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.
ALISON UMELO Cohort 17, team 2.
In the construction industry where I work, technology, worldwide trade and competition, social and political disturbances, and environmental emergency stands as a major threat and opportunity to the industry. Newer technology has led to the ease of operation by means of modern tools and machinery, and at the same time led to loss of job for some workers, which can affect our relationship with host community. Also, software and applications have greatly aided in the design and simulation of structures before construction proper, this reduces time loss and structural error/defects. Often time, meetings are held virtually, and information and decisions communicated promptly at a reduced cost.
World trade and competition has led to increase in company’s capacity and ability to access bigger and wider market for profit maximization, innovative ideas from employees have won them a great deal in the organization. Continuous personal development for engineers and project managers has attracted big wages for them and has help them keep their jobs.
However, social and political disturbances is a big threat to the project. Compulsory utilization of locals in project execution, CSR/MOU with host communities, multiple taxation, poor road network for logistics, inconsistence with government financial policies, insecurity and high exchange rate regime, government failure to properly regulation capital market, manufacturing of substandard products and more are a list of burdens that threatens our project daily.
Environmental emergency like flooding affects the project completion time and most cases lead to damages in equipment worth billions of naira.
These are the major challenges the project and the project manager encounter on daily basis.
Thank you.
Alison Umelo
cohort 17, team 2
Meeting are done with shareholders and board members in the office but now technology has taken place which has to be done on zoom meeting
I am an entrepreneur in the construction and agricultural space and it is highly challenging for daily developments but keeping resilience and motivating the people on the ground and giving them motivation to move further everyday is what keeps the company afloat. As a PM I communicate schedules and tasks so that no surprises maybe encountered on daily tasks. Also, rotation of team members is a good sign of leadership characteristics
Louis Onyekachi Amos COHORT17 TEAM 2
Working in the health sector, has exposed me to certain issues that affect the industry like access to social media and its misuses. People now diagnose and treat themselves without seeking professional opinion. Also environmental factors like proximity, awareness and financial constraints have significantly affected my industry as people no long see the need to visit healthcare facilities for treatments.
As someone in the construction industry technology, worldwide trade and competition, social and political disturbances, and environmental emergency have greatly impacted my profession both positively and negatively. Newer technology have led to ease of operation by means of modern tools and machinery. Also software and applications have greatly aided in the design of structures. Meetings can now be held virtually and information and decisions communicated promptly.
World trade and competition has led to increased paycheck for some engineers due to the disparity in exchange rates, and from time to time engineers and project managers need to obtain further certifications and trainings in order to keep their jobs.
Sadly, social and political disturbances have brought about a negative impact. Social disturbances have led to destruction of structures and social amenities, which took millions of naira to erect. Political upheavals too have created similar results. Environmental emergency like erosions and flooding have ravaged so many parts of our country resulting in damages to infrastructure. The project manager constantly battles with these challenges in the discharge of his duties.
Peter Benedict
Cohort 17 Team 9
Working in an organization is quite demanding couple with the technological challenge, social, political etc that affects projects in an organization. Communication and meeting with stakeholders can be done through Google meet without meeting physically in a location. Advertisement can now be carried out on all social media platforms which can cover a larger audience despite the competition than using television and radio. Environmentally, we were able to clear waste in one of the project am involved in and make the environment conducive
Njoku Chidinma Ebunoluwa
Cohort 17 Team 7
In every organisation there are always these big issues affecting organisations and projects. There is always issue of technology, where we have the shareholders or the board members have their meetings in the office, but now meetings are done via zoom.
There is also competition, now advertisement is done on social media.
Organisations needs to adapt to all these changes so as to meet up with the stakeholders.
In event management and planning, technology has transformed a lot of things, physical meetings are no longer necessary as in the past. Now most meetings, communication and deliberations with the stakeholders can be done over a computer.
Competition: Advertisement can now be run on social media spaces, old and new clients can keep up with the organization’s latest innovations in designs and decorations.
Social and political changes: socially new trends are being introduced in fashion, decorations, food etc… these trends sometimes have positive effects
Politically some policies have been implemented e.g spraying of the naira note is now banned in events, event organizers have to look for innovative ways of helping celebrants receive these cash gifts… innovations like the cash box, dummy notes were created
Environmentally, organizers have learnt to collaborate with proper waste management teams to minimize improper waste disposal after events.. use of biodegradable packaging materials for food, drinks, gift items etc.. is now encouraged in events.
EKEMINI EBONG
COHORT 17 TEAM 6
As a healthcare provider with experience in both the government and private sectors, global changes such as technology, competition, socio-political changes as well as environmental crises have significantly imparted my industry in the following ways:
Technology is transforming healthcare globally, from electronic health records to AI-assisted diagnosis. However, in Nigeria, we are still facing challenges in implementation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited digital literacy. These hurdles can be overcome by partnering with technology companies and training healthcare staff.
Globalization is also making waves in healthcare, bringing new opportunities and challenges. We are seeing international collaborations and competitions from global companies, but we’re struggling to maintain market share due to limited resources and infrastructures. These can be circumvented if we partner with these global companies, explore opportunities for growth in emerging markets, innovation, and adapting our strategies to meet local needs.
Social and political changes, like shifting policies and regulations, are also affecting healthcare projects. These changes can be navigated by staying agile and adaptable. Policy changes must be continuously monitored, and strategies adjusted to ensure compliance. Healthcare equity should be prioritized recognising that it is a fundamental human right.
Lastly, the environmental crisis is pushing healthcare organizations to reduce their carbon footprint. In Nigeria, however, there are still significant sustainability challenges due to inadequateinfrastructureand resources. These can be addressed by reducing reducing energy consumption and implementing recycling programs.
Overall, my organisation can overcome these challenges by proactively adapting to these issues, recognising that they present opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved patient care. By embracing technology, collaboration, and sustainability, we are positioning ourselves for success in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
1. Technology: Rapid technological advancements, such as automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, are transforming business operations, presenting both opportunities and challenges for companies.
2. Competition: The global marketplace is growing more competitive, with businesses from all over the world competing for market share. Organizations must maintain a careful eye on their competition and be willing to change their approach in order to remain useful.
3. Social and Political changes: Organizations must adapt to social and political developments such as diversity and inclusion, activism, and government policies in order to meet the requirements of stakeholders.
4. Environmental problems: Organizations are prioritizing sustainability efforts to address environmental challenges like climate change, minimizing energy consumption, and producing eco-friendly products to avoid long-term disadvantages as customer views shift.
NDIDI IFEDIBA AZIKIWE
Technology, political and economic developments and associated changes in the practice and delivery of health and social care have led managers and professionals in the organisation to recognise the importance and links between problem solving and decision-making skills. In particular, assessing the impact of political, economic, socio-cultural, environmental and other external influences upon health care policy, proposals and organisational programmes is becoming a recognisable stage of health service strategic development and planning mechanisms.