Replies: Read the posts of at least two students who selected a different principle from you. Comment on the principle they selected, using personal experience or additional research to further advanc
Post # 1
Kenny: Leading Change
Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements (PMI, 2017). Whereas, “change management is just that – a tool that you use to manage change” (Parker, Charlton, Ribeiro & Pathak, 2012). Project management and change management are fundamental business disciplines that are utilized to drive the implementation or modification of business processes, procedures and technological solutions. Project management and change management are closely intertwined together. Both management practices allow for organizations to be nimble when implementing and/or modifying solutions, be it technical or non-technical.
Project Management
In the book Project Management for Engineering Design the authors, Lessard and Lessard, notes that a project “is a temporary endeavor undertaken to accomplish a unique purpose” (2015, p.9). Projects are management by project managers. It is the responsibility of project managers to make sure that projects remain on time, within scope and within a predefined budget. Project managers are also responsible for the day to day oversight of the individuals responsible for completing the various project related tasks. The authors of the book also make it clear that the act of project management is “the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholder needs and expectations from a project” (Lessard, 2015, p.9)
Change Management
Change management provides a platform and structure by which employees can propose and implement a change that aims to meet the objectives of the business. The use of a change management framework is primarily for the purpose of ensuring that every implemented change is successful and ultimately produces the expected results. Change management, as a practical matter, leverages the normal mechanisms within an organization to influence and develop employees through broad activities, such as communications, training and visible sponsorship (Creasey & Hiatt, 2012). Change management permeates throughout every sector of an organization. Teams that manage the day to day business operations to portfolio, program and project management are impacted by change and should be using a change management framework to manage changes.
How are project management and change management related in the planning and execution of projects/programs?
Change management can be considered a project and utilize project-based processes to successfully implement change (Andersen, 2016). The act of implementing a change is a project. In order for a change to be successfully implement a plan must devised, resources must be allocated, and a budget must be defined. There has to be a clearly defined and agreed upon scope for the work that will be completed to ensure the successful implementation of a change.
As for how change management is integrated into project management, within a project management plan there is a separate plan that outlines how changes will be managed. The change management plan “describes how the change requests throughout the project will be formally authorized and incorporated” (PMI, 2017). When changes to project scope are introduced the project management team will use the change management plan as a framework to guide them through the review, approval and implementation of a change. Within project management, change management is an integral tool used to reduce scope creep and maintain project continuity.
Biblical Integration
In Proverbs 27:23-24 the scripture reads, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations” (Zondervan, 2016). The scripture makes it clear that within an organization those responsible for leading must pay attention and keep control of activities going on within the various business units. By having project management and change management, organizations are able to keep track of their initiatives from a granular to global perspective. Organizations have to incessantly examine the condition of their projects and organizational changes to guarantee sustainable growth and continuous improvement.
References
Lessard, C. S., & Lessard, J. P. (2015). Project management for engineering design. San Rafael, CA: Morgan & Claypool.
PMI, (2017). A guide to the project management body of knowledge: (PMBOK guide). Newtown Square, PA, NY: Project Management Institute.
Parker, D., Charlton, J., Ribeiro, A., & Pathak, R. D. (2013). Integration of project-based management and change management. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 62(5), 534-544. doi:10.1108/ijppm-10-2012-0108
Andersen, E. S. (2016). Do project managers have different perspectives on project management? International Journal of Project Management, 34(1), 58-65. doi:10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.09.007
Hiatt, J., & Creasey, T. J. (2012). Change management: The people side of change. Loveland,, CO: Prosci Learning Center Publications.
Zondervan. (2016). Niv, faith and work Bible. NIV, faith and work Bible. Grand Rapids, MI.
Post # 2
Jeremy: Leading Change
How are project management and change management related in the planning and execution of projects/programs?
Project Management (PM) and Change Management (CM) intertwine in the planning and execution of projects or programs. PM and CM are used to manage the delivery change to organizations (Pollack, J., & Algeo, C, 2015). PM and CM share similarities; they are both two different disciplines and have different backgrounds. PM involves the use of “people, processes, and methodologies to plan, initiate, execute, monitor and close activities” (Alexander, 2016). While CM involves “people, processes, and tools to effectively help an organization manage changes that occur” (Alexander, 2016). A PM focuses on ways to control the schedule, budget, and quality of the final product for the project or project. In contrast, a CM will focus on human relations, communication, strategy, and organizational development to ensure effective CM occurs.
During the planning phase of any project and program, the PM and CM professionals must work closely together to ensure the project or program is successful. When planning a project, a PM will focus on the project’s tasks and activities to achieve the technical solution to the project (Creasey, n.d.). CM professionals, when planning a project or program, will manage the impact that change has on employees of the organization. However, both PM and CM professionals relate in planning as they both will plan on how they will effectively manage the effects change will have on them doing the project or program. PM and CM might have different backgrounds and disciplines. However, both are related in that if they are not careful in planning out the project or program effectively, the project or program will ultimately fail. Furthermore, PM and CM relate to the execution of projects and programs. The process and procedures in each discipline might differ, but the end goal of each discipline is not different, and they both want to ensure the project or program completes successfully. Finally, PM and CM professionals need to work together during the planning and execution phase of the project or program to help ensure the change for the organization is a successful one. The different backgrounds and perspectives that the PM and CM bring to the project or program will ensure that the organization goes through the change without any issues. In Proverbs 27:11 (English Standard Version), it says Iron sharpens Iron, and one man sharpens another. This passage states the importance of working together to become better.
What elements should the practitioner consider when executing projects/programs as part of an organizational change strategy.
Managing change within an organization is not an easy task, but with proper planning, this can get accomplished. The practitioner should understand that change will come resistance. However, with proper communication and planning, resistance to change can be mitigated or altogether eliminated. Research states that there are four elements of change management. The four elements are clear communication, be empathetic and not sympathetic, work with the willing, and hold staff accountable (Korth, n.d.). The practitioner ensures clear communication occurs when executing a project or program as part of an organizational change strategy. Clear communication ensures that stakeholders and employees know what changes will occur during the project or program. The practitioner must be empathetic, not sympathetic, ensuring that people in the organization feel as if they can voice their concerns over the changes the project, or program, will bring and answer any concerns and alleviate any concerns or issues. The practitioner should work with the willing to ensure that no unnecessary and unproductive amount of time gets used on trying to ensure everyone in the organization is on board with the change. The final element that the practitioner should focus on is holding staff accountable. Holding staff accountable when managing an organizational change strategy is vital to ensure that expectations are set and creates a culture of responsibility. The practitioner should consider these four elements when executing a project, or program, as part of an organizational change strategy. Remember when change is happening that God is with us always, as it says in Jeremiah 29:11(English Standard Version), “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
References
Alexander, M. (2016, September 19). What’s difference between project management and change management? CIO. https://www.cio.com/article/3121685/what-s-difference-between-project-management-and-change-management.html
Creasey, T. (n.d.). Change management and project management: A side-by-side comparison. Change Management-Prosci. https://prosci.com/change-management-and-project-management-comparison
Korth, J. (n.d.). Four key elements of change management for leaders. AMN Healthcare. https://www.amnhealthcare.com/4-elements-of-change-management-for-leaders/
Pollack, J., & Algeo, C. (2015). The contribution of project management and change management to project success. London: Centre for Business & Economic Research. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.proquest.com%2Fdocview%2F1678577807%3Faccountid%3D12085
