chapter two
One of the critical concepts in chapter one of the discussion is understanding project management’s importance in the contemporary business environment. The topic has defined a project as a complex one time process that positively impacts the business in the long run, depending on the timelines set to complete them. However, there are some limiting factors to project completion and success, such as limited financial resources and project scheduling, which poses a significant hurdle to most project managers. Projects should be majorly focused on customer satisfaction by improving the services offered (Linda et al. 2017).
My main focus in chapter two on this discussion was on the concept of organizational structure. I first wanted to know what organizational structure is and determine how particular tasks within a specific organization are conducted to determine how specific organizations’ functions are undertaken to achieve a targeted goal. There are three forms of organizational structure in organizations. These include functional, project, and matrix organizational structures (Jane et al. 2018).
A functional organizational structure involves grouping human resources in terms of activities performed. Those performing the same actions are put under the same department. On the other hand, project functional organizations groups individuals into project teams where each individual within the team performs different functions to achieve a collective part within the organization. Matrix organizational structure is connected to two organizational structures where there are two chains of command to report(Heshemi & Sadat 2018).
One successful and unsuccessful projects I am familiar with are two construction projects around my neighborhood. Their owners started the project simultaneously, but one of the projects is incomplete up to date. The unsuccessful project owner was inconsistent in hiring project managers and hired different individuals to run the project at different levels, skipping some critical steps in the construction of this project to save on finances. The building collapsed towards its completion, and it had to be started newly. The other project is complete at the moment since all processes were followed.
The most impressive element in Expedition Everest’s case in developing its theme is the security management element applied in the project. Despite the project appearing to be a dangerous expedition, Disney has assured its customers’ trust by placing high protection standards for their customers. Firms can balance the need for efficiency and smooth development by practicing proper business ethics and social responsibility to keep the business afloat in a competitive environment. The effect of this particular project can be guided by the acceptance of the project by the clients.
Google’s organizational culture encourages innovation and openness among its employees. Any idea that flops-in is shared among them, and a collective solution is made. This will boosts employee morale in the workplace. Amazon, on the other hand, uses compressing approaches in dealing with its staff. If I am in charge of the project team in these companies, I will follow each company’s organizational culture to implement my project team duties. At Google, I would allow for independent ideas from my team member and encourage consultative decision-making approaches. At Amazon, any innovative idea brought forward by any team member would first be brought forward to the management before it is put into action.
Hi,
I appreciate your post on the week’s discussion. You have listed various stakeholders in any given project, which includes internal and external. Internal stakeholders include top organization management, including directors, chief executive officers, and project team member. External project stakeholders include clients, customers, and suppliers. They all shape the progress in which the project is to take. You have also stated the strength and weaknesses of functional structures. One of the strengths you have stated is that it allows career development for various individuals involved in the project. One weakness that functional structure may have is the long time involved in projects in this structure.
Hi,
Great post from you. I am in support of your post on which you have discussed the life cycle of a project. In your post, you have stated that there are four phases in a project cycle. The first one is the conceptualization stage, where the need for a certain project is raised and stakeholders to be involved identified. The second stage is the planning stage, where schedules and specifications of the project are set, and a plan laid. The third stage is the project’s execution, where the laid down strategies on how the project was to take place are implemented. The last stage is the termination of a completed project, which involves transferring the project to its customer.
Reference
Coutant, Linda, and Karen Caldwell. The mindful campus: Organizational structure and culture. Diss. Appalachian State University, 2017.
Paunković, Jane, Violeta Jovanović, and Srđan Žikić. “Relationship between the organizational structure and culture: Case studies of the mining companies in Serbia.” Mining and Metallurgy Engineering Bor 1-2 (2018): 137-144.
Hashemi, Maryam Sadat. “The effect of infrastructure, corporate culture, organizational structure and information technology on Competitive Intelligence in Organizations.” Human Resource Management 3.3 (2016): 43-50.