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.
The changes of the global technological landscape is truly shaping how things are for me, being a freelancer at the moment. It’s Darwinism at full force here with AI, Agents, and new workflows optimizing how work is being carried out.
Big Global Issues will have a great change on Projects, we need to study them and know we can position ourselves so as not to be adversely affected.
My name is Evelyn Ebahi Samuel. The technologically changes observed in my organization has caused a drift in how projects are delivered. The human input which we strive to impact is constantly challenged with the the rise of technological know how making marketing a daily struggle.
The impact of political, social, technological and environmental change on organisations is very obvious, it also affected the care sector where I’m currently working, it has brought about a lot of changes, some good, some not so favourable, shift changes, transportation and e few other things, but the most glaring one is the environmental change.
When I reflect on global issues such as technology, competition, social and political change, and the environmental crisis, their impact on my organisation and projects is very evident, particularly within engineering and public-sector infrastructure delivery.
Advances in technology increasingly influence how projects are designed, monitored, and delivered. Digital tools, smart systems, and data-driven planning improve efficiency and accountability, but they also require continuous skills development and responsible use of data to avoid errors or misuse.
Rising competition places pressure on organisations to deliver faster and more cost-effectively, especially in public projects with limited budgets. This can create ethical challenges, as there may be temptation to prioritise speed or cost over quality, safety, and long-term performance. Strong professional judgement is therefore essential.
Social and political changes significantly affect project priorities, funding, and stakeholder expectations. Government policies, community concerns, and workforce diversity increasingly shape project outcomes. Effective stakeholder engagement and transparency are critical to maintaining public trust.
The environmental crisis has made sustainability a central consideration in engineering projects. Issues such as energy efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental impact now influence design choices and construction methods.
Overall, these global issues require engineers and project managers to be adaptable, ethically grounded, and forward-thinking in delivering projects that are both technically sound and socially responsible.
I am working with an international education and immigration consulting firm and I could say changes in immigration and visa rules in major destination countries have a direct operational impact such as: work-hour adjustments for international students, tighter US visa policies, Canada’s immigration policy shifts, operarional impact, etc.
Mining in West Africa has changed considerably with the activities around the sahel region signalling an emancipation from the old order. This disruption is a consequence of the global effect of broken diplomatic efforts, wars, quest for materials for energy and energy production, general global economics of war, and resources.
Against this backdrop, are the issues of ecology, disruption of flora and fauna, and serious environmental pollution, as direct consequences. In the case of where I work, in a mine, there’s been serious backlash from environmental activists on how the effluent gases we expel are affecting the locals, even though the same locals prefer to take money and forfeit certain privileges, like free water and electricity due them. This is a very unjust reality, in my opinion but this is what we find on ground, and I think in my opinion that the failure of subsequent local political office holders and administrations in addressing mass illiteracy is the reason why these locals cannot think, and analyze their opportunities beyond their current scope.
Again, this is also in my opinion , the result of political and economic sabotage, with intent to fleece the generality of nationals of their Commonwealth, aided by certain clandestine actors.
Like I highlighted in the previous discussion, bureaucratic bottlenecks will always stifle true progress, real economic growth, especially when the governance structure is not a honest one.
My suggestion as a solution would be, in the case of my own sector, a decentralization of roles. An agency from the center can have oversight responsibility to checkmate pollution activity, with an attendant fines administered if these effluent gases are not captured and recycled as the case may be. And there a very affordable ways of effluent capture and recycling that manufacturing companies should be advised and mandated to implement.
Moreso, I think that the mine should be domiciled with the local government and not the central government ( full local government autonomy), which will not give room for too much manipulation of facts and data. This manipulation of critical data is actually killing people through air pollution. Air pollution, especially coal related effluent can even affect the IQ of children, and cause severe respiratory cancer and illness like bronchitis, amongst other effects.
To be fair, the company is planting trees to capture these gases by a process known as biological carbon sequestration. This is a good idea but it will take a very long time( 10 – 15 years) to have any considerable effect, so my suggestion earlier ( gas capture ) and the mix with the latter( a hybrid model) would be the best bet.
I think this is the most ethical thing to do. This is my sincere paradigm.
Thank you
Environmental problem is one critical element that impacts projects in my organization. And because of this, we constantly engage in community relations, and stay update on the news.
Temilade
Environmental problem is one critical element that impacts projects in my organization. And because of this, we constantly engage in community relations, and stay update on the news.
Temilade.
Hi my name is Pamela, I work in a travel agency in Nigeria, and global changes have a very strong impact on both my organization and the projects we work on. The travel industry is closely connected to what is happening in the world, so even small changes can affect our plans.
Technology has changed how we operate the most. Many customers now prefer to book flights and hotels online instead of visiting an office themselves. Because of this, we have worked on projects like improving our online presence and using digital booking tools. While this has made our work faster and more efficient, it also means we need to constantly update systems and train staff, as customer expectations change quickly.