Discuss below in a 200 words each:
1. What advantage is gained when you have a totally integrated set of processes? Describe a project you have worked on with an integrated set of processes. How did this affect the quality management of the project?
2. So I have not worked too many projects without a set of processes, but at the same time, I have been able to show a little creativity in the projects I have worked on. There are the basic ways of doing things- that are standard across the board, that is in line with the scope of the project. But I also have been able to think outside of the project's box, especially when things change, and have to come up with new ideas and thoughts. (plan B)
I think integrated sets of processes set limitations and constraints. I would imagine that someone who has a set of rules and guidelines with very little wiggle room would be almost robotic, leaving less room to be creative and to show other ideas. Sure- in some cases, a totally integrated set of processes might be a fool proof plan of doing business, but what if that plan fails?
Sticking to a basic plan doesn't prepare someone for those situations that happen when the old faithful way of doing things isn't working. I think it's very cookie- cutter in some cases, because some projects are unique, and what may work for some cases, may not work for all. But that is just my perspective on a plan that seems to be uniformed, with no room for changes.
3. Dr. Locker, Shannon,and class,
Based on the name change, it seems redundant to have to repeat the same process multiple times. This is time consuming and many times can be alleviated with a better system. On the other hand, Shannon brings up a good point regarding limitation and constraints. I have seen this in the workplace. There are several procedures that are repetitive and sometimes old-fashioned in a sense that there is still much that is done on paper. Sometimes, it makes sense to improve processes and simplify to reduce and reduce unnecessary steps. Depleting waste within work systems seems obvious. But, what happens when the network goes down and the simplified system is no longer an asset to the process?
4. Just because we are doing tasks in preparation for something, does not necessarily mean that our processes are integrated. Let me see if I can explain using an example.
I could only have wished we would have had an integrated process with all of the various software applications and accesses when I went to change my name a few years ago due to marriage. Within my work environment, there was no such option. So, instead of simply completing one form (which would be done for an integrated process), I had to submit a DD2875 form for each and every software application (outside of the standard desktop) for which I needed access. This proved to be very time consuming, and there was a lot of redundancy. From my perspective, an integrated process could have greatly simplified this on multiple levels.
Do you have a better understanding or shall I elaborate?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages for a project manager to use Project Management software over managing a project manually? What type of general purpose software might project managers find useful? Why?
6. I suspect that as we tackle the question about the different types of software available to us as project managers, we are going to unearth a LOT of features in some of the more common applications that many did not know even existed. For instance, did you realize the number of templates available in MS Excel? I'd like to encourage you to take a look at https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/excel-project-management-tracking-templates/. I think you'll be surprised at what you will find.
All: Did you realize the many benefits of Excel? In the future, how might you incorporate this application into your next project management venture?
7. How should a Project Management approach ensure that company policies and regulatory compliance are addressed in a project? What are some key internal and external factors that affect the following: a road or bridge construction project, an IT project for a bank, and a patient care system project for a hospital?
8. A project in any capacity should not deviate from predefined company policy and regulations. However, I suspect we've all witnessed instances where what is supposed to happen isn't necessarily the reality of what unfolds.
Have you considered the value of audits? Audits are yet another way in which we can monitor a project to ensure compliance with policies, regulations, etc. (Kerzner, 2010). "These audits can be conducted at the end of each life- cycle phase or at the end of the project" (Kerzner, 2010, p. 450). In my experience, I have participated in functional configuration audits and physical configuration audits. Both had distinct purposes, but the end result was that the project manager was able to take corrective action for any deviations or otherwise unfavorable results noted. In your experiences, have you participated in anything like this? If so, were you able to see the benefits? How were any problems addressed?
A project in any capacity should not deviate from predefined company policy and regulations. However, I suspect we've all witnessed instances where what is supposed to happen isn't necessarily the reality of what unfolds.
Have you considered the value of audits? Audits are yet another way in which we can monitor a project to ensure compliance with policies, regulations, etc. (Kerzner, 2010). "These audits can be conducted at the end of each life- cycle phase or at the end of the project" (Kerzner, 2010, p. 450). In my experience, I have participated in functional configuration audits and physical configuration audits. Both had distinct purposes, but the end result was that the project manager was able to take corrective action for any deviations or otherwise unfavorable results noted. In your experiences, have you participated in anything like this? If so, were you able to see the benefits? How were any problems addressed?