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.
Omah Eucharia Chinenye
Like the subtopic stated: Thinking about complexity, it came to my mind from one of the tutors that project managers are chaos junkie, we thrive on problems. With this, I already have it in mind that projects face many challenges among which are technology and environmental crisis. I will be flexible to embrace changes and be ready to adapt quickly to get the project done.
Thinking about complexity, during the course of the study I thought of a project, and after I listened to the tutor I realized that as a project manager you are a chaos junkie ( i.e we thrive on problems). Although new technology, competition, and even environmental crisis can lead a drastic change in different projects. But as a project manager being ultimately responsible for a project, we must be flexible and always ready for a change (adaptability abilities), in all the goal is getting the project done.
Big global issues present significant opportunities and threats to any organization and its projects. To understand the impacts, it is essential to analyze how these trends intersect with your specific industry, business model, and operational locations.
Projects constantly face change from technology, competition and regulations, hence it is important for great flexibility and adaptation in other to deliver great projects.
In the times I have worked on projects, I have noticed that projects also are not immune from challenges globally, case in point was when I worked on a project powered by UKAID, it was supposed to be a two year project, but then COVID came, then the UK shifting their priority, these ultimately led to drastic budget cuts, which ended up bringing the project to a stop.
In my experience, projects face constant change from technology, competition, and regulations. I have seen how important flexibility is. Agile approaches help me and my team adapt quickly, manage risks, and deliver results faster. I also pay attention to social and political changes to keep projects compliant. Environmental issues can cause delays, so I plan for them early. I like blending waterfall for structure and agile for flexibility to achieve better outcomes.
Projects today face constant change from technology, competition, and regulations. I have learned that flexibility is essential. Using agile approaches helps teams adapt quickly, respond to risks, and deliver value faster. Social and political shifts require monitoring so projects stay compliant. Environmental issues also need planning to avoid delays. Blending methods like waterfall for structure and agile for flexibility supports successful outcomes.
Although technology is transforming project management and various jobs globally, I have come to understand that fundamental skills, particularly soft skills, remain essential for navigating projects effectively.
The world is going through evolution with Technology and which affect how project should be done. Now projects methodologies have elevated from the traditional method of wallfall methodology or liner method to being iterative, Cyclic in nature to enable faster completion of project and constant revision making projects nowadays flexibly. Now that there are various factors that might affect a project like regulatory bodies, hence promote ways in which projects are being handled by professionals.
Technology is evolving therefore it affects project as what is invoke today may not be obtainable, hence it is important that projects are treated with flexibility and adaptability. Competitors serves as a push to hence project manager to upskill. Social and political change affects project when taxes, rules and regulations are changed. Environmental crisis can be insecurities which can cause delays in delivering projects.