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 issues like technology, competition, social change, political change, and the environment can have a significant impact on construction companies in Nigeria. For example, advances in technology, such as new materials and methods, can impact the way construction projects are completed. Competition from other countries, such as China, can put pressure on Nigerian construction companies to improve their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Social and political change can impact the availability of funding and labor, and environmental concerns can impact the types of projects that are approved and built.
These global issues do have a variety of impact projects. For example, new technologies can make projects more efficient and effective, but they can also lead to higher costs and increased competition. Social and political change can lead to delays or disruptions in projects, and environmental concerns can add new layers of regulations and costs. These issues can also have an impact on the skills and resources that are available for the projects, which can affect how quickly and efficiently they are completed.
The emergence of technology, along with other global issues like global warming and environmental concerns, spells more problems for an already complex world. A project manager should be able to anticipate issues that may result from these challenges and come up with solutions, as well as identify the right people to successfully deliver on projects. For example, when a law firm seeks to launch a freelance app for legal services, the Project Manager (PM) should first understand that there is already competition in the market. The PM should then consider possible solutions, such as communicating with the project sponsor, stakeholders, and team members about the need to add novel or catchy features to the app. This will distinguish it from other freelance apps already available to the public. It could potentially attract investors and active subscribers upon the launch of the app.
Technological, political, economic and even legal changes are bound to happen and makes its own effect in the business. Project managers should learn to adapt to changes in whatever forms it may have come. Not to quickly forget the fact that, a project manager should not run away in the face of challenges, critical creative decisions that would not defile ethical standards are required to take into consideration.
For example, in my organization as a book publishing firm, the financial challenges of inflation have come to bedeviled business, and the publishing industry is not excempted. For the fact that so many finds it difficult to have there three square meals, is an indication of it suggesting that many may find it difficult to get their manuscripts published. On the course of our research, we have to publish a book that we think may be used as an avenue to raise money for our organization in order for it to remain a going concern, we were not surprised that for almost a year now, the same first edition of the book that sold 1000 copies within 3 months in 2017 can not sell 30 copies within its 6 months of publishing now, an indication of economic crisis which affects the cover price, even though many wishes to buy it but do not have the got to part away with the cost it carries.
Since our organization have to remain a going concern, we need to strategically decide to go for another fashion of booklets publications in which even the children can afford to buy without requesting money from their parents, and this decision was a huge success.
As a project manager that was involved in a pig farm project, I understand that political diversity can be a very big issue in land acquisition processes especially when it’s meant for a personal business by a person with a different political belief. Technology has really helped human kind in most ways, it has helped in many ways like communication and making work on the site easy,more efficient and faster productivity, the major disadvantage of technology on the pig farm project was the inexperience of workers to use technology device effectively because most of the farm workers are not educated to understand the usage of advance technology materials. Social integration and interaction about pig farm produce has really made me to understand more about pig farm and also how to use the competition around as a source of motivation for my team.
Global issues such as technology,social and political changes,competition affect projects in diverse ways.
Technology,have really improved ways things are being done by making it faster and reaching a wider range of audience. The applications and tools used helps with building up our project plans and easy tracking . The downside is the fact that not everyone is very comfortable using it.
Everything rises and falls on Leadership.Political changes significantly affect our projects.Here policies are made,the economy is determined,security is hinged on that,other infrastructure needed is dependency on that.Hence ,not considering the influence of politics on our projects is a recipe for failure.
Competition in itself is not a bad idea, but not being able to manage it can affect our work.Hence ,constant research,customer feedback,stakeholders engagement is required to be able to manage competition effectively.
The interconnection of issues sharpens or mars a project.
As a trader and a project planner in my local church, I have had series of experiences as to how these events topples and influence projects.
we will take them one at a time:
Technology: No doubt technology is infact a rel time blessing to those whose businesses are online based or has to use the online space. As a trader, I use tech to reach out to a lot of interested clients, and educate others on my product.
Competition is either healthy or not depending on who’s involved. to me, competition helps me to strive to be a better person, improve in my strategies and discover new ways to do things.
Social and political change. This I think play a larger than life role in determining the success of whatever one is doing. If not properly checked,could mar any project.
currently, I’m handling a project that has to do with organizing a ssocioeducational event with theme on Religion, synodality and civic responsibility for a better Nigeria” while I went through the rules of engagement and the theme,it dawned on me that everything rise and rest on government policies.
In a world that is constantly evolving, it’s essential to understand the impact of factors like competition, technology, and social change on your organization and projects. By anticipating and proactively addressing these factors, you can improve your project’s chances of success. For example, when launching a new product, you can consider potential environmental impacts and their effects on resources and the supply chain. Additionally, you can leverage new technology to stay ahead of the curve and gain a competitive advantage. Furthermore, you can monitor social and political changes to anticipate shifts in consumer behavior and tailor your project accordingly. Ultimately, by being mindful of these factors, you can navigate challenges and achieve your project goals.
My experience as a teacher in a college shows that In few years time so many people will be out of job, this is so because when my institution embraced digital learning in the college so many teachers couldn’t cope because they don’t belong to this generation. Many of them had to depend on the students to help them do the connection even after the college had organised seminar on the use of these gadgets earlier.
My experience as a teacher in a college shows that I’m few years time so many people will be out of job, this is so because when my institution embraced digital learning in the college so many teachers couldn’t cope because they don’t belong to this generation. Many of them had to depend on the students to help them do the connection even after the college had organised seminar on the use of these gadgets earlier.
As the saying goes.. change is constant and it is our responsibility to adapt to such changes. The advancement in technology hs been one of the key major role in our society today.
With the help and advancement in technology, it has actually helped in may areas such as multitasking that enables us to carry out several functions in a space of limited time, it helps keep our work space neat and with the aid of some structured softwares we have today it has made work stressfree.