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 innovations of the artificial intelligence has really come to play in project management work.
Projects are live activities. This means that project managers and project participants are not going to sleep. They must continue to scan the project environment for changes. They must respond to changes and communicate these changes to stakeholders. These project behaviours assure success.
Technology has revolutionized project management approach. The implementation of AI-powered tools to enhance data analysis and automate tasks, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy. However, there is also the need to address new challenges in data privacy and security.
Socio-political changes have also influenced project goals and stakeholder engagement strategies. There is need to adapt to new regulations and public expectations, requiring more agility and responsiveness in project management approach.
For most projects of course. Due to the political change in Nigeria that has affected the economy. There is rise in the prices of most items used for the projects.
The project we are currently on started last year and the bill of quantity was approved by the client and team members.
Due to social and political disturbances, the BOQ is not feasible as prices of materials have skyrocketed. This has proven a problem not only to the team but to the client who has refused to meet up with current rates.
HOW CAN FACTORS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIO-POLITICAL CHANGE AFFECT AN ORGANIZATION AND ITS PROJECT:
1) THE ENVIRONMENT: The environment can pose constraints to an organisation’s goals and objectives through various factors ranging from economic conditions, social trends, industry trends and competition which consists of multiple organizations that collectively compete with one another by providing similar goods, services, or both. Some organizations can wield such magnitude of power as to influence major decisions that shape the general environment. A basic understanding of an organization’s environment invariably impacts the kind of projects it’ll undertake as well as the decision making process around the project. The environment could also be a source of opportunities and threats for an organization as these factors can greatly impact its performance level.
2) TECHNOLOGY: The emergence of ever evolving technological trends play a crucial role in influencing organizational change processes by reshaping structures, cultures, and behaviors within organizations. This can largely impact an organization’s mode of operation. For instance, industries that border on administrative type functions can leverage technology to making work more efficient, accurate, and faster, thereby leading to the maximization of an organization’s overall performance in terms of productivity and competitiveness.
3) SOCIO-POLITICAL FACTORS: These factors can present themselves in situations ranging from language barrier, currency exchange and inflation rate, managing global teams, foreign politics and relations and the nuances that surround them, policy changes, trade regulations, cultural differences and so on.
The decisions made concerning these factors can have a direct impact on the operations of an organization and subsequently its projects. For instance, when there is a shift in trade policies, it can disrupt global supply chains and affect international businesses which can adversely affect the outcome of a project if risk management isn’t introduced ab initio.
The world as a global village its an understanding a Project Manager must have as a cornerstone idea in all his or her actions
In line with the above comes the impact of changing technology, trade and competition on a global scale, global political and social alliances and the renew efforts to curb the actions or impacts of environmental emergency resulting from global climatic changes plays important role in Project Management.
In my organization based in an African country, all the above have had their impact on our business. The impact of new technology for business such as adopting ERP system, looking for alternative sources energy such as solar has improve our business. However, we have had to compete in sourcing for our raw material’s (corrugated reels from oversea paper mills) which in turns means we are competing with other companies overseas or also in complying with international business standards like having SEDEX Certification, ISO 9001: 2015 Certification etc which are requisite for doing business with affiliates of international brands like Coca Cola, Henkel etc.
Above all, political and social reforms has necessitated unanticipated government policies changes (tax, wages reforms etc) some which led to increase in plan project cost and this often requires a review in the scope of existing projects or his budgets, Also environmental effects and need to be more environmental friendly also are few of the critical decisions to consider as a Project Manager
Discussion complexity
New Technology
Technological complexity by differentiation refers to the variety and diversity of some aspects of a task such as number and diversity of inputs/outputs, number and diversity of tasks to undertake, and number of specialities and contractors, involved in the project
Globalisation of trade and competition
The economy’s entry into its globalisation phase has radically altered the nature of competition. Now, numerous new actors from every market in the world are simultaneously in competition on every market. This new competition has accentuated the interdependence of the different levels of globalisation trade in goods and services, direct investment, technology transfers, capital movements), with direct investment becoming a central factor in the process of industrial restructuring and the development of genuine world industries.
To contend with the challenges of globalization, firms have altered their strategies, strengthening the activities in which they were in a dominant position (refocusing), seeking to achieve critical size and attaching priority to external growth (mergers and acquisitions). At the same time, they have multiplied the number of co-operation agreements and alliances and changed their internal organisation. Globalisation has obliged all countries to raise their standards of economic efficiency, whence the growing interest in and concern about competitiveness. Analysis of globalisation has also revealed the change in the context in which most traditional indicators of competitiveness are interpreted, and demonstrated the urgent need to develop a new generation of indicators based on new information, so as to be able to throw new light on the more traditional indicators
One of the main difficulties in defining and measuring competitive is that the two main reference levels — the firm and the nation — have differing objectives. While for a nation the aim is to maintain and improve its citizens’ living standards, for a firm the object is to deal successfully with international competition by making profits and increasing its market shares
Social and Political Change:
Social and political changes have far-reaching implications for organizations and projects. For instance, shifts in social attitudes may require organizations to adapt their marketing approaches or develop new products to cater to changing consumer demands. Additionally, changes in government policies and regulations can impact project workflows, funding opportunities, or even project viability
Environmental crisis
Environmental crisis it in project management are refers to the assessment and consideration of the negative effects that a project may have on the environment. It involves identifying and evaluating the potential impacts of a project on ecosystems, resources, and socio-economic factors.
Uwoghiren Osagie Williams
Cohort 16
Team 10
Considering these global issues can provide valuable insights into how they might affect your organization and projects. Complexities and challenges around the globe affects Project Management in ma y ways
1.Technology: Technology around the world has tilted many ways things are done and project management are not left out. The introduction of Ai has also affected human participation as this technology is also changing the faces of projects. Some ongoing projects are changed to include the involvement of non human actors.
2. Environmental factors: Changes in weather, climate change and other environmental hazards affects projects as some projects may be abandoned due to harsh weather and other.
3. Social factors: Social factors such as the activities of non governmental organizations can abruptly change existing or anticipated projects. The project manager should anticipate crisis of interest between government and non state actors.
4. Competition: Increased competition, both locally and globally, may require your organization to differentiate itself through unique value propositions or strategic partnerships. Understanding competitor strategies can inform your project planning and execution to maintain a competitive edge.
By proactively considering these factors, you can better position your organization and projects to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving global landscape.
My name is Charles Ntanta.
The complexities and challenges around the globe affects Project Management in ma y ways.
1. Political Crisis: Uncertainty in governments across the globe affects management of projects around the world. Many governments are toppled by military juntas and the result is that many projects are suspended or stopped entirely. Policy changes also affect projects.
2. Crisis. Crisis across the country also have it’s toll project executions. Many projects will be affected deliberately or in-deliberately. Project managers need to Wear their thinking cap to ensure they are able to forge ahead with their responsibilities as assigned.
3. Technology: Technology around the world has tilted many ways things are done and project management are not left out. The introduction of Ai has also affected human participation as this technology is also changing the faces of projects. Some ongoing projects are changed to include the involvement of non human actors.
4. Environmental factors: Changes in weather, climate change and other environmental hazards affects projects as some projects may be abandoned due to harsh weather and other.
5. Social factors: Social factors such as the activities of non governmental organizations can abruptly change existing or anticipated projects. The project manager should anticipate crisis of interest between government and non state actors.
In lue of these factors, PM should plan and replan to ensure the success of their projects.