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.
Global challenges do affect the project. These forces shape organisational strategy and project priorities by driving efficiency, innovation, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.
Global issues such as technology, competition, social and political change and the environmental crises has its effect on projects. In the health sector especially, political changes affect health project to a large extent. However, understanding and preparing ahead for these global issues afford organizations the opportunity to make preparations to cushion its effects when they arise. Organizations should have sustainable strategies to handle these unpreventable challenges with little impact on the company.
Global challenges such as technological advancement, competition, social and political changes and environmental crises significantly affects town planning organizations, especially those in the various boards handling state matters. Most significantly political policies tends to swerve coexisting development,which most times leads to either a halt in a project or a termination of a project. This effect over time has really influence the development of regions either positively or negatively
Global challenges do affect the project depending on the external crisis, which affects the project directly; however, these forces shape the organization to structure and prioritize efficiency and innovation, which drives the factor of stakeholder management and clear governance.
INDEED THE WORLD IS COMPLEX IN TERMS OF TECHNOLOGY, COMPETITION, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CHANGES ,
ITS AN EVOLVING WORLD, THEREFORE THINGS KEEP CHANGING. THEREFORE, ADAPTABILITY IS KEY IN RUNNING A PROJECT E.G
TECHNOLOGY KEEPS ADVANCING FORCING PM TO REVIEW SOME POLICIES TO FIT INTO THE TECHNOLOGY. COMPETITION FROM OTHER COMPANIES ALSO FORCES THE PM TO RE STRATEGIZE TO OUTDO THE COMPETITORS.
As a PM, Political change reshapes organizations by altering regulations, taxation, and trade policies. These shifts create operational uncertainty, forcing strategic pivots and affecting profitability. Internally, political transitions can impact employee morale and workplace culture, requiring strong leadership to maintain stability and ensure compliance with new legal frameworks.
There are several global issues like technology, competition, social and political changes and environmental crisis that have impact my organization and the projects you’re involved in, however the one causing many roars in Nigeria is the government’s enforcement of tasks and the banking sector.
In my organization(bank), I’m staged between explaining the taxation system to the people, why they shouldn’t be scared of banking continuity and the risks of handly huge cash at home in the bid to escape the new tax policy.
A group of of 5 team members have been designated for this task to drive regulatory compliance, and sustainability.
Indeed, our world today is complex and these global issues shape how organizations plan, execute, and deliver projects. As a project manager, you feel their impact daily.
Technology
Technology shortens timelines. It raises expectations. Automation and AI change roles and skills. Projects face faster obsolescence. You plan for continuous learning, system integration, and data security. Teams learn speed matters, but alignment matters more.
Competition
Competition increases pressure on cost, quality, and delivery speed. Projects focus on differentiation and value. Stakeholders demand measurable results. You prioritize scope tightly and control waste. Teams learn efficiency protects relevance.
Social and political change
Regulations shift. Workforce values change. Remote work becomes normal. Projects face compliance risk, cultural sensitivity, and communication gaps. You plan for flexibility, stakeholder mapping, and clear governance. Teams learn adaptability protects continuity.
Environmental crisis
Sustainability moves from optional to required. Projects face resource limits, stricter standards, and reputational risk. You assess environmental impact early. You reduce waste and energy use. Teams learn long term thinking protects brand and future work.
What this means for organizations and projects
* Shorter planning cycles
* Higher uncertainty and risk
* Stronger focus on value and ethics
* Greater demand for skilled leadership
* Increased need for resilience and learning
What others learn from effective project leadership
* Anticipate change, not react late
* Build flexible plans, not rigid ones
* Balance speed with responsibility
* Protect people, customers, and the future
These forces reshape projects. Strong values and disciplined project management turn pressure into progress.
Global challenges such as technological advancement, competition, social and political change, and the environmental crisis significantly influence plastic production companies. These forces shape organisational strategy and project priorities by driving efficiency, innovation, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. For a project professional in the plastic manufacturing industry, understanding and responding to these global issues is essential to delivering projects that are competitive, compliant, ethically responsible, and environmentally sustainable.