Reflective Journal on Principles of Project Management for Tools

Question: Discuss about theReflective Journal on Principles of Project Management for Tools. Answer: The learning in classroom brought an understanding of project management concepts, elements and methodologies. It led to understand the tools, techniques and methodologies applied in projects and project management(PMI., 2013). Project management involves a process of applying skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. I learnt that there are several project life cycle stages in a project, and each stage needs specific requirements and methodologies they include: conceptualization, initiation stage, planning, implementation, and closure(Phillips, 2013). There are different types of project categorized into sectors, agriculture, industrial, and education. Projects, and project leaders are faced with several challenges that they need to take considerations. Example of challenges facing project managers include: how do they manage projects with scarce resources? Can project be managed with different stakeholder interests? How is diversity in work force maintained? How can project be managed with changes in technology and environment? Several project managers are employing different methodologies, leadership styles and techniques in order to provide leadership in managing the challenges. During conceptualization stage I was able to learn that a project idea is generated conceptualized. There are several sources of project ideas they can come from market demand, organization need, customer request, technological change, legal requirements, social need and ecological impacts(Gido Clements, 2014). A project manager will then need to understand the environment surrounding the project. The two types of environment are organizational process assets (factors within the project the project manager can control) and enterprise environmental factors (external factors that a manager has no control over)(Andrew, 2014). In initiation phase of the project the scope is define, resources committed, stakeholder identified, project charter is created. The project charter created is a document that authorizes existence of a project and provides a roadmap of project activities(Phillips, 2013). I learnt it is appropriate for project managers to carryout stakeholder management. It is a process takes place to identify the stakeholders affected by the project. Analysis is done using stakeholder power/interest matrix the findings are used to classify them has primary or secondary stakeholders, and are maintained in stakeholder register(Gido Clements, 2014). The planning phase covers an important role in project. It involves establishing the scope, redefining objectives, and creating a course of action. A project management plan is created that constitutes several plans for quality, procurement, schedule, risk, communication and monitoring evaluation. Risk plan should constitute how risks are identified, analysis (qualitative and quantitative analysis) and mitigate the risks (share, ignore, avoid, bear). All risks are then reported and maintained in a risks register(Andrew, 2014). Scheduling can be performed by using tools and techniques like work breakdown structure where time and resources are located to activities. During implementation stage activities are performed materials are procured, construction take place, and employees are involved in the activities. There are different types of leadership styles they include: democratic, autocratic, and participative. The choice of leadership style is important because it provides a means of motivating employees to work hard. The democratic leadership provides sharing of decision making between project teams, while autocratic decisions are done by the top management only. The project manager can then develop the project team and maintain a participative approach to the project to ensure sharing of ideas and reduction in conflicts(PMI., 2013). During closure all activities are stopped, objective has been achieved, and project is handed over to the owners. The learning has enabled me to work comfortably as a project manager in employing project tools, techniques and methodologies. In future of project manager is expected to embrace technology in all project operations to increase efficiency. References Andrew, F. (2014). Effects of risk management in projects. New York: Mc Graw Hill. Gido Clements. (2014). Successful project management. Chicago: Nelson Education. Phillips, J. (2013). PMP, project management professional (certification study guides). New York: Mc Graw Hill. PMI. (2013). A guide to project management body of knowledge . Newtown Square: PA: PMI.