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
As a project manager it is very important technology plays a vital role on how i discharge your duties and obligations, giving the fact that new ways of doing things emerge technologically I need to evolve so that I can fit into the existing trend.
Competition
Having the mindset that project managers thrive in chaos as of our instructors mentioned earlier,I need to be aware and possibly research on the other companies or individuals who are involved in a similar project so that I find a better way to navigate instead of feeling threatened.
Considering the fact that Time management is a huge factor to be looked into before commencing a project, environmental crisis should be highly considered in order to determine the effectiveness of a project.
Social and political changes is another factor that can not be overlooked,as a project manager I must be willing to take though decision so as to ensure that my project is well delivered in terms of increasing the cost as social and political changes occurs.For instance the removal of fuel subsidy that took place recently in Nigeria which affected apparently the cost of everything to the apex,all of these should be factored in a great project manager.
Blessing Oku
Cohort 17
Team 8
The rapid pace of technology advancement requires us to consistently keep up with innovations on project management tools and skills.
As an Etiquette expertise, technology is gradually making the hands on practical seems outdated as many of the training can now be accessed online,this means I have to do something much different and catchy to have more clients knowing they can access some of this lessons online by paying little to nothing to acquire the knowledge.
As competition can be both positive and negative in a way, its enhance check mating, check and balancing, relating this to my company,I will say there lot of people who are into what we do and are showing it for free on some platform, this means,we that secured our must do something different to have more clients hence,we must be at the top of our game,competition created tension sort of,and its provokes reevaluation ,branding among others to stay atop and in business.
Considering the instability of govt policies and regulations and the imbalance social attitudes ,this often affect projects,there’s need to rest all waters,know the pros and cons, make survey and research up to date, collaborates where necessary and keep the line of communication opens to clients and team members.
Environmental crisis this can impact the effectiveness and efficiency of a project operations and delivery, environmental crisis must be critically considered during project planning and resources involved.
Knowing that most projects encounters the aforementioned global issues,a good project manager must be flexible, proactive and open minded to lead a project to a successful delivery.
Thinking about the big global issues like technology, competition, social and political change, and the environmental crisis, I realize that my organization and projects are indeed impacted. The rapid pace of technological advancements requires us to constantly adapt and update our project management tools and skills to stay ahead. Meanwhile, increasing competition forces us to re-evaluate our project priorities and resource allocation to remain competitive.
Social and political changes also affect our projects, as shifting regulatory environments and changing social attitudes require us to be more agile and responsive in our project planning and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the environmental crisis has made sustainability a key consideration in our project goals and outcomes, necessitating careful resource management and contingency planning.
Overall, these global issues demand that we be proactive, flexible, and innovative in our project management approach to ensure success and resilience in an ever-changing world.
Ibeh Chiamaka
Cohort 17 team 5
These big global issues can significantly impact my organization and projects in various ways. For example:
A) Technology: Changes in technology can make our projects obsolete/ outdated or create new opportunities. E.g cybersecurity threats can compromise our data and systems which will require training from time to time.
B) Competition: Global competition can lead to increased pressure on costs, quality, and delivery of our projects.
C) Social and political change: Shifts or changes in government policies and regulations can impact our operations, making it difficult operate in some cases.
D)Environmental crisis: Climate change and environmental regulations can impact supply chains, resources, and operations.
But when we understand and address these global issues, it will help us to ensure that our organization and projects remain resilient, competitive, and sustainable.
As a healthcare provider working on a health establishment, I would say that Technology has really played a vital role and has brought about rapid change in our healthcare sector. The training and retraining of health workers as well as introduction of equipment/machines, has made work easier, faster and more accurate.
This has really helped to improve the Public Health generally.
Unfortunately, Political and economic conditions, has brought about the complexity and high cost of these equipments/machines and has made it difficult for some patients to access quality healthcare, as this has resulted to preventable deaths of a lot of people.
Genevieve Osondu
Cohort 17 Team 5
As a healthcare provider working on a health establishment, I would say that Technology has really played a vital role and has brought about rapid change in our healthcare sector. The training and retraining of health workers as well as introduction of equipment/machines, has made work easier, faster and more accurate.
This has really helped to improve the Public Health generally.
During the roofing stage of our building project, the client requested a change from long-span aluminum roofing sheets to stone-coated step tiles. This design alteration introduced complexity, necessitating additional resources:
– Purchasing stone-coated step tiles
– Acquiring more purloins
– Increasing the quantity of nails due to a revised nailing pattern
As a result, more resources were required to complete the roofing phase of the project.”
I had planned to embark farm some Beans on a piece of land last year and in the usual vain of preparation, seedlings were ready and the land had the prepared aswell. Planting is usually done towards the end of August when the rains are not so much but enough for the seedlings, when planted, to germinate, and when it seizes, the morning dew will provide moisture. Unfortunately, due to environmental changes, the rains stopped earlier than expected and there was hardly any dew for the beans to get moisture. This eventually led to a poor yield at the end of the day.
This environmental problem affected my project negatively.
As an Operations officer at a domestic airport terminal, I have overtime observed global issues impact airport operational activities in various ways.
Technology advances necessitates upgrades in security and efficiency.
Social and political changes a lot of times alter regulations of air travels agreements especially between airlines and its passengers.
Environmental concerns points to sustainable practices in aircraft emission control among others.
These factors collectively influence airport terminal operations, passenger experience, therefore demanding constant adaptation and review.
In the banking sector, global issues significantly impact our projects. Rapid technological advances offer innovation but pose cybersecurity risks. Globalization increases competition from international and fintech players, necessitating agile and strategic projects. Social and political changes, such as new regulations, can alter project scopes and timelines. Environmental concerns drive projects focused on sustainability, balancing eco-friendly goals with financial viability. Adapting to these factors ensures we stay competitive, compliant, and responsive to both market and regulatory shifts, making it crucial to integrate these global influences into project planning and execution.