Friday, June 10, 2011

Chapter 1 Ideas

1.  The techniques of project management cover a vast amount of topics that I was not aware of.  Estimating the time, efforts, cost of the projects delivery, and then comparing that to a cost to benefit analysis to justify taking on the project is one of them.  Coordinating the functions of your workforce which could be pulled from various departments across an organization can be complex.  The project you currently are assigned to may be one of many other projects you are dealing with.  The ability to multitask and more importantly keep track of your work and progress is crucial.  According to my project, taking it on was completely adhered to the fact that it would be very cost efficient to complete and the benefits would be enjoyed and used for a long time.  The functions have to be coordinated because of barriers.  One major barrier is we only have one bathroom, so leaving the toilet intact for the first phase of the project will make life easier.  Plus putting in the new floor will require the tub to be installed anyway.


2.  The demand of utilizing projects in conjunction with continual operations is increasing.  Companies now employ multiple projects simultaneously which adds more complexity and challenges for the project manager.  The amount of growing project based applications causes the language of project management to be understood by more and more members of management all across the board.  From the top executives, to the functional management, and team members, everyone plays a role where communication and comprehension are crucial for success.  My project, fortunate for me, is the only project I will be undertaking at that time.  Having to handle multiple projects simultaneously can be a daunting task especially if your career depends on it.  


3.  I was not aware that strategically project management can lead the way.  It makes sense in industries such as technology, where the latest and greatest product or service needs to be out first for exposure and use.  Due to such fierce competition in those industries, being late on a product launch can have dire effects on a company in missing out on “hyped” market share frenzy.  If the consumer base is that anticipating of a next move or application, then if profitable, companies that contribute to that segment or under much pressure to launch the next production.  Now my project does not compete with another.  There is no market share lost or brand compromised if we go over schedule.  I can say however, should things turn out as perceived, then in a few years when “monetary” resources allow, the next project will be the kitchen.


4.  Support of management can be detrimental in the success of a project.  A project manager needs this support system to employ and carry out the tasks necessary with the resources available.  With support, any resources that may be made readily available would be effective as well.  Sometimes a project manager has to manage upward effectively to get a task accomplished or move forward from an obstacle.  My support system is my self, my wife, and my crew.  The crew has the experience necessary to tackle any obstacles and both of us have the patience to deal with contingencies. 




                As far as any rebuttal to the book so far, I have to say I have none at this time.  The structure seems concise and practical for handling and managing a project from start to finish in a constructive way.

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