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.
Political and economic crisis can affect any set project especially when it comes to finance and other related areas. In my organization, we recently had an issue because the finance mapped out for a certain project wasn’t enough to complete it. This posed a great challenge to our project and caused us major setback as we were unable to deliver as at the time we should. Other plans were put in place which helped us scale through, though, not delivering at the time we should.
As an organization that work with communities on Water, Sanitation and Health ( Health) emerging issues in technology, social media, politics are serious considerations.
First, there is the compulsion of aligning to universal standards. There are set out standard procedure. For maximum impacts, these must be adhered.
The social media acts as both a check and a promotional platform. A check on possible excesses or deviations and a promotional platform when right things are done. We use the Social media to also disseminate basic WASH information that educate and enlighten while showcasing our job. More so, care is always taken to avoid misrepresentation by some elements in the communities, especially when there are contentions. The social media can easily accept any information in spite of it’s negativity .
Political challenges also abound. Many times interests try to interfere in community projects. Though, negotiation and effective communications are always employed to sort things out. Yet, the place of politics as a challenge can not be ignored.
Modern technological advancements in terms of materials for our physical projects such as water and toilet facility constructions are there to consider also. Purchasing materials that meet international standards are ever evolving. Care is taken in ensuring these issues are considered in the course of implementing our projects.
Environmental challenges in terms of Government policies, existing or non existing facilities impact the implementation of our projects. Most times issues emerge that stretch our resources beyond estimations. Political interest most times also try to impede our organizational ethics.
These and many others do impact projects. The ability to manage them result in proper project executions.
In a globally significant manufacturing company that produces essential goods, certain factors drive the execution of a project. These include:
1. Technological trends: The project will utilize technology to simplify and expedite processes. This may involve communication with stakeholders, team members, and external parties.
2. Competitors: The presence of competitors in your field necessitates striving to improve and may lead to collaborations.
3. Global issues: The global trend of inflation affects the cost of goods in all countries, which in turn impacts a manufacturing company.
OPEYEMI JESUDIMU
COHORT 16
TEAM 5
In my organisation, we deal with IOT devices. So with technology issues, our devices have to always be up to date and in line with current trends. Dealing with completion, we make sure that we provide good user interface that is also user friendly in order for our customers to habe a good experience while using our devices software.
Damilola Ogunsakin
Working at a media company, these external factors significantly influence both the organization and its projects:
1. Technology: Rapid advancements in technology impact how news is gathered, reported, and consumed. Media must adapt to digital platforms, online journalism, and possibly invest in new technologies for content creation and distribution. Many of the media houses are not adapting to digital platforms
2. Competition:: The media industry is highly competitive, with traditional rivals and new digital media outlets vying for audience attention. Needs to innovate and differentiate its content to maintain and grow its readership.
3.Social and Political Change: Societal shifts and political developments directly affect news coverage and reader interests. The company must stay attuned to these changes to provide relevant and impactful journalism that resonates with its audience.
4.Environmental Crisis: Environmental issues increasingly shape public discourse and policy. The company may need to enhance coverage of environmental topics, adopt sustainability practices in operations, and possibly adjust editorial priorities to reflect these concerns.
In the Complexity which can be face on project management
1, 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. Technology helps in effective project execution with the help of collaborative tools, in real time availability of data Technology helps in combining more approaches for the benefits of the project to helps team members to navigate large amount of incoming data, to interlink processes of project and choose the best method of project management
2, 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 globalization 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.
3. Social and Political Crisis: :- Societal and political crisis can have implications for organizations. The changes in demographics, values, and attitudes can impact consumer behavior and demand. Moreover, Change in government policies, regulations, and geopolitical dynamics can affect market conditions, supply chains, and business operations. As a project manager you must know in your mind the policy of social and political crisis can rule out your organization from the market place
4. Environmental Crisis:- This is the process where the 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. Environmental crisis can lead to damage to project if it not well address.
ESTHER EZINNE UWOGHIREN
COHORT 16
TEAM 4
In a world full of complexities, a project manager can manage effectively by:
-Staying Informed: Keeping up to date with the latest technological trends, market competition, and global issues.
-Flexibility and Adaptability: Being ready to adapt plans as situations change due to social, political, or environmental factors.
-Risk Management: Identifying potential risks early and developing mitigation strategies.
-Effective Communication: Ensuring clear and open communication within the team and with stakeholders.
-Continuous Learning: Encouraging the team to learn and develop new skills that can help navigate complexities.
-Collaboration: Working closely with other departments, experts, and stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives.
A project Manager must derive ways in handling complexities and challenges that may occur during projects. A project manger must be vast in the following factors;
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.
How We manage and deliver our projects depends on complexity of the world, complexity or global issues such as technology, competition, social and political change and the environmental crisis.
A PM sould be vast in the tech space in other to thrive in his adventure, change in political policy will clearly affect the plans and strategy of the PM in such cases, environmental crisis for instance if the stakeholders of the project are victims of chaos or war, it will definitely affect the project.
Omopariola Emmanuel Seun
Cohorts 16
Project management
How We manage and deliver our projects depends on complexity of the world, complexity or global issues such as technology, competition, social and political change and the environmental crisis.
A PM sould be vast in the tech space in other to thrive in his adventure, change in political policy will clearly affect the plans and strategy of the PM in such cases, environmental crisis for instance if the stakeholders of the project are victims of chaos or war, it will definitely affect the project.