Most common elements managers go by: a) Time b) Cost c) Performance parameters
BUT the three main Actions are: a) The project manager and team b) The parent organization c) Customers organization
Examples on what team managers can do to stimulate success on page 354.
What do the 3 main actions do Top-level managers/management a) Willing to commit b) Provide support (administrative) These characteristics help the project get familiarized from day to day with in the company. Parent Organization a) Develops atmosphere within company ( ex: good working relationships) Relationships between: project mangers, parent organizations, client organization. b) Maintain structural flexibility c) Adapt to change d) Effective strategic planning
Customer organization/ client organization a) Willingness to coordinate efforts b) Link maintenance c) Establish procedure for change d) Commitment of client resources
Failures in Project Mangement Selecting a concept that is not appropriate.
Selecting wrong person as project manger
Upper management that is not supportive
poorly defined tasks
Misused management techniques
Project termination that is not planned
Project Management Effectiveness Dealing with upper-level management a) Credibility (ex: give credit to others, be believable, emphasize facts rather then opinion)
b) Priority (ex: sell importance of project, secure testimonial support to others)
c) Accessibility (ex: ability to communicate with top mangers, show your proposals are good for total organization, be logical)
d) Visibility (ex: be aware of visibility you really need, make good impact when presenting project, use team members, conduct meetings that are informational)
Expectations What top managers expect from project managers:
a) Accountability b) Provide effective reports and info. c) Keep a good balance in creating project( no arguing, miss communication, disruption on some sort) d) Have recommendations not only alternatives e) Be able to solve interpersonal problems f) Demonstrate growth (after a project is completed)
Expectations Project managers from top-level a) Provided clear decision channels
b) Take actions on request
c) Assist in conflict resolution
d) Provide adequate, sufficient info
e) Provide feedback
f) Give advice Expectation Project team expects from project mangers a) Assistance in problem solving b) Give clear and proper directions c) Interaction d) Reduce conflicts
Project manger expects from project team a) Demonstrate membership self-development b) Capable of innovation ,creative behavior c) Communication d) Committed to project e) Change oriented
Expectations What the team members need a) Sense/feeling of belonging
b) Interest in the work they are doing
c) Respect for the work they do
d) Protection
e) Security /job continuity
f) Potential for career growth
Best practice .. Are those actions or activities that are undertaken by the company or individual that lead to a sustainable competitive advantage in project management.
Misconceptions of project management : a) Is a scheduling tool b) Designed for government projects only c) Must be engineers with top degrees Best practice Getting in out there a) Sharing knowledge only internally b) Hidden from all but a selected few c) Advertise to your customers
Examples of Best Practice by a company a) Help to avoid failure b) In a crises help to avoid a vital situation Levels of Best Practice Individual Project-specific Company-specific Industry Standards Professional (PMI) Standards Page 366: Results on implementing best practice (table chart) Having a Best Practice library Transfers knowledge to employees( future employees)