Explain the relevance of systems thinking to the project, program and portfolio manager

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Week 1 Topic: Explain the relevance of systems thinking to PM.
Reading samples Learning
outcomes of the
unit
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this
and prior unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any
prior learning
Mandatory Readings
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6
- 2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
1. Explain the
relevance of
systems thinking
to the project,
program and
portfolio manager.
After I have read the mandatory as well as the optional materials
that was recommended in this context, I have identified that the
system thinking and the project management has similarity in terms
of their applications.
The purpose of the system thinking is not to analyze the things
themselves, but to analyze the inter-relations between them.
Therefore, the application is to identify patterns rather than some
statistical analysis. When technical leaders and managers apply
this in project execution, they recognize requirements of each other
and their needs, which provides the context, to ensure collaboration
and integration in executing the activities of the project to ensure
success in the project execution.
The project manager, program manager or portfolio manager of an
organization apply the SEPM (Systems Engineering and Project
Management) for ensuring that the project, program or the portfolio
is executed successfully even if there is an variation in the
consumer needs, project constraints and expectations of the
consumers. The integration of the system thinking with the project,
program or portfolio management is to ensure that technical and
management approach is integrated properly to ensure success of
project, program or portfolio.
Sometimes projects are not successful due to lack of integration
technical and managerial approach and therefore the SEPM with
system thinking is important for ensuring success in the project.
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dance on portfolio
management;
Mandatory Readings
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6
- 2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
dance on portfolio
management;
2. Identify different
systems thinking
tools and
techniques to
aid project
managers solve
project
problems.
Project managers deploy different types of system thinking tools for
solving different problems in the project and some of these tools are
affinity diagram, graphical analyzation, decision matrix, effective
analysis, functional analysis, influence diagram and intangible
model. These tools are described in details in this context:
Affinity diagram: it is a representation of innovative ideas that are
applied for solving issues in the project. This is a simple yet
effective system thinking tool that integrate different innovative
ideas in an meaningful way that enhances the problem solving skill
of the team in the project
Graphical analyzation: the main application of this tool is to identify
and analyze the system related data through the graphics. two
important methods through which this technique is implemented are
frequency plot and time series plot
Decision matrix: it is applied in projects when there is an
requirement to reduce large number of options to two or three to
solve some issues in the project
Effective analysis: it is applied to prioritize the effects and causes
that are identified for the project not being successful
Functional analysis: it is a structured approach to select and
develop design concepts for achieving the functions required for the
project
Influence diagram: it is a system thinking tool that identifies and
develop important relationships among the different components
that are related with the system
Intangible model: it is a system thinking tool that provides the
project team the context for developing a behavioral or operational
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model in reference to the system
Mandatory Readings 3. Assess the
relevance
of
systems
Different researches have been conducted over the years that has
analyzed the relation between the system engineering and project cases.
According to the research done by eminent research analyst, Elm et al.,
system engineering has the capability to improve the project or program
performance of it is properly applied in the project. Another research
conducted by the researcher Bruff has described that performance in
project budget is enhanced by different aspects of the project such as
project planning, management of project requirements followed by craft
studies along with the system architecture.
Along with the research results, analyses of the materials has described
that the system engineering reduces the project risks and it also improves
the technical performance of the project as well. When technical
performance of the project is improved, it helps to prioritize the system
engineering process as well.
The project management plan along with the system-engineering plan that
defines the effective project process and the project methodologies that
ensures that the products and services that are defined in the project are
delivered successfully.
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● SEBoK: engineering to Have you any insights
'Introduction to Project cases. you can add from other
SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
'Introduction to
Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6 -
2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
dance on portfolio
management;
Mandatory Readings
● SEBoK:
4. Describe how
systems
engineering
concepts and
methodologies can
help a project,
The system engineering concept model, which is developed by the
systems engineering body of knowledge (SEBOK), integrates different
concept related to the system engineering. This model is known as the
concept map and through proper application of this, concept map project
as well as program managers easily prioritize and organize different
activities related to the project.
The system engineering if analyzed in details is a tool, which provides the
context to effectively realize successful system. The main application of
system engineering is to ensure that the execution of the project is
consistent with the consumer requirements. Some of the important
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'Introduction to
SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
'Introduction to

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aspects of the system engineering are operations, scheduling,
performance, training and manufacturing. System engineering is
considered in the project to analyze the business requirements and
technical requirements so that it is ensured that the product delivered in
the project is of highest quality for ensuring consumer satisfaction.
According to the research conducted on the various aspects of the
system engineering has described different approaches for the project
managers, program managers and portfolio managers to prioritize and
organize activities described in the projects effectively and efficiently.
Some of the approaches that are described by the researchers for
organizing activities in the projects are to define project scope in detail
and review execution of the project plan through effective application of
the systems engineering management plan (SEMP).

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Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6
- 2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
dance on portfolio
management;
Program and
portfolio managers
organize a project.
Mandatory Readings
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part
7: Systems
Engineering
5. Explain the
importance of
appropriate
selection of project
management (PM)
application systems
in regards to
meeting the
internal and
external objectives
of a project.
In order to ensure that the internal and the external requirements of the project
are successfully executed, it is important to choose the appropriate the project
management application system for ensuring success in the project.
Designing an appropriate system for executing the project activities is an
important task and is essential for project success as well. If the chosen
system is consistent with the project requirements, then it not only increases
the efficiency of the project, it enhances the quality of the project as well.
However, it is not only enough to select the right project management
application system, ensuring that the project ha the required mixture of
idea and talent is also important, otherwise implementation of the system
is affected which affects the execution of the project as well.
When the application system selected for the project is proper, it makes it
easier to analyze the project activities and execute them according to the
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project requirements.
For example, if a project requires storing project related data and sharing
it across various project sites along with facility to access those remotely,
then the application system selected for the project does not provide that
functionality then it will affect the execution of the project. Therefore,
selection of appropriate project management application system is
required.

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Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6
- 2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
dance on portfolio
management;
Mandatory Readings
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6
- 2.8; 2.21;
6. Describe how the
use of project
management (PM)
application systems
can lead to
effective PM
knowledge
management and
decision making.
In order to ensure success in the execution of the project, it is important to
ensure that the project has access to the accurate and relevant information
when this is required so that the decision making process is effective and
efficient.
If the project is executed with inadequate information, then there is risk of
ineffective decision making in the project. Although managers know the
importance of information for the project, they are not always efficient in
delivering information that is required for ensuring success in the project.
Therefore, implementation of the project management information system or
the PMIS is important for ensuring that the proper information is available
when it is required in the project.
If project team do not have access to the required information, then it is not
possible for them to design strategies that ensure success in the project.
Traditionally it is seen that engineers and project managers do not consider
to communicate with the higher authority of the project regarding the project
related activities and progress in the project, because they think that it is
their responsibility to execute the project and they are responsible for
delivering the project as well. Therefore, there is lack of communication
between them and for this implementation of PMIS is important for
communicating project related information so that the execution of the
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project is effective and efficient.

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● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
dance on portfolio
management;
Mandatory Readings
● SEBoK:
7. Compare and
contrast the
advantages and
disadvantages of
different manual
and electronic
project, program
and portfolio
(PPPM) application
systems within
each PPPM
knowledge area
over the life cycle
of a project,
program or
portfolio.
Irrespective of size of the company, it is important for companies to deploy
manual or electronic application system for project, program or portfolio
management. This application system either manual or electronic is
considered for storing or managing organizational information.
Today no matter whether it is a small or large-scale organization, are
deploying electronic system due to technology advancement, which has
make these systems affordable. However, traditionally small-scale
organization could not afford electronic system for project, program or
portfolio management and therefore they considered manual system. Only
large-scale organization could afford those electronic systems, as these
systems were expensive compared to today standard where these
electronics system have become affordable.
Now in order to identify whether business should consider manual or
electronic system, it is important to analyze advantages and disadvantages
of different manual and electronic project, program and portfolio
application.
Access of data is faster: access of data is faster in electronic system
compared to the manual system. Electronics systems are also capable of
executing calculations faster and accurately.
Cost: although technological advancement and technological innovations
have made electronic systems cheaper, manual systems are less
expensive compared to the electronic systems.
Data backup: electronic systems automatically backup important data,
which makes it easier to access data in case the data is stolen or corrupted
which is not integrated with the manual systems. Therefore, electronic
systems are preferred in this context.
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you can add from other
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
'Introduction to
SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
'Introduction to
Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6 -
2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings

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for Week 1

(Insert Student Name) / (Insert Student Number) - PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio
for Week 1
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
dance on portfolio
management;
Mandatory Readings
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6
- 2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
8. Identify how
project, program
and portfolio
(PPPM) application
systems can
assist project
managers to
monitor
performance and
manage changes
within a project.
The project managers are responsible to manage system
development and along with that, they need to manage project
teams to ensure that the project execution is not affected due to lack
of team effort, which is an important aspect of the successful project
management. Project managers are required to ensure that the
required resources for the project is properly allocated for which
proper control on the project resources needs to be considered.
Project managers along with team management and resource
allocation, ensures that project execution is consistent with the
schedule defined for the project so that the project is not delayed.
Sometimes, project managers are also required to supervise the
entire project team. Therefore, project managers should ensure that
they have proper knowledge about programing languages and they
also have idea required for developing the specific tools and
techniques considered in the project.
Some of the important tasks that project managers need to execute
are:
Project managers need to engage team members with the project.
Project managers need to Provide direction to the project team and
ensuring proper communication within the project team.
Project managers should ensure proper allocation of resources
within the project.
Project managers need to resolve issues in the project and ensure
stakeholder satisfaction.
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dance on portfolio
management;
Mandatory Readings
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
'Introduction
to Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6
- 2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
dance on portfolio
management;
9. Propose
appropriate
project, program
and portfolio
(PPPM)
application
systems to support
successful project,
program and
portfolio execution
in different
industry domains.
There are different types of tasks that project managers need to execute
through proper application of the project, program and portfolio
management which are described in this context.
Project managers needs to design project schedule along with determining
resource requirement for the project through the PPPM application system
to ensure that the project is completed within the approved time and budget.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that appropriate project, program
and portfolio application is considered for the project to ensure that
the project execution is effective and efficient.
Some of the popular PPPM applications that are considered in the
project execution worldwide are ASANA, Smartsheet, Clarizen and
Monday.com as it provides context for ensuring that the project
execution is proper which ensures success in the project.
Monday.com, which is a communication application, synchronizes
information to the team members, which helps them in decision-
making and also factors other important parameters important for the
proper execution of the project. Clarizen, which is another popular
application, provide context for relating project management with
social management. This application system provides different
activities that help in exporting the project to the system and also
ensure that the process that are defined in the system is executed
systematically which is required for ensuring that the project
management is effective and efficient.
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Mandatory Readings 10. Discuss
contemporary
developments in
There have been some important developments regarding the application
of the project, program and portfolio application system, which are
described in this context.
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● SEBoK: the use of project, One of the important developments that needs to be considered here is
development of the scrum, one of the most popular approaches considered
for the agile project management.
Scrum is often considered in projects where the requirements of the project
changes during the project execution.
The benefits of considering scrum in project management is that it allows
integrating changes in the project requirements and it does not affect the
project execution.
The next important development that is described here is the lean project
methodology and it is an important aspect of PPPM application systems. The
benefit of deploying this model is that it enhances the organizational system
with minimal requirement regarding budget and resources. Therefore, this
lean methodology allows organizations to deliver project while minimizing
project budget and ensuring that the project is delivered within the approved
time as specified by the client.
Another important development that needs to be considered in this context is
the future driven development, which helps in effective team management
required in the project. This future driven development is also referred to as
methodology, which helps to execute complex project process effectively and
efficiently.
Have you any insights
'Introduction to program and you can add from other
SEBoK'
● SEBoK:
portfolio (PPPM)
application
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
'Introduction to systems.
Systems
Engineering';
● SEBoK: Part 7:
Systems
Engineering
Implementation
Examples
● Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6 -
2.8; 2.21;
● A S/ NZ S 15288 : 2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
● AS ISO 21504:2016
Project, programme
and portfolio
management—Gui
dance on portfolio
management;

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References
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approach.
Archibald, R. D., & Archibald, S. (2016). Leading and Managing Innovation: What Every Executive Team Must Know about Project, Program,
and Portfolio Management. Auerbach Publications.
Hadjinicolaou, N., & Dumrak, J. (2017). Investigating association of benefits and barriers in project portfolio management to project
success. Procedia Engineering, 182, 274-281.
INCOSE International Symposium, 25(1), 1427-1437. doi: 10.1002/j.2334-5837.2015.00140.
International Journal Of Business And Systems Research, 12(2), 148. doi: 10.1504/ijbsr.2018.10010084
Li, X., Fang, S. C., Guo, X., Deng, Z., & Qi, J. (2016). An extended model for project portfolio selection with project divisibility and
interdependency. Journal of Systems Science and Systems Engineering, 25(1), 119-138.
Locatelli, G., Mancini, M., & Romano, E. (2017). Project manager and systems engineer: a literature rich reflection on roles and
responsibilities. International Journal Of Project Organisation And Management, 9(3), 195. doi: 10.1504/ijpom.2017.087577
Miterev, M., Engwall, M., & Jerbrant, A. (2016). Exploring program management competences for various program types. International
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Miterev, M., Mancini, M., & Turner, R. (2017). Towards a design for the project-based organization. International Journal of Project
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Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Sirisomboonsuk, P., Gu, V. C., Cao, R. Q., & Burns, J. R. (2018). Relationships between project governance and information technology

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governance and their impact on project performance. International journal of project management, 36(2), 287-300.x
Zhao, Y. (2015). Towards innovative system development: A joint method of design thinking and systems thinking.