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.
Technology
it has positively affected my project management and our firm as it was a key factor for driving success during global crises like the COVID lockdown.
Competition
The market is always and ever competitive but we see this as an opportunity to innovate and do something better than everyone else, we do not see competition in a negative light.
Social and political change is something we anticipate and plan for in every project, we consider how it can affect the project, the risks, and the opportunities. This way we do not get taken unawares and affect project delivery.
The positive effects of technology on society are extending the life span of people, increased productivity through the inventions of machines which makes work easier. Also competition has impacted my organisation by helping us to stay grounded when it comes to the services we render
We need to understand the world around us because, change is a constant phenomenon. Change affect the project itself and the people involved in it. It is important to take considerable look into these changes and adapt where necessary.
There’s always a saying THAT *CHANGE IS CONSTANT AND INEVITABLE* ever since the invention of technology the world has benefited so much with this invention it helps the world and people in it perform tasks at a faster pace and it make information go viral.
There’s a saying that change is constant and inevitable. No matter the circumstances, change will always bound to occur. That is why a good Project manager should also be a forecaster. In a world where there would always be some external factors which global change is among them, it is ideal to be anticipate what could go wrong during a project and sometimes some changes are unpredictable but project manager should be able to quick resolve and difficult external changes that would bring effect on a project. So, the reaction towards the changes would determine whether the effect of changes would be positive or negative at the completion of the project.
Global issues like technology, competition, social and political changes, and environmental problems.
Technology has advance so much that aside from the knowledge gap, there is a need to transcend with the movement so one would not be left out as a PM. It is either you follow the trend or you go obsolete in the traditional method.
Political change is also a major factor to consider in terms of new policies being made. Policies affect the way things are done, if we don’t pay attention to policies, we might fail or waste resources and time.
There is serious market/global competition, unlike years back. We have tools now the make thing more competitive, unlike before people are open to AI tools, application online that give them information on what to do.
There are environmental problems that affect global way of doing things. A good understanding of the project environment is important for effective project.
The world as we know it is battling with so much complexity ranging from global warming, to food shortages, drought, war ,political upheavals, insurgency, terrorism and the likes and all these affect organizations worldwide especially if an organization is caught between the crossfire of where these issues occur. As a project manager one has to adapt to these and make changes where necessary.
Understanding the world around us is key as it keeps changing and this changes affect the project itself and the people involved in it. It is important to take considerable look into these changes and adapt where necessary.
There is a wave of change happening in the world at large in the technology world and if you don’t catch up you will be left behind. Every organisation who is willing to thrive should be looking at how to incorporate technology into their daily activities for sooth running.
As political changes occur, there is an outburst of new policies and sometimes new economic reforms which might either make the economy better for business and project to thrive or better still disrupt their chances of good success. All these issues affects all organisations and they are complexities that we have to navigate really well to success in any given project.
Social and political changes have a great impact on the economy of a country which may bring about inflation of prices of commodities and raw materials there by affecting productivity of firms and organizations.
I work in an agricultural sector and the current inflation we are facing presently, is the reason some farms and agribusinesses are folding up or out of business.
No condition or situation is permanent. As such change is a very important element in life in general and should be considered and integrated in every steps of the like cycle. Hence the necessity of being flexible, nurturing the ability to adjust, adapt, accommodate, compromise at times. Radicalism can’t be a good way of seeing things for a project manager.