Delivering professional projects

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shauneen Furlong ◽  
Wafi Al‐Karaghouli
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Initiation Phase ◽  
The World

PurposeOwing to inadequate implementations of project management (PM) procedures and processes, many large information technology systems (ITS) projects failed to deliver its promises. Also, many of the failures in the implementation of large ITS projects around the world have been attributed to inadequate PM action. This criticism encompasses e‐government project initiatives which have attempted ambitious program change, major innovations, large transformations, enterprise wide solutions, collaboration across organisations, governments and private sectors, and the implementation of unprecedented (or ambitious) solutions. The purpose of this paper is to examine these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper forms part of an ongoing research of a PhD degree to describe, critically evaluate and examine the underlying barriers and challenges in large e‐government initiatives. Also, this paper examines change in organisations due to the change in the global economy and global information society as new technology is changing the nature of work. It identifies and examines the current and foreseeing problems with large e‐government projects and describes how a sociotechnical approach which takes into account, technical, business, citizen, economic needs in the creation of a sociotechnical ITS for future citizens. In addition, the paper offers a technology‐enabled enhancement to the project‐initiation phase, the area identified as being particularly weak and inadequate in addressing initial requirements of e‐government initiatives.FindingsThe paper proposes that technology can be incorporated into the professional practice of PM. It can also be a part of a passable solution as opposed to being distinct and separate from it. The PM supporting tools, as opposed to merely reporting actual versus plans have to increase the novelty (art and science) of PM through human interaction, empower the project manager and in aiding his capacity in delivering the expected outcomes.Social implicationsThe paper demonstrates the value of effective project managers within the wider context of PM in transformational e‐government initiatives. It believes that this research will have an impact on three important areas, namely project management practice (PMC), e‐government projects and the transformation process of large projects in the public sector. This paper is about changing culture and practice of PMC in handling and managing large projects when different parties involve including outsourcing. This paper investigates and addresses, not only the transformation process of e‐government projects, but also, the transformation of PM professional culture (i.e. PMC) that delivers and works.Originality/valueThis research paper contributes to the existing literature of PM of large e‐government transformational processes. The paper addresses a number of e‐government challenges, by critically analysing and summarising a list of e‐government challenges and barriers arising from an e‐government survey administered on behalf of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance which represents the national technology associations in 70 countries. It compares these challenges to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK), which is the North American standard in PM methodology. Also, it highlights the weaknesses in PMBOK to address these challenges and offers a technology‐enabled enhancement to the project‐initiation phase. This is the strength of this paper.

scholarly journals STANDARDIZATION OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE USING CHANGE MANAGEMENT

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Henry Chong ◽  
Violitta Yesmaya ◽  
Ardian Eko Y.P. ◽  
Novita Sariand ◽  
Zakharia Yudistia Malino
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Change Management ◽  
Management Of Change ◽  
Management Software ◽  
The World ◽  
Project Management Software ◽  
Business Needs ◽  
Current Business

There is nothing in this world that do not change unless the change itself. Almost every aspect of the world, particularly the world of IT, can changed. In project management software, for instance, people have to work on software that frequently subject to change. That is why the greatest challenge faced by the company within today's competitive world is how to deal with those changes. In relation with the previous explanation, the objective of this research is to standardize project management in software development by using change management. Objective will finally help project developer to ensure that the management of project has a need of standardization that essential for reflecting the current business needs. To achieve the objectives, this research will also attempt to show why does the standardization using the change management is essential task, which is almost inevitable. This research directed for discussing about the management of change as a common way to reduce risks, costs and maximizing the benefit from major changes in business and information technology. The result showed that the project can determined as success because it delivered on time, on budged and have a standardized quality. Tidak ada di dunia ini yang tidak berubah kecuali perubahan itu sendiri. Hampir setiap aspek dunia, khususnya dunia IT, dapat berubah. Dalam perangkat lunak manajemen proyek, misalnya, orang harus bekerja pada perangkat lunak yang sering mengalami perubahan. Itu sebabnya tantangan terbesar yang dihadapi perusahaan dalam dunia yang kompetitif saat ini adalah bagaimana menghadapi perubahan tersebut. Sehubungan dengan penjelasan sebelumnya, tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk standarisasi manajemen proyek dalam pengembangan perangkat lunak dengan menggunakan manajemen perubahan. Tujuan akhirnya akan membantu pengembang proyek untuk memastikan bahwa manajemen proyek memiliki kebutuhan standarisasi yang penting untuk mencerminkan kebutuhan bisnis saat ini. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, penelitian ini juga akan mencoba menunjukkan mengapa standarisasi menggunakan manajemen perubahan adalah tugas penting yang tidak dapat dihindari. Penelitian ini diarahkan untuk membahas tentang manajemen perubahan sebagai cara umum untuk mengurangi risiko, biaya dan memaksimalkan manfaat dari perubahan besar dalam bisnis teknologi dan informasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa proyek tersebut dapat dinyatakan sukses karena disampaikan tepat waktu, sesuai budget dan memiliki kualitas standar.

scholarly journals Initiation of capital projects in industries having an operational focus: an Australian stevedoring case example

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haya Aldaghlas ◽  
Felix Kin Peng Hui ◽  
Colin Fraser Duffield
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Container Terminal ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Capital Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Initiation Phase ◽  
Unique Nature ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe initiation phase of capital projects is critical as this is where the highest number of options exist for modifying the project with minimal expenditure. Government and large organisations frequently involved in major capital projects have extensive procedures for this phase, yet organisations having an operational focus (like major container terminal stevedores), that only occasionally undertake capital projects face the dilemma of the trade-off between project planning and the management of operations. This research reported in this paper investigated the impact of industry operational considerations on the initiation of capital projects.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to an extensive literature review, a living research investigation of real projects initiated by a stevedoring company operating in Australia has been observed; the primary author of this paper spent six months as a participant/observer and witnessed the initiation of 12 capital projects. The collected data was qualitatively analysed using a four-step coding method.FindingsThe findings confirm that project initiation is a challenge for organisations who only spasmodically undertake capital projects and available project management frameworks do not necessarily consider the impact of such an organisation's culture. Issues identified that may have a negative impact on the initiation phase include lack of workplace trust, high individualism, ineffective interdepartmental communication, lack of resources and engineering and safety complexity.Originality/valueThe study investigated an underexplored industry within the context of project initiation, using the Australian stevedoring as a case study. This initial investigation suggests that a tailored project management framework is needed for the initiation phase of projects to reflect the unique nature of the stevedoring industry and by inference other industries that have a strong operational focus.

Speculations on the post-pandemic university campus – a global inquiry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Deshmukh
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe pandemic-induced global shift to remote learning calls for rethinking the foundations of design for higher education. This watershed moment in global health and human interaction has accelerated changes in higher education that were long emergent and amplified specific deficiencies and strengths in pedagogical models, causing institutions to reevaluate current structures and operations of learning and campus life as they question their vision and purpose. Since physical space has largely been taken out of the equation of university life, it is evident that fresh design research related to this new normal is required.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative research study speculates on new possibilities for the future of campus, based upon insights and inferences gained from one-on-one interviews with faculty and students in multiple countries about their personal experiences with the sudden shift to the virtual classroom. The longer the mode of physical distancing stretched through Spring 2020, these phone and web-enabled dialogues – first with faculty (teachers) and then with students (learners) – lead to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of how the notion of the campus for higher education was itself morphing in ways expected and unexpected.FindingsAt the heart of this study lies the question – Has COVID-19 killed the campus? This study suggests that it has not. However, campuses are now on a path of uneven evolution, and risk shedding the good with the extraneous without eyes-wide-open rethinking and responsive planning. This two-part qualitative analysis details the experiments and strategies followed by educators and students as the pandemic changed their ways of teaching and learning. It then speculates out-of-the-norm possibilities which campuses could explore as they navigate the uncertainty of future terms and address paradigm shifts questioning what defines a post-secondary education.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper draws inferences from discussions limited to the first 100 days of the pandemic. This on-the-ground aspect as the pandemic continues is its strength and its limitation. As Fall 2020 progresses across global campuses, new ideas and perspectives are already reinforcing or upending some of this paper's speculations. This researcher is already engaged in new, currently-ongoing research, following up with interviewees from Spring 2020, as well as bringing in new voices to delve deeper into the possibilities discussed in this paper. This follow-up research is shaping new thinking which is not reflected in this paper.Originality/valueDesign practitioners have long-shaped campuses on the belief that the built “environment is the third teacher” and that architecture fosters learning and shapes collective experience. Educators recognize that a multiplicity of formal and informal interactions occur frequently and naturally across campus, supporting cognitive and social development, collegiality and well-being. Even today's digital-native-students perceive the inherent value of real interpersonal engagement for meaningful experiences. This research study offers new planning and design perspectives as institutional responses to the pandemic continue to evolve, to discover how design can support what lies at the core of the campus experience.

Teams of Leaders Concept (ToL) and E-Business Operations

2010 ◽  
pp. 488-503
Author(s):  
Dag von Lubitz
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Scientific Revolution ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
The World ◽  
Impact Of Technology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Information And Knowledge Management

Information Technology (IT), and the subsequent broad acceptance of Information and Knowledge Management (IM/KM) methods revolutionized the way business is thought of and practiced. With e-business facilitating the ability to do more, more, faster, at a wider range, and to influence ever larger and more diverse consumer groups, the impact of technology on commerce, finance, and global economy has been frequently compared to the “paradigm shift” that Kuhn (1970) proposed as the essence of scientific revolution. Yet, despite the transformational influence of modernity on the ancient art, the fundamental principles of business have not changed: overreliance on the facilitation of business operations as the substitution for the adherence to the soundness of their conduct fuelled rampant growth of corporate laisse faire, and already twice brought the world to the brink of economic disaster (Stiglitz, 2003; Steingart, 2008).

scholarly journals The making of information nations

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merlin Stone ◽  
Jon Machtynger ◽  
Liz Machtynger ◽  
Eleni Aravopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Education Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
High Level ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the main characteristics of what have come to be called information nations and to identify some of the determinants of success in becoming an information nation. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a critical review of the literature and of secondary data on information technology and services from studies of the innovativeness of nations. Findings Success in becoming an information nation is not necessarily closely connected with investments in information technology and services by firms and policies supporting these investments by governments, or with education policies designed to support the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Other factors, such as the vibrancy of capitalism, particularly the funding of new ventures, the culture of the nation and its focus on non-scientific determinants of innovation, such as design, are also important. Governments should be careful not to take credit for achievements when their policies are merely coincident with those achievements. Research limitations/implications The main limitations relate to the focus of this article on two sets of nations, South East/East Asia and two Western nations. The review of their performance is relatively high level and needs to be deepened, while the number of nations included in the research needs to be increased. Practical implications This paper has substantial practical implications for government policymakers, in terms of whether and how they should make policy at all in this area, and for companies trying to establish a long-term position in the global economy, in terms of being careful not to go against the very strong economic forces which favour certain kinds of activities in certain countries. Social implications This paper has significant social implications, because much of the thinking about developing information societies relies on generalisations about the creation of information nations that may not hold. Governments and social commentators are encouraged to approach the idea of making “big policies” in this area with some scepticism. Originality/value The content of this paper is not original, but the challenge to policymakers is relatively original, as too often the work of academics is sponsored by governments that are trying to legitimate the value of their own efforts.

Armenia could be 'bridge' if Iran opens to the world

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Market Share ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Great Benefit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Minority Community ◽  
Bilateral Relations ◽  
The World ◽  
Frozen Conflict ◽  
Sizeable Minority

Significance Vaezi was speaking after talks with visiting Armenian Economy Minister Karen Chshmaritian. Since Iran's nuclear deal with the international powers, Armenia is in a key position to engage with Iran, building on a recent deepening of bilateral relations. With a sizeable minority community in Iran and a record of historical cooperation, Armenia is well positioned to leverage the opportunities inherent in Iran's reintegration into the global economy. Impacts With two of its four borders closed, better links to Iran would be of great benefit to Armenia. Iran could have ambitions of becoming a mediator in South Caucasus's intractable 'frozen' conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Iran could offer Armenia its oil and gas at a discount to take market share from Russia.

Global travel deals will be subject to reversals

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Air Travel ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Travel ◽  
Affected Country

Significance The pandemic has seen an unprecedented reduction in global travel. Previously unthinkable travel bans and border closures have been implemented throughout the world in an attempt to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Many countries are now beginning to ease restrictions, aiming to achieve a new and sustainable normal. Travel is a crucial component of the global economy and the sector is restarting, but it faces major challenges. Impacts Domestic air travel will begin its recovery much ahead of international travel as it will not have to deal with border restrictions. Large outbreaks could lead to quarantines for individuals traveling to and from the affected country until control has been regained. Improvements in testing quality and capacity will significantly aid the global recovery process.

Adoption and implementation potential of the lean concept in the petroleum industry: state-of-the-art

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 311-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andika Rachman ◽  
R.M. Chandima Ratnayake
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Petroleum Industry ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption And Implementation

Purpose A systematic literature review is performed to reveal the state-of-the-art in the implementation of lean principles in the petroleum industry. This paper aims to generate a conceptual framework and reveal research gaps with respect to lean concept application in the petroleum industry. Design/methodology/approach After formulating research questions, the search strategy is generated, followed by data extraction, literature review and synthesis of the results. The search covers any studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings in the period 1990-2017 that discuss the implementation of the lean concept in the petroleum industry. Findings The lean concept has been used to improve operational and technical aspects, contractor/supplier relationships, team organization and project management practice in the petroleum industry. Based on the literature review, a conceptual framework is generated comprising four main elements: leadership and commitment from management, employee involvement, cooperation and trust with contractors/suppliers and lean project management. These elements are the pillars that are founded on lean philosophy and principles to support technical/operational improvement in the organization. The types of literature identified indicate that the subject of the study is still immature. Research limitations/implications This study focuses only on the upstream sector of the petroleum industry, which restricts the generalizability of the results to midstream and downstream businesses. Practical implications This paper provides knowledge and information regarding the current state of lean implementation in the petroleum industry. The developed conceptual framework provides general guidance for practitioners regarding lean implementation in the petroleum industry, and is also expected to support research on theory building. Originality/value Few studies have discussed the application of the lean concept in the petroleum industry. This paper contributes a platform for researchers and practitioners to comprehend how the lean concept has been applied in the petroleum industry, and provides a foundation for further studies on lean implementation in the petroleum industry.

Toward a regional ontology for information systems project management

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 681-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosheek Sewchurran ◽  
Derek Smith ◽  
Dewald Roode
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Construction ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Relational Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Underlying Theory

PurposeThe paper aims to paper an overview of a completed doctoral thesis which pursued the development of underlying theory (ontology) to give coherence to research in the information systems (IS) project management space.Design/methodology/approachAs a result of the considerable concern about a lack of underlying theory in project management the author has chosen to investigate the development of underlying theory to serve as a regional ontology to give debates undertaken to improve IS project management coherence. The thesis is a critical interpretive a priori effort. In the pursuit of the goal of developing a regional ontology, the notions, concepts and theories related to existentialism and social construction were investigated. These were investigated because the research literature places considerable emphasis on the need to understand as‐lived project experiences.FindingsOne of the significant outcomes that results from this research is the development of a proposed regional ontology. This was achieved by fusing the theories of Heidegger's Dasein, Bourdieu's “Theory of practice” and Maturana and Varela's “Theory of living systems”. The regional ontology is a consolidation of the various concepts defined by these researchers. These theories complement each other to give rise to a relational model of social construction which also has related phenomenological, existential and biological perspectives.Practical implicationsThe proposed ontology was interpreted using the popular alternatives that have recently emerged alongside the established best practices such as project management body of knowledge. The perspectives of complex, responsive processes of relating, the temporary organisation, agility and organisational becoming were reviewed using the regional ontology. The interpretation process illustrated that the regional ontology is able to provide a more fundamental and coherent context to subsume and delimit these emerging new frames.Originality/valueThe thesis also discusses the researcher's view of contemporary project management practice that accords with the regional ontology principles. Through argument and the contemporary context of IS project management practice that was sketched, the principles of the regional ontology are illuminated. Through this process it was possible to claim that established best practice modes of education should not exist in isolation but should instead be situated within a wider analogical context that embraces the values of learning, becoming and innovating.

Prospects for the global economy in 2017

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
World Bank ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
World Economy ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World Bank ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The World ◽  
Downward Spiral

Subject Prospects for the global economy in 2017. Significance The IMF, the OECD and the World Bank see the world economy growing by about 3.0% next year, little changed from its 2012-16 average growth but down from the 5.1% average achieved during 2003-07. Factors influencing the outlook include weak trade and poor productivity along with high debt levels and policy limitations: these feed into each other, creating a downward spiral of growth expectations. Nonetheless, many economies are well placed to cope with this 'new normal'.

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