project management essay pdf

project management essay pdf

The Importance of Effective Project Management: A Comprehensive Analysis

1. I. Introduction to Project Management

Management of a potential project is largely a matter of identifying what must be done, whether it be in the category of research, development, testing, analysis, or program preparation, in terms of skills and resources, then persuasive selling at the appropriate levels, so that those people understand the job and have the disposition to commit that which is necessary to get the job done. A successful manager is made, not born. The skills of management are essential, because success is dependent upon decisions which bring forth action—that is, decisions which create systems of data and feedback that educate the decision-makers as to the effectiveness of their actions. Cmdr. Martin C. Winter Jr., USN (Ret) is Superintendent, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University.

Introduction to project management. General guidelines for project management. No one would ever use the defense, “The project failed because the requirements were just too hard for anyone to meet.” We must proceed on the assumption that we can and will meet the requirements, hence we must look for them so as to satisfy them. We’ve spent the last two years on the opposite problem: what to do when a project fails because of inadequacies in architecture, design, performance, etc. But we have not spent much time on a related problem: what are the requirements; how are they arrived at; and what role do product development considerations play in their formulation? In particular, when customers are antagonistic or when no clear set of requirements is forthcoming by the development project deadline, our response is to apply product development risk reduction or management techniques. However, this is not a cure; indeed, we must in this document work down to the revelation of this problem and its causes, and in particular address design for project requirements instability.

2. II. Key Concepts and Principles of Project Management

In these conditions, project management techniques can be considered as tools used to manage a set of coordinated activities along a time frame and the definition of a specific project’s objectives, considering a subset of predetermined objectives that distinguish the project from all its predecessors and all its successors. Therefore, project management should already be associated with the concepts of feasibility, opportunity, and innovation, as it covers a set of techniques, processes, and procedures used to face effectively and efficiently the complex and multifaceted problems of the company. Furthermore, the perspective of other concepts of business management, such as strategy, organization, and business processes, geometry, is directly related to the key concepts and principles of project management and its application.

The term “project” refers to the temporary nature of many organizational outputs, from distinct stages of development to the completion of entire production processes. Projects range from a construction activity to a company’s feasibility study and obtaining regulatory authorization.

The role of modern organizations is becoming increasingly complex, mainly because of market globalization, the diversification of activities, and the development of new management and information systems. In this scenario, project management becomes an essential process to support the execution of the company’s entire strategy. In the current competitive environment, and with the increase in the demand for the quality, cost, and time of the final product, the role of project management is crucial not only for customers but also for contractors who demonstrate adherence to their specifications. Also, organizations should adopt good management practices to achieve their objectives satisfying the expectations of all the other interested parties. However, we must take into account the main component of projects that, by definition, are temporary at the whole life cycle, implying a new beginning, development, and end.

I. Introduction

3. III. The Role of Project Management in Business Success

We know that project management is doing and when done correctly, project management is a creative activity. Every day presents new problems that require constant action, even if every problem is not new. The project cannot proceed as planned and its main concern is that project conditions are different, which makes the project different. The World Bank defines projects as unique, non-planned operations. Since 1955, under exceptional project management, problems have arisen in nearly 800 projects, large and small, technical, and non-technical. Selected project leaders for each task, defined and supported by professional work personnel, prepared the plans and managed the projects, recording their thoughts and activities in real-time at the point of the action. These records provide a rare insight into the decision environment and leadership process that leaders use during each of these critical projects. The problems faced by the selected project manager remain valuable to project managers today. The common problems of the project in 1955 are equally important when leading projects today. Not only are the problems common, but they also require many professional qualities to be successful. In this report, the term “project” refers to both product and service projects.

Project and role changes can significantly affect business operations and productivity. Project management has become a necessity for organizations. It plays a critical role in business success. Most experienced project managers are working on a project that already started in some way when they joined the team. Many times they are trying to rescue the project and avoid total cancellation. How and why a project started has a profound impact on whether it has a chance to succeed. The alignment of organizational strategy and projects is a primary reason for understanding the project management process. Because project management is a basic process and includes the establishment of good project processes from the beginning of a project, this positive impact is only possible if project managers are involved in the early part of the project. Knowing what project management is does not help implement it. As Jeff Pinto states: Knowing and doing are unconnected ideas.

4. IV. Common Challenges in Project Management and How to Overcome Them

Setting clear, focused goals at the beginning of projects helps ensure smoother progress. Projects can struggle if objectives are too vague or subject to frequent changes. Poorly defined goals often contribute to the unwelcome phenomenon called “scope creep,” where changes to project requirements and deliverables can occur at any time, giving rise to expanding objectives. To help you better manage your projects, it is recommended that Scope Creep be kept to a minimum from the onset, and stakeholders committed to the original project goals should agree that there is a process in place to handle project changes and additions.

Challenge 1: Poorly Defined Goals and Scope Creep

While the challenges listed below are quite common, the solutions are quite stratified as every project is different. Not all solutions will come into play for every project or situation, but they will give you a good idea of best practices for project management.

Most projects run into the same essential types of problems, and the key to avoiding these mistakes lies in careful preparation, planning, and effective communication with stakeholders, clients, and team members. Below, Augusta states the six most common project issues and provides helpful solutions to make your project run as smoothly as possible.

5. V. The Future of Project Management: Emerging Trends and Technologies

The project management landscape is changing rapidly with evolving globalization and increasing technology capabilities. More recently, in 2018, PMI released the Strategic Drivers of Business Transformation and Emerging Practices study. In this comprehensive study, the authors provide fascinating details about the global socio-economic context, the professional talent shift, the need for individuals to build success attributes for adaptable career paths, improve their project skill sets, advance their strategic impact and drive change at a faster rate, as well as contribute to their organization’s ability to grow business value and attract and retain leading talent. Together, these studies provide a comprehensive picture of the future of project management and the global trends and technologies that will shape the discipline. Understanding these trends will help practitioners become more effective change agents, innovation catalysts, strategic partners, and contributors to organizational success and economic growth.

In 2012, a joint project between the Project Management Institute (PMI) and RAND Corporation explored emerging global trends and technologies that will shape the future of the discipline. Using a research approach combining extensive literature review and workshops, the study identified and described seven key themes, including: project challenges, sustainable development, globalization, expanding technology capabilities, generational shifts in the workforce, the delivery of faster and cost-effective solutions, and the evolving role of the project manager. Two major shifts were identified reflecting the findings and conclude the study. PMI shares these insights as organizations, governments, nonprofits, and the project management profession worldwide prepare for future opportunities and challenges expected in the next five to ten years, and in certain instances, beyond.