Project Management
Project management is the process of managing the way new initiatives or changes are implemented within organizations. Whether project managers are leading a team in product development or planning the construction of a multi-million-dollar building, the processes and principles of project management remain the same: initiate, plan, execute, monitor/control, and close. A major challenge that projects managers face is critical thinking and decision-making. New and innovative projects and initiatives can involve many unknowns, so the ability to adjust to new constraints or deliverables quickly and efficiently is pertinent. Project managers are also responsible for presenting project deliverables on time, on budget, and within scope.
Project Management in Leadership
While many projects begin with a set of parameters and predetermined constraints, how a project team accomplishes its final goal can depend on the leadership style and skills of the project manager. Understanding the process of project management, the importance of effective leadership, and the proper procedures to see a project through to completion are leadership enhancers. Project management skills help leaders become more focused planners, better communicators, and greater assets to their organizations. I know that understanding both the technical skills and human skills required of successful project managers has contributed to me becoming a better leader amongst my coworkers, family, and peers. The lessons that I have taken away from my project management and project leadership courses have been fundamental in molding my leadership style and outlook.
Artifact
Foundations of Project Management (OGL 320) was an excellent course that offered key insights into the project management process by examining the knowledge areas, project phases, and how they all fit together. We examined the theoretical approaches to project management and techniques in successfully planning, organizing, managing, closing, and evaluating projects. This course was also helpful in helping me to define and recognize basic project management terminology and principles. For our final paper we were asked to reflect on what we had read, learned, and written about in class that pulls together and synthesizes the course content. The assignment was broken down into two parts: identifying and explaining what I feel are the principal practices of effectively managing projects, and personal reflection on the lessons learned during the session. This paper reflects a thorough understanding of the project management process and its importance in organizations.
Project management is the process of managing the way new initiatives or changes are implemented within organizations. Whether project managers are leading a team in product development or planning the construction of a multi-million-dollar building, the processes and principles of project management remain the same: initiate, plan, execute, monitor/control, and close. A major challenge that projects managers face is critical thinking and decision-making. New and innovative projects and initiatives can involve many unknowns, so the ability to adjust to new constraints or deliverables quickly and efficiently is pertinent. Project managers are also responsible for presenting project deliverables on time, on budget, and within scope.
Project Management in Leadership
While many projects begin with a set of parameters and predetermined constraints, how a project team accomplishes its final goal can depend on the leadership style and skills of the project manager. Understanding the process of project management, the importance of effective leadership, and the proper procedures to see a project through to completion are leadership enhancers. Project management skills help leaders become more focused planners, better communicators, and greater assets to their organizations. I know that understanding both the technical skills and human skills required of successful project managers has contributed to me becoming a better leader amongst my coworkers, family, and peers. The lessons that I have taken away from my project management and project leadership courses have been fundamental in molding my leadership style and outlook.
Artifact
Foundations of Project Management (OGL 320) was an excellent course that offered key insights into the project management process by examining the knowledge areas, project phases, and how they all fit together. We examined the theoretical approaches to project management and techniques in successfully planning, organizing, managing, closing, and evaluating projects. This course was also helpful in helping me to define and recognize basic project management terminology and principles. For our final paper we were asked to reflect on what we had read, learned, and written about in class that pulls together and synthesizes the course content. The assignment was broken down into two parts: identifying and explaining what I feel are the principal practices of effectively managing projects, and personal reflection on the lessons learned during the session. This paper reflects a thorough understanding of the project management process and its importance in organizations.
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Reflection
Project Management & Organizational Leadership
Understanding project management processes, principles, and procedures is not only beneficial to leaders in organizations- it is fundamental. Project managers must identify cultural and organizational influences on projects, a crucial skill in any leadership role. Organizational leaders show competency in developing plans and schedules, responding to project challenges, and mastering communication skills with their followers. Organizations are complicated structures with many moving parts that require a diverse set of skills to lead properly and successfully. Organizational leadership majors can especially benefit from team development and communication skills fundamental to project management.
Personal Growth & Development
Project management is a core competency that helps connect the team leadership and organizational leadership aspects of projects. So often we are so focused on what is happening in our own bubble that we forget to observe the bigger picture. Working for a large organization with several divisions and locations can contribute to losing sight of just how many components work together to propel the company forward. As a shift supervisor with Starbucks, I have fallen victim to this short-sightedness on many occasions. Leading an organization is akin to managing a never-ending project with constantly shifting parameters and expectations. Not only do I have a better understanding of how my organization and its leadership works, but I have also developed many skills applicable to my current position. I have become a better communicator, more organized, and more detail oriented. I am grateful for the lessons learned.
Project Management & Organizational Leadership
Understanding project management processes, principles, and procedures is not only beneficial to leaders in organizations- it is fundamental. Project managers must identify cultural and organizational influences on projects, a crucial skill in any leadership role. Organizational leaders show competency in developing plans and schedules, responding to project challenges, and mastering communication skills with their followers. Organizations are complicated structures with many moving parts that require a diverse set of skills to lead properly and successfully. Organizational leadership majors can especially benefit from team development and communication skills fundamental to project management.
Personal Growth & Development
Project management is a core competency that helps connect the team leadership and organizational leadership aspects of projects. So often we are so focused on what is happening in our own bubble that we forget to observe the bigger picture. Working for a large organization with several divisions and locations can contribute to losing sight of just how many components work together to propel the company forward. As a shift supervisor with Starbucks, I have fallen victim to this short-sightedness on many occasions. Leading an organization is akin to managing a never-ending project with constantly shifting parameters and expectations. Not only do I have a better understanding of how my organization and its leadership works, but I have also developed many skills applicable to my current position. I have become a better communicator, more organized, and more detail oriented. I am grateful for the lessons learned.
