Managing Programs and Projects

This document provides insights on managing programs and projects, specifically focusing on the case of restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge. It discusses the core planning process, project challenges, and critical evaluation of project planning using the Prince2 methodology.

Managing programs and
projects

Table of Contents
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
Introduction.................................................................................................................................1
Analysis of core planning process...............................................................................................2
Critical evaluation of project planning process...........................................................................4
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
Reflection....................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

TASK 1
Introduction
The project is based upon the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge which was already
constructed on 15 December, 2009 and now, government sponsor to repair or restructuring the
front part of the bridge so that people will easily cross the sea. Therefore, the entire project is
also based upon the chosen topic i.e. Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge and by repairing the
front part of bridge up to 2 kilometer will help to walk people in easy manner. Earlier the bridge
was also funded by bank loans and then shared among the government of China, Honk Kong and
Macau such that they are agreed to share 42% of the total cost . Further, it is 55 kilometer long
and it main purpose is to meet the demand of customers as well.
Further, government sponsor to repair the bridge in which China's Central government,
the government of Guangdong and Hong Kong and Macau are included. Further, other key
stakeholders which are also involve in this bridge are investors which is government, Site
supervisor, suppliers, Civil Engineer, Technician, planner because with the help of proper
communication between the stakeholders, the project will be completed in better manner
(Meredith, Mantel Jr and Shafer, 2017). Thus, its main objective is to meet the demand for
passenger and freight land transport among Hong Kong and Macau that is why, the bridge was
establish as a new land transport link in order to enhance the economic and sustainable
environments.
While restructuring of the bridge, there are different driver which may affect the bridge in
both opposite and positive way. Such that Political factor affect the restructuring of bridge in
positive way, it is so because the government itself involve in the bridge restructuring, though if
there is any changes in laws and legislation, then government itself manage and as a result, it did
not cause any direct negative impact upon bridge. Further, while restructuring the Hong-Kong
Zhuhai Macao Bridge, there is any economic fluctuation in the country, then it creates negative
impact and in turns, economic driver affect the project in just opposite way. In that time,
government has to take action immediately so that the work did not affected (Fleming and
Koppelman, 2016). On the other side, Social factor do affect the project such that the people
living near by bridge got affected and even tourist who visit to see the place are also affected in
negative way. Therefore, the only solution is to restructure the project at the time of off season.
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In addition to this another driver is technological factor which creates negative impact
when project did not comply with this. While restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao
Bridge, project manager uses Prince2 methodology under which different advance techniques are
used that helps to leads a business towards right track (Kerzner, 2017). Thus, it is clear that there
are different factor which may affect the project in opposite and positive manner.
Analysis of core planning process
It is analyzed that in order to restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge in
better manner, project manager needs to do proper planning and there are different components
which should be consider while completing the project. Thus, these are as mention below:
Scope: for Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge, the restructuring is done up to 2 kilometer
so that tourist may easily walk up to some extent in order to enjoy the beauty of nature. Further,
restructure of an existing bridge is also help to increase the quality of a bridge and increase the
life span as well. Moreover, Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge is actually made to meet the
demand of people and that is why, there is a need to restructuring the front part of the bridge. By
restructuring of the bridge will also helps to provide support so it increases the overall life up to
next months or years (Schwalbe, 2015). Moreover, when actual the bridge was constructed, there
were so many workers were died while construction and even many faked safety test were also
occur in order to test the safety but it generated false results.
Time: As the government sponsor the project and there is a need to complete the project
so that tourist will enjoy the place. Thus, the time is another important component of the project
plan which helps to determine the duration. In the context of this project, the project manager
require 90 days to complete the restructuring of Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge in better
manner (Heagney, 2016).
Cost: Another important part of the project management plan which helps to complete
the project and in order to complete the restructuring of Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge,
project manager require £25 so that the work is completed in better manner. Though there may
be chances to vary the project cost, but the project manager also arrange fund from the
government but actual cost will be under 25 pound so that the project will not be delay and also
ensure that it will not be over budgeted (Harrison and Lock, 2017).
Project challenges: the project management is that plan which outlines all the documents
that helps to make the project In better manner. But in the same way, the project manager also
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faces different challenges that may affect the entire restructuring of Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao
Bridge in opposite way (Walker, 2015). Further, different challenges are such that problem with
the team members and it is mainly occur due to ineffective communication. Therefore, due to
lack of corporation with the team members is consider one of the biggest problem and in turns, it
may leads to affect the entire project in jut opposite way. That is why, there is a need to
overcome this issue. Further, communication issue is consider another issue which the project
manager may face. Such that due to lack of communication, the goals and aim are not defined
between team members and project manager and as a result, it may affect the entire project in
opposite way (Marchewka, 2016).
Third, challenge is due to economic factor, the project may delay and as a result, project
manager did not manage the expectations as well. Therefore, due to unavailability of resources,
deadlines and training and payment are also consider another critical issue which affect the entire
project. As a result, due to poor team skills which affect the overall project in opposite way and
also, due to inadequate communication with the project team, the delivery of Hong-Kong
Zhuhai Macao Bridge is delay (Shaw, Hughes and Greenhalgh, 2019). Thus, it clearly reflect that
communication skills need to be the project manager's main assets. Further, risk assessment is
another issue which affect the overall project such that there are different types of risk which
project manager may faces and dealing with the risk is the hardest task through which the project
manager deal because lack of budget, unrealistic deadlines are involved in it and as a result, it
may affect the entire project in just opposite way. Therefore, there is a need to deal with such
problem in better way in order to restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge in better
way.
Solutions: from the problem, it is analyzed that project manager may faces different
types of problem and there is a need to get proper solutions. For that, the project manager must
posses strong conflict resolution skills so that team difference and disputes may easily resolved.
Moreover, if they posses this skills then they manage communication in effective manner across
organizational level. Moreover, to reduce inadequate level of communication, project manager
may use project management software such as Proof Hub which helps to inform the project
members with regards to current situation and as a result, there will be no mis- communication.
Or else, project manager may also eliminate the issues as well as negativity in communication by
providing positive working environment (Glukhov, Ilin and Levina, 2015). As a result, it may
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leads to incorporate the team building activities to foster teamwork as well as good
communication.
In addition to this, to overcome the problem of risk assessment for Hong-Kong Zhuhai
Macao Bridge, project manager may reduce the risk level by performing the effective research
and also collect data related to project only. So that all the team members may easily get the
information without any delay. Moreover, the project manager may also judge which part of the
project may fail and then prepare outcomes, even by using effective control measures, risk may
be identified and resolve too. Therefore, by using these solutions, the project manager may easily
leads to restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge in better way without any delay.
Critical evaluation of project planning process
In order to restructure the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge so that quality of bridge will
be maintained for so long, Prince2 Methodology is used because it mainly focus on organization
and control over an entire project from start to finish. This methodology is entirely based upon
the managing the project and it is also used by government of United Kingdom because it control
all the project resources and manage the risk in effective manner as well. Moreover, for
restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge, project manager must comply all the
principles of PRINCE2 such that the business must have specified business justification which
means that must have a clear aim and objectives (Jamali and Oveisi, 2016). In order to
restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge, the project manager should describe the
roles and responsibility in better manner so that it did not leads to miscommunication. Using
Prince2 methodology. Project manager work is to planned the overall stages in which project
manager review the work in specific time in order to record the lesson and also confirm the
project is on right track and also meet the requirements as well.
Further, the planning process also includes all the different stages which should be
consider by the project manager so that it will not leads to creates positive impact upon business.
Moreover, the Prince2 methodology role are very specific design the entire project and that is
why, it included all the stakeholders so that they all provides their views in order to attain the
goals and leads a project towards right track too. As it is clear that the government of China,
Hong Kong and Macau and Guangdong is sponsoring the project and that is why, the political
factor are in favor and that is why, it may also leads to positive direction as well. While , it is
also critically analyzed that by involving all the stakeholders into the project so that they may
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also present their views to others in order to get best results (Meredith, Mantel Jr and Shafer,
2017). Overall, it is analyzed that using Prince2 methodology and considering all the key stages
while restructuring the plan will help to get best results as compared to other methodologies and
even project manager may also easily analyses the risk and problem which may affect the project
in opposite way.
Moreover, by using the Prince2 methodology, project manager should keep analyzing the
quality of a team and it may keep records of the entire progress as well. Such that in order to
restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge, this method is consider one of the most
tailored approach which suits the project and even project manager may makes changes with
regards to budget, then they may easily do and it may not affect the overall project because
different factors are involves which support the project to complete it in better manner. Hence,
with proper direction, controlling, the project manager may easily accomplish the defined aim
and objectives so that it will not affect the overall project in opposite way. But on the other side,
it is critically evaluated that by using this method, the team may takes time to adopt the changes
and though the entire process is so long and as a result, the project did nit meet the time which is
defined and as a result, it may leads to delay the entire project as well. Moreover, the
methodology used for restructuring the Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge is cumbersome
process and In turns, the implementation will be complex in some areas, as a result, it may delay
the entire project in opposite way (Kerzner, 2017). While on contrary, majority of the team uses
this method because it helps to break down the project into different stages which means that
project manager may easily manage closely to the entire project and as a result, the closure will
be done in effective manner. Further, this severely decrease the chances of project and all the
documents are also keep safely in order to track the project, hence, project manager may easily
attend the goal in better manner.
Further, it is also evaluated that using Prince2 methodology, the quality of bridge will be
managed properly and even the time and cost are also effective because it leads to encourage a
minimum number of meetings and entire process will be shared to every stakeholders in order to
gain better results (Schwalbe, 2015). Overall, it is concluded that using this methodology will
help the project manager to generate the best result and also attain the defined aim and objectives
in better manner so that the quality of the bridge will be maintained and also leads to increases
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the overall life span too. That is why, using Prince2 methodology will help project manager to
complete the restructuring of Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge in better manner.
Conclusion
By summing up above, it has been concluded that the project of restructuring the front
part of Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge I successful when all the key components of the
project management may accomplish. Such that the report concluded all the important project
management components such that in order to complete the project, project manager requires 90
days and they require £25 as well. Further, it has been also concluded that by restructuring or
renovating the front part of the bridge will help to maintain the quality and also increases the life
span too. As a result, project project manager also faces different challenges such that lack of
communication, lack of team cooperation and different risk which should be minimized in order
to get best solution. Additionally, report also concluded different solutions which helps to get
reduce the problem up to some level so that restructuring of the bridge will be done in proper
manner.
Moreover, report also critically analyzed all the planning process which are included in
Prince2 methodology such that project manager define all the key stages of the project in order to
attain the define aim and objectives. Further, it is also concluded that all the stages should be
followed in order to attain the defined goal and as a result, it may leads to maintain the quality of
product as well as increase the life span of project too.
TASK 2
Reflection
Restructure is the procedure of making changes in existing structure, I am accountable for
managing the overall activities regarding restructuring Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge. I am
playing the role as project manager. During restructure process I had learned different things that
help in my further project (Roussel and et.al., 2017). Restructure existing bridge is quite difficult
task to do, it needed essential skills and abilities that help to complete the project effectively
without making mistakes. The whole experience while working as project manager is excellent
and effective, I got the opportunity to communicate with other people belong from different
nations. During the period of restructuring bridge, I had to communicate with all the workers
effectively within systematic manner that help to convey my directions to all of them. Each
member is master in their languages, they speak other languages which is cannot be able to learn
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or understood. By working with them I am able to learn new language that help in my
professional career. With the help of understanding and learning Chinese & Russian language I
am able to communicate with mu Russian clients perfectly, it makes me capable to understand
their expectations and needs. Being capable to speak another language it helps me to make better
decision regarding my job role as project manager. People to can speak second language have the
ability to pick up subtleties and nuances in any situation. Learning foreign languages helps to
improve my memory much better than before (Maluch and et.al., 2015). By speaking Russian
and Chinese language I can communicate my employees who are able to speck both languages,
they can understand my guidance easily, it helps to reduce risk of miscommunication between
me and my team members. Human resource planning, budgeting, scheduling and communicating
are the key aspects of project management. I have to control all activities within effective
manner, but without understanding proper languages the success for restructuring bride is not
possible, as it affect project completion data. I learned foreign language that help me a lot and
make me able to pass all aspects of project management.
Furthermore, in order to restructure bridge on time I have to work hard and give clear
directions to my team members. While making plans and monitoring the project, I had learned
who to manage my time. During the time of managing project and evaluating each step, I am
able to learn time management skills that also help in further career success. Time management
is very essential while managing the big project. It refers to the way that I keep organized and
plan how long I spend on particular activities (Baş and Beyhab, 2017). Time management in
simple words it terms allows person to complete given task in short period with some effective
results, that lead to more free time. It gives new advantage to learn more things which leads to
greater career success and growth. Each benefits of time management will improve another facet
of my life, it enhances my performance as well as my team. At the time, when I make plan for
restructuring Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge, I feel that workers are not working effectively,
they take a lot of time in each activity which consumer efforts and might be make negative
impact on final outcomes. I make proper structure and mention time in front of each action, that
help team to complete their work on time. From this experience I had learned time management
skills, that improve efficiency and productivity. With the help of learning and developing time
management abilities, I can be able to deliver work on desirable time limit. I learn who to
allocate activity and divide in group of workers, that help to accomplish them on time. It
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provides benefits to manage my workload in effective manner. With the help of learning time
management skills, I can provide work of certain standards and quality. By proper utilization of
time as well as prioritization of each activity, I can easily and effectively offer better quality of
work. All the learning skills from experience can applied to above analysis.
As project manager my role is to measure the risk, monitor progress and manage project
risk. At the time of analysing the procedure of restructuring Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge
conduct by employees, I analysed the risk of over budgeting that is not appropriate for project
completion. I had to accomplish work within fixed budget allocate by accounts department. At
this movement I effectively analyse the problem and interpretate to my senior. Through this
process I learned critical thinking skills. Analysis, self-regulation, problem solving, open
mindedness and inference are the key critical thinking abilities that contribute to handle the
situation in systematic way. After considering the over budgeting reason I am able to make
judgement in front of my senior with some logical and well thought reasons. I learned to become
critical thinker, it is the best way of thinking in which I do not simply accept conclusion and all
arguments, I exposed to but more have an attitude including questioning such as findings and
controversy. According to my profession, critical thinking is essential as it helps to manage and
control unexpected risk that impact on project management. With the help of learning this skill I
can enhance my professional practices. Today one of the most significance criteria for growth
and success in restructuring Hong-Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge is ability to think freely and
independently instead of being logical at all the time. Furthermore, critical thinking is key to
career success, in my profession it is absolute must. It is set of skill that is becoming increasingly
precious and valuable in progressing number of professions (Hitchcock, 2018). It helps me in my
profession where I must analyse information related to work, generate innovative or creative
solutions, systematically solve issues, think creatively and plan strategically regarding Hong-
Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge restructuring. It helps to present my work ideas to my team
members in way that I can be readily understood.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Baş, G. and Beyhab, Ö., 2017. Effects of multiple intelligences supported project-based learning
on students’ achievement levels and attitudes towards English lesson. International
Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. 2(3). pp.365-386.
Fleming, Q. W. and Koppelman, J. M., 2016, December. Earned value project management.
Project Management Institute.
Glukhov, V. V., Ilin, I. V. and Levina, A. I., 2015. Project management team structure for
internet providing companies. In Internet of Things, Smart Spaces, and Next Generation
Networks and Systems (pp. 543-553). Springer, Cham.
Harrison, F. and Lock, D., 2017. Advanced project management: a structured approach.
Routledge.
Heagney, J., 2016. Fundamentals of project management. Amacom.
Hitchcock, D., 2018. Critical thinking.
Jamali, G. and Oveisi, M., 2016. A study on project management based on PMBOK and
PRINCE2. Modern Applied Science.10(6). p.142.
Kerzner, H., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and
controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Maluch, J.T and et.al., 2015. The effect of speaking a minority language at home on foreign
language learning. Learning and instruction. 36. pp.76-85.
Marchewka, J. T., 2016. Information technology project management: Providing measurable
organizational value. John Wiley & Sons.
Meredith, J. R., Mantel Jr, S. J. and Shafer, S. M., 2017. Project management: a managerial
approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Roussel, S and et.al., 2017. Learning subject content through a foreign language should not
ignore human cognitive architecture: A cognitive load theory approach. Learning and
Instruction. 52. pp.69-79.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Shaw, S., Hughes, G. and Greenhalgh, T., 2019. Standardisation and Its Consequences in Health
Care: A Case Study of PRINCE2 Project Management Training. In The Projectification of
the Public Sector (pp. 229-249). Routledge.
Walker, A., 2015. Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons.
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