us is change
As a Quality Control Analyst in my organization, I ensure our products meet the highest standards despite rapid technological, market, and regulatory changes. Advanced lab systems help me deliver faster, more precise results, while competition demands zero tolerance for defects. I adapt to political and environmental shifts by testing alternative raw materials and supporting eco-friendly product development. These global trends keep my role dynamic, challenging, and vital to our company’s success.
Chukwuma Favour Nmesoma
Cohort 27, team 3
As a self employed in the baking world, Global issues like technology, competition, political changes, and environmental challenges have had a strong impact on my baking business.
Technology has helped me market my products through social media and learn new baking skills online. It also makes customer service and payment easier with digital tools. However, rising competition means I must constantly improve my designs, packaging, and pricing to stand out.
Political and economic changes, like inflation and fuel scarcity, often affect ingredient prices and delivery. This makes it hard to budget and plan long-term. To manage, I buy in bulk when possible and explain price changes to customers.
Environmental issues, especially heat and poor electricity supply, affect cake quality and storage. I’ve had to adjust my baking time and find better delivery methods.
In all, global challenges push me to be more creative, flexible, and proactive in managing my business and planning new projects.
Alexander Emene-ijekeye Team 10 Cohort 27
They influence your organisation’s priorities, strategies, and risks pushing you to adapt, stay competitive, comply with changes, and operate sustainably.
My organization is affected by some external factors. Technology has gone a long way in helping us work faster and reaching out to more people, but there is the aspect of cyber threat we have to keep up with by protecting our systems from cyber threats and adapting to change. Competition pushes us to improve, but it sometimes makes it hard to keep our customers where others a bit cheaper services. Social and political changes, like new laws or changing public opinions, could also force us to adjust on how we operate. Lastly, environmental problems, such as climate change, mean we have to find more eco-friendly ways of working, which can be costly but important for our future. These factors all mean we need to stay alert and ready to adapt.
The world really does feel like it’s in a constant state of flux — and it’s definitely affecting the way we manage projects in my organisation.
Although, I am not an original PM, I work in the healthcare sector, which is deeply impacted by all of the global issues mentioned — especially technology, regulation, and the environmental crisis. For example, the rapid advancement of digital health tools (like AI diagnostics and telemedicine) means we’re constantly adjusting our project goals and timelines to keep up. A project that seemed straightforward a year ago might now need a complete rethink because a new tech has become available or patient expectations have changed.
Then there’s the social and political side. Policy shifts, especially around funding or data privacy, can completely change the scope or viability of a project. We’ve had to shelve promising initiatives because of changes in legislation — or conversely, fast-track new projects to meet compliance or public health needs.
Environmental concerns are also becoming more central. We’re seeing more pressure (both internal and external) to make our projects sustainable — from reducing waste in clinical trials to considering carbon footprints in procurement decisions. These aren’t just ‘nice to haves’ anymore — they’re becoming requirements.
All this means we rarely manage projects in a purely linear way. We’ve started combining traditional project management methods with more agile practices — planning out a broad structure but staying flexible and responsive to change. It’s not always easy, and there’s definitely internal debate about the “best” way to manage projects, but we’re learning to adapt.