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 emergence of technology has undoubtedly increased the output of our everyday work in some areas, Narrowing it down to project management, we couldn’t have gotten a job done fast enough without the advent of those sophisticated equipment.
Also getting the hands of the stakeholders on deck, especially those fully involved in the project is very pertinent and given them the avenue to be familiar with the technological trends that will improve the the overall output is very necessary.
The effects of technology, environmental emergencies, social and political disturbances, world-wide trade and competition cannot be overemphasized in today’s world.
1. With technology in all sectors, projects can now be done with ease but, it has also created disadvantages in every sector e.g. students now focus more on the media with the availability of smart phones rather than making efforts to study, workers in organizations are being laid off with the availability of machines etc.
2. Projects now require high budget to be carried out due to poor government policies leading to inflation, This has made several projects to be done with less quality thereby, jeopardizing the reputation of firms.
3. Climate and irregular weather changes has contributed to strict government policies. These are now affecting projects and project managers in their decision making. Also, stiff competition from opposing firms is one of the factors affecting critical decisions such as project negotiation, implementation and profit of most firms.
However, project managers now need to be on their toes and plan properly with the project team so as to make use of technology in a way that will suit their firms. Also, effective communication and contingency plans need to be devised to combat possible threats posed by environmental, government, and social changes.
Well in this world we should know that change is occurring things
Which are technology, politics and more
So as a project manager we should always be ready for change and be ready to adept to any situation to ensure the success of the project
New technology has created opportunities for people, companies, and industries and improved product and service quality.
Political change affects jobs,
where there is a change of administration, jobs and contracts are awarded to another set of people or workers.
Change is constant, so project managers should be able to adapt to all types of challenges and be able to deliver products to satisfy his/her clients
Technology change has brought positive impact in my work, making work easier and faster.
New technology have created opportunities for people, companies and industries and also improved quality of products and services.
Political change affects jobs,
where there is change of administration, jobs and contracts are awarded to another set of people or workers.
Change is constant, so project managers should be able to adapt to all type of challenges and be able to deliver products to satisfy his/her clients
Political change affected a job we were to commence just weeks before the change of administration in 2023. The job was put on a halt and eventually it was rewarded to another contractor.
In another scenario we had quoted for a Job and it wasn’t awarded till the following year, and like the new popular saying in Nigeria, ‘today’s price, isn’t the same as tomorrow’s’. Prices of materials had gone up over 60% and we had to have a contract review which didn’t go down so well with our clients .
The rapid change that is happening in the technology industry has done nothing but affect my organization positively as it has opened so much more doors and created room for more opportunties . Thanks to these changes, I am able to learn more and advance exponentially in my skills .
Advancements in technology have created opportunities for my industry (energy) to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality of products or services. Embracing new technologies has led to improved efficiency and better results.
Increased environmental/safety regulations and sustainability standards has made my industry to adapt their operations to minimize environmental impact and to work in a safer environment.
Shifting social trends and increased awareness has led to increased engagement with host communities for a sustainable relationship that is mutually beneficial.
Daily, life throws complications at us and all we can do is manipulate them to our favour. Like they say, change is the only thing constant.
As a journalist, major global issues like technology, competition, social and political changes, and environmental problems stare me in the face in the course of my duties; but thanks to our policy of knowing a bit of everything, we get by.
1. Technology is in perpetual advancement and only the smart can catch up. Changes occur in gadgets, tools, systems, apps and softwares, and paraphernalia that can help deliver daily tasks. The latest is Artificial Intelligence (AI).
2. These technological advancements breed competition. Colleagues will devise new ways of getting their jobs done faster and more efficiently. Once you get left behind, it’s hard to catch up.
3. Social and political changes involves government policies that may hamper or improve work flow. These policies may either blossom or kill economies and businesses. Example, the Twitter ban in Nigeria in June 2021 hampered work flow, because the bird app remains a major source of information and story leads in the jet age. How we survived..? We installed VPNs on our devices.
4. Environmental problems like climate change, unsustainable lifestyles, food shortages, etc also contribute to complexities at work.
Project Managers must develop resilient skills to navigate these challenges and deliver on projects to the satisfaction of their clients and stakeholders. Adaptability is the key word.