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.
These global issues can have significant impacts on organizations and projects across various sectors. Below are a few of them:
1.Technology: Rapid advancements in technology can both empower and challenge organizations. Embracing new technologies can enhance efficiency, improve products or services, and open new markets. For example, in my IT Support professional, remote connectivity has enhanced the way we support our clients. This has enhanced our time management and reduction in cost of transportation from a location to another, in project delivery. Also, we have embraced Automation in carrying out our activities such as AMI (Automated Metering Infrastructure) that allow my organization to manage meters remotely and eventually increases our revenue collection. However, staying abreast of technological changes requires organizations to navigate issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
2. Competition: Globalization has intensified competition across industries. In my organizations we are continuously innovating to stay ahead of competitors, whether through product differentiation, cost leadership, or other strategies. For example, some of our Maximum demand customers in power industry are given reduced rate to keep them in business with us. Understanding market dynamics, consumer preferences, and emerging trends is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
3.Social and Political Change: Societal and political shifts can have profound implications for organizations. Changes in demographics, values, and attitudes can impact consumer behavior and demand. Moreover, shifts in government policies, regulations, and geopolitical dynamics can affect market conditions, supply chains, and business operations. As Organizations we are staying attuned to these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly.
4.Environmental Crisis: Climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation pose significant challenges for organizations , our inclusive. Increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions necessitates changes in power generation processes, distribution chain management, and product design. Failing to address environmental concerns not only risks reputational damage but also regulatory penalties and distribution chain disruptions.
Familua Adeniyi
Cohort 15, Team 1
In the educational sector where I work, technology has been of great help. It has helped to make teaching easier for the teachers by introduction of various learning materials and online teaching sites. Also, it makes it fun for the students by inclusion of various curricular and extracurricular activities . This has cause a kind of competition especially for onsite schools where they have to adapt to technological changes so as not to be left behind.
Environment crisis as well as social and political changes can affect educational sector negatively. These include strikes, naira scarcity, unfavourable governmental policies, e. t. c. In spite of all these issues, the educational sector is gradually adjusting to the challenges and trying to do the needful under these circumstances.
Working within the telecommunications industry, we constantly feel the influence of our competitors’ actions, both in terms of the quality of service they offer and the pricing of our own products and services.
Furthermore, technological advancements play a crucial role in shaping the quality of our services. A robust technological infrastructure not only enhances our network strength but also expands our customer base significantly.
As an organization, our operations are governed by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). This regulatory body oversees pricing structures for all telecom products, sets guidelines for handling unregistered lines, imposes sanctions for non-compliance, and ensures adherence to industry standards.
Finally, we are guided by the National Environmental Standards Regulation and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ensure that our operations have a positive impact on the environment.
In my home, technology has become the vehicle that drive virtually everything. Ranging from communication to meals preparation and even to normal day to day running of the home. While there are lots of goodness that technology brings to the home, it can cause harzards and distort the traditional ways of doing things. it sometimes causes laxity and unintentionality in doing what should be done and in keeping to time too.
In a teaching and learning environment where I work that’s a school.
Technology has taken over most of the jobs of the secretaries. The lesson plan are posted online and the examination results are posted on line.Most Schools now operate the E- learning methods due to environmental crisis, during the COVID-19 era and after the era most schools adopted teaching online.
Online teaching brought competition amongst different schools who want to make it easier for their students.This also helps in protecting the students from contracting the virus and for security reasons.
The world is getting more complex by the day and the school environment is adjusting to the complexity.
Working as a technical trainer I experience a lot of complexity do to political and social changes but enrolling for these PM training, what I have learnt so far is making to understand the ethics and the dynamics of change and how to overcome them. Take for instants, having a project at hand there are so many things that can lead to the closure or stopping of the project.
A) like the issue of environmental
Pollutions and these environmental pollution could be, the discharge from the project is coursing more damage to the environment.
B) So as PM we must thick about being environment friendly with our project hence we must put in place good waste management system in all our yard and site as this if not done can lead to a show stopper.
C) The political arena could also lead to a project stoppage as government policies might lead to high cost, inflation might also set in leading to failure to purchase equipments. However were the PM is proactive, he will be ahead of all this issues as the team would captured most of this in the initial planning of the project.
All changes affects any projects execution as this can serve as a blocker, increase cost of executing project or stop a project abruptly.
Take for ihstance in Nigeria, project execution was affected in Lekki, Lagos state when then end Sars protest was on. Other facts such as fuel increment, weather abnormalities can adversely project execution.
As a lawyer technological advancement has greatly affected me because I came to find that we my 8 years of experience and knowledge of the Law is not enough to help me thrive in my profession as a result of the current technological advancement. With that in mind, I have been pushed to also equip myself with relevant technological knowledge necessary to help me thrive. This is one of the reasons I enrolled for the project management course.
Also, working in a real estate company, my organization is largely affected by social and political changes as well as competition. There re so many real estate companies popping up on a daily basis and this has created so much competition in the industry as a result, there’s a need to constantly improve yourself to stay relevant.
In the field in which I work, competition is a significant obstacle to obtaining funding and resources.
We have to differentiate our impact, collaborate effectively, invent, and exhibit transparency and accountability in other to access funding and resources.
As an entrepreneur, big global issues can have effect on my business such as:
1. Technology: Swift advancement in technology can pose challenges for me when i am unable to match the rate of change, resulting in the obsolescence of my goods or services, heightened rivalry from tech-savvy competitors, and an ongoing requirement for investment in new technologies to remain relevant
2. Competition: As an entrepreneur, I may find it challenging to stand out in crowded markets, and continue to be profitable in the face of fierce international competition. Reduced market share, pricing pressure, and the requirement for ongoing innovation to maintain competitiveness are further consequences of increased competition.
3. Social and Political Change: By affecting consumer behavior, market demand, and regulatory environments, changes in norms of society, consumer preferences, and political environments can have an effect on me as an entrepreneur. The operations of businesses can be impacted by political unpredictability, complicated regulations, and shifting societal expectations, all of which can be challenging for me as an entrepreneur.