You are now to aggressively defend the logic underlying at least 2 of the other project managers' strategic plans (pick 2 of your fellow classmates). In doing so, be sure to inform your CEO of the following:
- The general strengths attributable to the project management life cycle theory
- Why the other project managers that you have chosen have done a commendable job from the perspective of the starting, planning, executing, and evaluating a project
- Above all, what you have learned from the other project managers that you have either critiqued and/or praised
The following is a basic checklist for solutions:
- Identify and address the main issue.
- Provide real-life solutions (more than just theoretical considerations).
- Address the criteria and measurements for success for this project.
- Use proper APA formatting and citation.
- Provide solutions which display critical and innovative thinking.
Below are the responses of two individuals:
Individual 1:
I would like to address the stated question concerning there being a base model or method of communication within the organization and its stakeholders and the importance of developing one if such a method was missing. First off, in the Army my current employment, I don't personally work hand-in-hand with the stakeholders but higher levels of command such as the Command Sergeant Major of the Army works directly with congress certainly does. Is there a base model of communication within this organization? Yes there certainly is.
Now, if you take away the stakeholder title and turn it into a Company Commander which in all fairness acts as a stakeholder, again there exists a method of communication. An example would be an event, training exercise, or deploying out of country where the project managers i.e. Platoon Leader / Platoon Sergeant informs the Company Commander of specific needs and requirements in order to accomplish the task / mission at hand.
As a Platoon Sergeant for the Army effective communication skills, both verbal and written, and the skill sets of an operations manager keeps the commander informed so that proper planning and execution is possible. Without there being a base model of communication between myself and the commander the best word to describe the end result would be chaos. On a personal note this was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue a career in Project Management. Time, resources and personnel management tied in with effectively communicating the ins and outs of a given 'project' or mission is something I actually excel at.
Individual 2:
In your opinion, what are the limitations of the project management life cycle theory?
I think that one of the biggest limitations associated with the project management life cycle is the actual project itself and what exactly the end goal is. What I mean by this is at times as project managers we may be tasked with a project that upper management believes will benefit the company but in reality it only hurts the company or is unnecessary all together. If I had to pin point a possible limitation within the process I would have to say it is completely dependent on the team conducting the project. Personal will always be the main factor in my opinion if a project succeeds or fails, sure money can by the best computers and resources but the personnel involved in the project are what makes the biggest difference.
How would you improve the project management plans of two other project managers if you were the project manager of their respective projects? Be supportive and constructive
For some of us it is natural to always want to lead and take control of our surroundings, but at times we may be asked to work in a team environment and take orders from others. We all have a unique way of dealing with situations that others may not agree with and see eye to eye as we would. As a team member in a project it is important for us to remember our role and be respectful of those who have been appointed as our leaders. If we have a suggestion or perhaps a way we would change how things are done I believe the best way would be to pull the project manager to the side and make suggestion, preferable based on your past experiences and what has been proven. Trying to avoid from advice based on opinion, which can be misconstrued as objective and disrespectful.