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.
Technology has helped improved in managing and analyzing data in the organization I’m working in. we have had a change in policies and regulations governing organizations as well as environmental related projects, and this has led to most investors failing to invest in projects. The government has imposed very high taxes and this has chased away investors as well.
Technology has helped improve our work and design as well as making communication easy. Organizing meetings, gathering and disseminating information.
Social and political changes- this is the biggest challenge we face, with constant changes in polices and social vices from the omo onile, to execute a project has become difficult and expensive and at times delay the project.
As a medical laboratory Scientist aspiring to be a project manager,the key issues affecting our organization include
Technology: medical innovations/technology such as auto lumo, GeneXpact, Eliza etc has affected us greatly, positively and negatively, yes it has reduced the turn around time of most results but at the same time it has made a lot of laboratory scientist lose their jobs. Machines are replacing the jobs of humans. A lot of sponsors look out for their equipment more than their employees/personnels.
Environmental crisis includes insecurities and climate change. Insecurity has made people flee their homes. Climate change which is caused by the activities of man has envelope new strains of microorganism causing anti-microbial resistance which is one of the biggest trait we are facing as laboratory scientist. Climate change has cause food insecurity which has affected lots of projects and economic growth.
It’s important that this global issues affecting man kind should be addressed and enough awareness created.
Understanding Iterative Project
I have had quite a lot of similar experiences relating to the Iterative project approach especially on the receiving end at work. The project team always asks for our contributions when modifying or creating a new work application for us to use. We get to test it on the job, give our feedbacks and wait for the needed improvements
Wale Oyegunle
Team 8 Cohort 16
My name is Obasi Chimkamma
Working as a call center agent, has made me to know that one of the major challenges we are facing is Technology because clients always want to get their demands attended to as promptly as they want it which most times isn’t possible because of a lot of reasons out of which is the fact that the site can not accommodate above a number of clients at same time.
Social disturbance and Competition from our competitors has also proven to be a challenge as capital is invested into that area to keep the project going.
From Joseph Ikechukwu Onyeocha:
Managing projects in a complex society with dynamic changes across politics, technology, environment, social factors, and the economy requires a flexible and adaptive approach. Here are some key considerations:
1. Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly engage with stakeholders to understand evolving political, social, and economic factors that could impact the project. This helps in anticipating changes and managing expectations.
2. Risk Management: Conduct thorough risk assessments considering technological advancements, environmental regulations, and economic fluctuations. Develop contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions.
3. Adaptive Planning: Embrace agile project management methodologies that allow for iterative adjustments based on changing circumstances. This helps in responding quickly to new developments.
4. Sustainability: Incorporate sustainable practices into project planning and execution to align with environmental and social responsibilities. This may involve using eco-friendly technologies or supporting community initiatives.
5. Cross-functional Collaboration: the Foster collaboration across diverse teams with expertise in different domains (technology, policy, environment, etc.) to leverage collective insights and ensure holistic decision-making.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement robust monitoring systems to track progress and adapt strategies as needed. Regularly evaluate the project’s impact on various societal aspects to ensure alignment with broader goals.
7. Ethical Considerations: Stay mindful of ethical implications related to data privacy, social equity, and community well-being throughout the project lifecycle.
8. Continuous Learning: Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within the project team to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in relevant fields.
By integrating these strategies into project management practices, teams can navigate complexities and changes in a dynamic society more effectively, ultimately enhancing project outcomes and societal impact.
In my organization, one of the greatest challenges we face is environmental issues, particularly those specific to certain locations and often exacerbated by human activities. For example, disturbances arising from working at a particular site can significantly impact our operations.
Finding solutions to these ever-changing and unpredictable challenges is a critical task for the project manager. They must mitigate these issues effectively to ensure the business remains operational. Addressing environmental concerns requires strategic planning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to maintain the sustainability and efficiency of our projects.
My work experience so far has shown me that changes to almost any of the global issues mentioned in “Thinking about Complexities” can have some serious effect on major project in different organizations.
In my organization in the area of technology we are seeing not just rapid but also consistent changes to our work applications, we are increasingly adapting to AI tech-innovations. So we keep having different project teams from time to time bringing new apps or upgrade.
In the area of competition, the more global services you offer, the more your advantage over competitors. We are working on having less and less barriers to international transaction. However, once there is disagreement between the country where our headquarters is and another transacting nation, it puts a pause, in some cases, a stop to international services we with the transacting country. Social and Political crises largely go hand in hand, every projects introduced in our organization always take into consideration how the receiving society is structured; considering their day to day/ way of life, which in turn shapes the political environment.
We have had to bring in new policies/programmes with ongoing Environmental issues at hand such as global warming and burning bushes.
Wale Oyegunle
Team 8 Cohort 16
My name is Okeke Uchenna Ifeyinwa Team 7
As an executive assistant, advance in technology has helped in making my job much easier and faster for prompt and effective delivery of services. However, political and economical challenges have a negative impacts in that a lot of capital is been invested into a projects, it also affects workflow and income generating.
My name is Ero Osasenaga Team 4
In my current job as a customer service manager one major global challenge that affects service delivery is technology. There’s a constant demand from customers to have access to products and services from the comfort of their houses and offices etc and aside this, they also want to be able to access and give their complains expecting immediate responses using same means and as such the importance of constant improvement of technology in this regard can not be overemphasized.