Page 198 - DMGT302_FUNDAMENTALS_OF_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Unit 12: Future of Project Management-II

Notes
In the process, you fill in a spillway to a dam for a reservoir. You think this is no big deal
because the fine you pay for that is far less than what it would’ve cost to hire a contractor
to do the job properly.
Three years later in a heavy rainstorm, the dam breaks because the spillway has been
compromised. Seven homes are washed away in the ensuing flood and 10 people die.
Now, what was intended as a shortcut to save money ends up taking lives.
Is it so far-fetched? How often is safety comprised every day because people are looking
for the quick way out? Even more important as project managers, we have a responsibility
to be the voice of reason that understands the hidden costs and dangers of the shortcut.
Let’s look at how a PMP could have prevented this:
1. Standards: When someone gets a PMP, they are showing they are willing to learn
the global standards that are universally accepted as a standard set of processes,
tools and techniques for doing projects, ALL projects. This means they are willing to
learn the rules of the game. Rules are generally created for very good reasons, and
as project managers who know how to follow them, PMPs show their leadership
because they have the ability to go the distance, learn the rules of the game and only
adapt them when it is for the overall good of a project.

2. Stakeholder Impact: To become a PMP, a person has to learn about a variety of
topics that influence the outcome of projects. Many factors that influence the outcome
of a project have absolutely nothing to do with the goal of the project, as in the story
above where the goal was to upgrade the road. In pursuit of their PMP project
managers learn to weigh all the stakeholder impacts on their projects and to ask the
tough questions.
3. Communication: PMPs learn how important it is to communicate with everyone
involved in a project and look beyond the typical aspects of satisfying the project
sponsor to include all the factors. In the anecdote, the property owner was, in fact,
the project manager and is now being charged with manslaughter because of the
unintended consequences of his project.
Could someone without a PMP have done just as good a job managing the road project?
From my experience, having someone with a PMP leading your projects reduces the risks
of managing the project because they have a demonstrated ability to play by the rules. In
a world enamored with people “just doing it” and “thinking outside the box,” we need
folks who still know how to learn the rules, understand why they exist, and create a safe
environment for all.
Question
Analyse the case and discuss the case facts.
Source: http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-hidden-costs-and-dangers-of-the-shortcut.html

12.6 Summary

Throughout history, from construction of ancient artifacts to modern projects, the major
difference in project success has been influenced by the quality of the project team.

Individuals may be threatened and coerced into performing certain functions, but the
highly motivated individual will provide better results.
Integrated teams of willing people provide the optimum solution for most projects
whereby all individuals subordinate their goals to that of the team.

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