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 technology evolution has been interesting and has greatly impacted my organization. As a health care provider the way I deliver some services has been impacted by technology. I consult with electronic devices and can hold virtual meetings with clients and other stakeholders. Health information can be passed across on social media platforms and clients can engage with me on such fora..
So technology has indeed positively impacted my world.
Global issues have a significant impact on my organizations and projects.
To stay competitive, my organisation needs to consider embracing technology advancements like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, analyze competitors, adapt strategies accordingly, monitor social and political shifts, integrate ESG criteria into investment decisions, countinnue to explore international markets, diversify portfolios, have risk management strategies in place, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Regular assessment, agility, and strategic planning are essential for my organisational success.
For my organization, new technology can shake up how things are done. Using tools like data analytics and AI can make work smoother and more innovative. In my projects, technology helps teams work better together and make smarter choices based on data. It saves time and money while improving the final results.
With more players on the global stage, my organization needs to stand out. Being creative, delivering quality work, and keeping customers happy are key. In projects, I’ll need to be fast, efficient, and offer top-notch results to stay ahead in my industry.
Changes in society and politics can impact how my organization operates. Keeping an eye on what people want, cultural shifts, and new rules is crucial. Projects may need adjustments to meet regulations, satisfy diverse stakeholders, and navigate potential risks in different regions.
Being eco-friendly is not just a trend—it’s a must. My organization must find ways to reduce waste, use cleaner energy, and protect the environment. Projects need to follow green guidelines, use sustainable resources, and consider environmental impacts from start to finish.
By tackling these challenges head-on, my organization can build a stronger reputation, keep clients satisfied, and contribute positively to the world around us. It’s important to stay informed, being adaptable, and making responsible choices every step of the way.
Technology, competition, political changes and many global issues are affecting organization and project at large. All this poses a threat to a Project Manager and a project manager must learn how the world is constantly changing in other to fit in perfectly.
One major global issues in my organization is political changes. I serve in a government parastatal and no doubt majority of the involvement are political. However, political changes has poses several threat in such a way that alot of projects are been abandoned after spending so much. For instance, a project was on going when Mr A was the head of the organization and they have a clear plan of how the project will run and they were working on it but Mr B was posted to the organization when Mr A was posted to another organization. Mr B doesn’t see a need to further the project or he is not seeing the usefulness of the project, in other words the project could not continue. This was a whole lot of discouragement for members.
However it is imminent that there will always be political changes but as a Project Manager, it is also essential to prepare oneself for the hard days ahead.
Looking forward to learn better in this module
Big global issues, such as technology, competition, social and political change, and the environmental crisis, ask yourself how do these affect my organisation and my projects?
As an engineer, my observation has been lack of contracts and demand, ongoing contracts are been suspended and staff loosing thier jobs that is as a resolve of the pandemic. My organisation or industry is yet to pick up as it were. The available contracts are been dragged by so many companies leading to politicizing the process. Those who has people though with out the capabilities ends up getting the contracts. This has lead to so many fetal accidents and down time.
Big global issues, such as technology, competition, social and political change, and the environmental crisis, ask yourself how do these affect my organisation and my projects?
As an engineer, my observation has been lack of contracts and demand, ongoing contracts are been suspended and staff loosing thier jobs that is as a resolve of the pandemic. My organisation or industry is yet to pick up as it were.
Technology, Global issue, Instability, environmental, Political and social changes and so on are factors organizations don’t play with because they have the power to turn project/organization in the right direction or not.
One of my experience was when I started working with Insurance company over a decade ago, Third Party INSURANCE, then we practically beg people to buy it but all of a sudden government came and made it a must for all vehicle owners and police were impounding people’s car for not having this increase the sales of Third party in Insurance in the industry drastically and it really helped the industry.
Technology, Competition, Social & Political changes and Environmental problems have affected so many projects and organization in many ways which I shall list few below;
1. AI have been introduced to assist the society but most people use it for selfish gain whereby reducing the amount of workers needed for a project just to be able to squander money and other resources.
2. Reduction in efficiency of projects due to environmental problems
3. Change in power of government terminates or reduces the ability to accomplish an existing project.
4. High rate of competition in the society leads to reduction in quality of project due to quick time of execution of projects to be accomplished.
These few points shows that; Technology, Competition, Social & Political changes and Environmental problems have one or two defects on projects and an organization as a whole…
Technology. Social & Political changes as well as Environmental problems affect the entirety of the company structure as well as the overall service delivery.
With the advent of AI, for instance, the world is tilting towards a more enhanced technological approach with less reliance on human methodologies or input.
With social and political changes, new policies can cause economic upheavals which may overturn businesses with restrictions or unforeseen complications that can limit or enhance a company’s performance within particular regions.
Environmental problems like Covid for instance caused a global reset and a new approach to work culture and service delivery, limiting a few businesses, and creating new opportunities for new product/service entrants, which may only have been possible for a long while.
Thinking about Complexity
Currently thinking about global issues such as technology – we are entering into the AI space which I forsee will bring alot of disruptions in the technology space. This will affect my organization because it is a tech company and am sure the organization will look into ways of implementing AI for the benefits that come with it.