Project Planning Management Proof Reading Services

Project Planning Management Proof Reading Services

Introduction and summary of outcomes

This report is a consolidated portfolio of the learning outcomes of 11 weeks of the readings related to the project, program and portfolio management. This report discussed about the areas related to the management of the project. The learning outcomes of the portfolio focused upon the systems thinking, systems engineering and the project management application systems. The importance of the systems design thinking, systems engineering and project management application systems in the project, program and portfolio management is discussed. The summary of each learning outcomes has been presented in the report. Along with this, the reflection of the learning of each week has been also discussed. The main focus of the learning outcomes is upon establishing the understanding related to the management of the project, program and portfolio. Each topic helped providing with the knowledge related to how the manger can implement the systems thinking and systems engineering for the purpose to manage the project in an effective manner. The project cases such as the disaster of BP Deepwater horizon and Texas City are considered in order to establish the understanding related to the important of the systems thinking and the systems engineering in the management of the project. This report helped in summing up the understanding related to the learning outcomes. The discussion and the conclusion related to the learnings are presented.

2. Learning outcomes

a. LO1: Explain the relevance of systems thinking to the project, program and portfolio manager.

i. Summary: The first learning outcome is related to the relevance of systems thinking to the project manager, program and project. It focused upon importance of the systems thinking. The need for implementing the system engineering is focused. The reading material related to the learning outcome discussed about the case of Deepwater Horizon and Texas City disasters. It demonstrated the challenges that are faced by organizations, due to the lack of system thinking and engineering.

ii. Evidence:the learning outcomes helped in establishing the understanding related to the systems thinking and systems engineering. Systems thinking is an approach that helps in analyzing the interrelated constituent parts and how the system works in larger systems[ CITATION The188 \l 1033 ]. Systems engineering is a field of engineering management and engineering, which focuses on the manner in which the complex systems can be designed and managed. It utilizes the principles of systems thinking for the purpose to organize the body of knowledge[ CITATION INC18 \l 1033 ]. It is important for the project management to apply the systems thinking and system engineering in order to effectively manage any project.

b. LO2: Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers solve project problems.

i. Summary:The learning outcome focused on the different tools and techniques of systems thinking that are used by the project managers for solving the problems of the project. The reading material emphasized upon the systems thinking and the tool and the techniques of system thinking. Apart from this, the focus was also upon the purpose of system engineering. The use of systems engineering and systems thinking for solving the problems faced by project managers is importantly emphasized. The advantages offered by systems thinking and systems engineering and, the support that is provided by both is also discussed.

ii. Evidence: the learning outcomes helped in learning the importance of systems thinking and systems engineering in managing and controlling a project. The selection and the implementation of the right tools of systems engineering such as Context Diagram, Function Means Analysis, Holistic Requirements Model, Functional Modelling, Matrix Diagram, Need Means Analysis, Quality Function Deployment, Stakeholder Map, The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Pugh Matrix, Functional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, Quality Function Deployment, Need Means Analysis, N2 Analysis, Viewpoint Analysis, Systemic Textual Analysis and such other tools can help in effectively managing a project[ CITATION Bur18 \l 1033 ]. Apart from this, the tools of systems thinking such as 18 Words, Conceptual Model, Decision Matrix, Affinity Diagram, Function Means Analysis and Functional Modelling can be used in order to understand the interrelation among different components of the systems in an effective manner[ CITATION Bur181 \l 1033 ]. The complex projects can be managed and the problems can be solved with the help of systems thinking and systems engineering. The complex issues can be addressed with the help of systems thinking. The case studies in the reading material helped in providing the information related to the support that systems thinking and systems engineering provide in managing the project.

c. LO3: Assess the relevance of systems engineering to project cases.

i. Summary: the learning outcome focused upon evaluating the relevance of systems engineering with the project cases. It focused on offering the information about the value of systems engineering in managing the project and the project cases. The case of BP and Texas City is considered in order to understand systems engineering.

ii. Evidence: the project cases are studied in order to understand the relevance of the cases with systems engineering. It provided with the understanding regarding how the systems engineering provided with the support to the engineers in the BP Deep water Oil spill case. It provided with the help to the engineers to reduce the effect of the spill[ CITATION Ear16 \l 1033 ]. On the other hand, in the project case of Texas City, it has been found that the incident took place because of the failure to manage storage of the incoming fuel, at the time when the tank overfilled and the failure in alarm operation[ CITATION Enc18 \l 1033 ]. It provide with the information that it is important to use the tools of the systems engineering that can help in identifying and solving the issues in an effective manner.

d. LO4: Describe how systems engineering concepts and methodologies can help a project, program and portfolio managers organise a project.

i. Summary: the learning outcome focused upon methodologies and the concepts that are used in systems engineering. It emphasized highly upon how managers can use the concepts and methodologies in order to manage the project. It also focused on establishing the understanding related to the difference among the concept and the methodologies of systems engineering.

ii. Evidence: The learning outcomes helped in establishing the effective understanding about the concepts and the methodologies related to systems engineering in an effective manner. It provided with the insights and the understanding related to how a project manager can use the concepts and the methodologies of the systems engineering, to manage the complex projects through identifying and eliminating the problems from the project and accomplishing the project successfully[ CITATION Oli93 \l 1033 ]. It also provided with the understanding about selecting and using the methods for managing the project. The concepts related to systems engineering helped in providing with the effectiveness of the systems engineering in managing a project.

e. LO5: Explain the importance of appropriate selection of project management (PM) application systems in regards to meeting the internal and external objectives of a project.

i. Summary: the learning outcome focused upon establishing the understanding related to some application systems that can be used in the project management by the project managers. This section discussed about the project management application systems. The reading material is suggested in this section that is PMBOK, which can help in providing with the information related to the PMIS (Project Management Information Systems). It focused upon providing with the insights related to the importance of the information systems in the managing the project in an effective manner.

ii. Evidence: The learning outcomes helped in offering the information related to the applications system. The PMBOK helped in establishing the understanding related to the application system as well as about the PMIS (Project Management Information Systems). It provided with the information that the information system helps in managing a project in an effective manner as it allows to make the right decision during the project life cycle[ CITATION Ily13 \l 1033 ]. With the help of the information, the decision can be made quickly. It is important for the project manager to make sure that the information system will not consume excessive time and cost of the people associated with the project. Although, with the help of the information system the project manager can effectively handle the issues, that arise during the project in an effective manner[ CITATION Dun96 \l 1033 ].

f. LO6: Describe how the use of project management (PM) application systems can lead to effective PM knowledge management and decision making.

i. Summary:the learning outcome focused upon providing with the information that how the applications systems and its utilization by the project managers can impact the project. It also focused upon providing the information related to how the applications system can help in making the effective decision with the help of the knowledge management. The focus of the learning outcome is to establish the understanding related to the use of the applications systems and the knowledge management. The focus is also upon effectively planning, monitoring and controlling the project in order to attain the success. It is also discussed that how the implementation of the software can help in the management of the project.

ii. Evidence: The project management application system is helpful in managing and controlling the projects in an effective manner. It provides with the ease to manage the activities of the project. With the help of the project management applications systems, the project manger can efficiently monitor and control the project[ CITATION Leo16 \l 1033 ]. The selection of the right software for the implementation can provide the benefits to the project manager to manage the project in an efficient manner. The PM application systems also support in knowledge management. The effective knowledge management can result in the success of the project. The implementation of the skills, tools, techniques and the knowledge to the activities of the project help in meeting the requirements of the project[ CITATION Lev10 \l 1033 ]. With the help of the project management application systems, it is possible to manage the knowledge processes which can eventually support the process of the project and develop the knowledge base. The project management application systems also help in the planning, monitoring and controlling the project[ CITATION PMI00 \l 1033 ].

g. LO7: Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of different manual and electronic project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems within each PPPM knowledge area over the life cycle of a project, program or portfolio.

i. Summary:The learning outcome focus upon investigating the reliability of the electronic computer systems in comparison to the manual systems. It emphasized on understanding the advantages and the disadvantage of the electronic computer systems and the manual systems. The need of the human resources and the effectiveness of the application systems in the project are also discussed.

ii. Evidence: the electronic computer systems are able to perform the different function in lesser time in comparison to the manual systems. It is important for the project manager to implement the electronic project management application systems in order to make sure that all the activities of the project can monitored and managed with the help of the electronic systems. All the important activities can be managed with the help of the electronic project management application systems in an efficient manner[ CITATION MyM18 \l 1033 ]. Although, it is important for the project manager to delegate the responsibilities to the project team so that they do the other work such as communicating with the project team members, provide instructions to the team and encourage the team to perform their best. The manual systems are not able to perform the functions quickly like that of the electronic project management application systems. It is investigated that the electronic project management application systems are able to provide the support to the project manager to manage the project and accomplish the project in an efficient manner[ CITATION Jul13 \l 1033 ]. The implementation of the application systems can help in bringing the change in the environment and can also help in reducing the efforts of the project team. On the other hand, it is important for the project manager to involve the manual systems in order to make sure that the functions which require the involvement of the project team can be accomplished.

h. LO8: Identify how project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems can assist project managers to monitor performance and manage changes within a project.

i. Summary:the learning outcome discussed about the need for the planning in order to accomplish the project and attain the success. Apart from this, it emphasized upon the process of change during the project life cycle. The manner in which the application systems help the project manager to monitor the performance of the project is emphasized. The support that is provided by the application systems in the management of the change during the project is also focused. It is also discussed that how the implementation of the application systems for managing the project can hinder the process of managing the change and monitoring the performance of the project.

ii. Evidence:It is important for the project manager to plan the activities of the project in order to attain the success. The planning can provide the basis to the project manager to manage the complex projects in an easier manner. The implementation of the applications systems for managing the project is important as it supports in planning the activities or the tasks of the project[ CITATION San17 \l 1033 ]. It helps in estimating the deadlines and the due dates for the activities of the project. The priorities, timelines and the time frames can be established that can help in the planning of the project in an easier manner. The application systems can help in performing the activities as well as monitoring the activities of the project[ CITATION Mil11 \l 1033 ]. The application systems also supports in measuring the performance management of the undertaken project by using the formulas in order to implement the key performance indicators and the measures. The application systems can also help in the managing the changes during the project life cycle[ CITATION UNI02 \l 1033 ]. The changes in the market demands for the changes in the project as well. Hence, the application systems can provide support in managing the process of change. On the other hand, the application systems can complicate the simple projects when these systems are not used properly which can result in inability to monitor the performance of the project and managing the process of change.

i. LO9: Propose appropriate project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems to support successful project, program and portfolio execution in different industry domains.

i. Summary: The learning outcome emphasized upon the project, program and portfolio application systems that can help in the successful execution of the project, program and portfolio. The requirements of the organizations from the application systems and the information that is required to be communicated are discussed in this section. The support that is offered by the application systems is discussed. Apart from this, the manner in which the application systems have supported that BP is also discussed. The safety measures that the project manager should take in order to maximize the safety and increase the visibility for the activities related to the project is focused. The technology that can help in maintaining the different areas of the project is emphasized in the section.

ii. Evidence: The application systems help in executing the project in an efficient which eventually results in the success of the project. It is important for the project manager to understand the requirements of the organizations in order to implement the appropriate application systems for managing the project. The different types of application systems are used in the different industry. The application systems also supports in maintaining the flow of the information during the project life cycle in an effective manner[ CITATION AlN15 \l 1033 ]. This helps in accomplishing the activities of the project on the right time in an effective manner. The implementation of the right application systems can help in providing the support in the different activities of the project and managing the project. The use of the technology for the management of the project should be the one of the main aim of the project manager so that the project can be completed on time[ CITATION Con97 \l 1033 ]. There are many of the application systems that are used by the project managers in the different industry. It is important to make sure that the implemented application system can support in managing the project. The application systems also help in enhancing the safety as it provided in the case of BP.

j. LO10 & LO11: Discuss contemporary developments in the use of project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems.

i. Summary: this section emphasized upon the development that helped in the enhancing the performance of the project management application systems. The factors that are helping the organizations to make the right decision quickly through enhancing the visibility and the accuracy are discussed in this section. The importance of utilizing the effective application systems is discussed in this section.

ii. Evidence: the use of the application systems for managing the project is important. it is important to make sure that the application systems are able to meet the requirements of the organization. It is important to implement the project management application system that can help in enhancing the visibility and accuracy of the information. This can eventually help in making the right decision for the success of the project. It is important for the project manager to monitor the activities and the performance of the project so that the need for the changes in the project activities can be identified[ CITATION Cap17 \l 1033 ]. The change process can be effectively carried out during the project life cycle when the project manager has the right information. It is important for the organizations to make sure that the implemented project management application systems could help in attaining the objectives of the project. In the project cases of the BP Deep water horizon and Texas City disaster, the project team was not able to identify whether the actions taken by them are able to reduce the effect upon the project or not. The inability to get the accurate information and the visibility of the project activities and the project progress resulted in the disaster. The right decision can be made when the project manager and the project team is able to get the right information. The monitoring and controlling of the activities of the project is highly important for the project success. The applications systems can help in this area when they are used in an appropriate manner.

3. Discussion and Conclusion

The systems thinking is considered as an approach that can help in analyzing the interrelationship among the different parts of the systems in an effective manner. It also supports in identifying how the different parts of the systems work. It is considered that the systems thinking is important for the management of the project. It provides the project managers with the effective understanding of the activities of the project which can help in accomplishing the project in successful manner. The systems engineering is considered as a field that focuses upon designing and managing the complex systems. The systems engineering utilizes the principles of systems thinking in order to organize the body of knowledge. The systems engineering help in managing the complex project in an easier manner. There are different tools and the techniques of systems thinking and systems engineering that can be used by the project managers for managing the complex project. It is important for the project manager to select the right tool and technique of systems engineering and systems thinking so that the problems can be solved during the project life cycle. The systems engineering and systems thinking helps the project manager to solve the complex problem through providing the support. It is important for the project manager to understand the methodologies and the concepts related to the systems engineering in order to use them effectively for managing the project. The effective use of the methodologies and the concepts of systems engineering can help the project manager to accomplish the project successfully.

Apart from this, the project, portfolio and program management applications systems should be implemented by the project managers in order to make it easier to manage the project. There are different types of project management applications system that are used by the project managers belonging to the different industries for the management of the projects. The applications systems can provide the support in managing the project as it helps in the planning monitoring and controlling the activities of the project in an effective manner. The planning is considered as the most important aspect in the management of the project. The application systems helps in the planning as it supports in estimating the due date, deadlines, time frames, and the priorities of the activities of the project in an easier manner. The use of the application systems can help in reducing the manual efforts of the project manager and the project team.

Along with this, the project manager can also track the performance of the project and can also measure the performance of the project with the help of the application systems in an easier manner. The complex projects can be managed with the help of the application systems in an easier manner. It is important for the project manager to focus upon identifying the requirements of the organization and the project so that the effective and compatible application systems can be implemented for managing the project. The application systems help in maintaining the flow of information as well as support in the management of the change. It is important for the project manager to identify the requirements of the communications so that the right information can be provided to the team members of the project. The project management application systems can help in enhancing the accuracy of the information and visibility of the activities of the project. The performance can be easily analyzed by the project managers.

The project cases of BP deep water and Texas City helped in providing with the understanding that – it is important for the project managers to use the approaches of systems thinking and systems engineering in order to make sure that there is no such areas in the project that can result any kind of disaster. The systems engineering and systems thinking play an important role in managing the complex and big projects.

It can be concluded that in order to manage the complex and big projects, it is important for the project manager to use the approach of systems thinking and systems engineering. It is considered that the project the project manager can solve the problems that arise during the project with the help of the systems thinking and systems engineering in an effective manner. The tools and the techniques of the systems thinking and systems engineering can provide help in establishing the understanding related to the different interrelated parts and managing the project in an easier manner. It is important for the project managers to implement the application systems along with the manual systems in order to speed up the activities of project. As the project management application systems can help in areas such as planning, monitoring and controlling of the project, the project managers should implement these systems as it can help in reducing the cost and time when used in an appropriate manner. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with the implementation of the project management application systems, hence choosing the right application systems are important. The implementation of the application systems can help in bringing the change in the environment and can also help in reducing the efforts of the project team. This can also help in managing the process of change which can provide the support to the project manager in managing project in an effective manner.

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