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 work in glass fabrication and installation and the method of project delivery is waterfall. There really is no way of iterating the process as each step is dependent on the completion of another step. we have to survey, then submit sizes for approval before we can commence production and then finally installation. technology is big in this process, however the process still remains waterfall.
Technological advancement and competition were a complex challenge for me when I delved into a project in Agriculture. Having to deal with rural and local farmers who have little to no education, it was difficult to come up with a tech system that suits their level of education and is comprehensible for their usage. It was even more difficult when I had to contend with experienced competitors who had spent years in the agro-business. So we realized with my team that, devising a USSD and getting the educated youths to explain the functionality to the farmers in their local languages was the best way out for us.
Technological advancement Can affect the Projects An Organization embarks on for example it can enhance the smooth delivery of Projects and their effectiveness.Competition Social and political changes as well as environmental problems all play a role in Determining the successful completion of Any project.
Technological development and advancement have created changes in methods of operation, especially in companies and industries.
Adaptation to these changes have aided the evolution of companies to match the present need of their clients.
Technology advancement has a great effect on any organisation, which helps to promote fast and easiest way of achieving any organisational products. The crisis on this aspect is that the more available machines you can avoid the more the organisational growth. With inclusion of competitors out there brings more additional limitations to the growth of the firm. Governmental policies and the climate change can also affect the inflow of currencies and lot more. For examples at my area, some of the forest had been sold to the some Chinese private organisational, why because they have some technological advancement tools which was why they were able to won the contract against the peoples of the locality who had been using the forest as a means of survival. Diplomatic relationship between the talked Government in power, can also be related to the issue. So all this crisis cannot be overlooked
Technology advancement in our world today has huge effect on the way we do things. It calls for training and retraining for a project manager to remain afloat with trends.
Competition can affect project execution from costing to quality.
Political and environmental changes can as well affect projects. For example, areas of political unrest will have a toll on a project on the part of the project members and sponsors.
Areas prone to environmental hazards may also pose a treat to a project due to safety of project, team, sponsors and the project itself.
The emergence of COVID19 made most offices structured with on-site work structure review, imbibing either hybrid or remote work mode and hence further allowed for people with desired skill set to work for organizations that are far off in other countries and or continents.
I can identify with technological advancement as a student. The COVID period made most schools integrate the use of online meetings to progress with learning which was not an easy transition.
Innovations in technology coupled with the COVID-19 breakout have changed how the world works. It has given rise to Edtech and changed the corporate outlook of work. A digital project team can literally work remotely without the members knowing themselves. It has also increased work efficiency and reduced some physical costs.
Technological innovations are also making waves in the environment. There is a rise in the awareness for Green tech. Any project you take on must be viewed with environmental lenses. It’s contributions to environmental sustainability cannot be compromised.
This has affected the kind of projects that organizations take on. For my organization, we take on mostly digital products and hence our work is remote.
THINKING ABOUT COMPLEXITY.
One can always identify technological advancement as a Project manager and Apply the skills appropriately.
We had some challenges in the organisation recently with some colleagues’ limited knowledge of the use of a computer.
After much struggles with transitioning from crude paper work to automated documentation and IT efficiency. With effective communication, The Team were able to learn together in brainstorming and was able to advance the cause of the project.
Thank you for your time
To fit in to changes in the world of technology, you must be flexible, open to information. Unlearn and relearn this helps to handle complex changes.