PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio for Week 2: Systems Thinking Tools and Techniques

(MOHSIN ALI MOHAMMED) / (12060321) - PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio for Week 2
Week 2: Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers solve project
problems.
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
 Kerzner (2013)
Chapters 2.1; 2.6 -
2.8; 2.21;
 Part 1: SEBoK
Introduction -
'SEBoK Users and
Uses';
 Part 6: Related
Disciplines -
'Knowledge Area:
Systems
Engineering and
Project
Management'
 Part 1: SEBoK
Introduction -
'Introduction to SE
Transformation';
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016
Project,
programme and
portfolio
1. Explain the
relevance of
systems thinking to
the project,
program and
portfolio manager.
The systems thinking an approach which involves the authorities in the system
of thinking system. The project managers, programmers and portfolio manager
have a huge need of system thinking. The project manager has a responsibility
to complete a project in an appropriate manner to attain the objectives so it is
essential for the project managers to use systems thinking tools to enhance
their productivity in their work. Different types of problems occur within a
project which has to be resolved by the project managers so it is essential for
the project managers to use Brainstorming tools especially Double-Q diagram to
break down the problem in the hard and soft variables. Dynamic thinking tools
are effective to use by the program managers. Casual loop diagram is effective
for the for the program managers in the reinforcement of process to develop a
better programming and outcomes. Structural thinking tools are effective for the
portfolio managers to develop a better portfolio which contains all relevant
elements of the project.
PPMP20012 Unit Profile
PPMP20012 Moodle
Web site
Have you any insights
you can add from other
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
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(MOHSIN ALI MOHAMMED) / (12060321) - PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio for Week 2
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
management—
Guidance on
portfolio
management;
Case Study
 Chief Counsel's
Report - Chapter 5
(PDF 700KB),
2. Identify different
systems thinking
tools and
techniques to aid
project managers
solve project
problems.
It is essential for the project managers to according to the systems thinking tools
and techniques to get better results, develop a better process and get a better
outcome according to the project objectives. Different tools are given in the
below which can be used by the project managers:
Double-Q diagram: It is a diagram which is based on the fishbone structure.
Double Q stands for qualitative and quantitative techniques. This diagram shows
the flow of information and thoughts from different sources. The upper side
hard variables (quantitative) and lower side of soft variables (qualitative) which
impacts on the issue of interest.
Figure 1: Double-Q diagram
Source: Kim, 1999.
SYSTEMS ARCHETYPE: It is effective for the project managers to manage,
identify and recognize the most common system behaviours patterns of work
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(MOHSIN ALI MOHAMMED) / (12060321) - PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio for Week 2
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
e.g. goals drifting, burden shifting, control the growth to compensate on
feedbacks etc.
Figure 2: SYSTEMS ARCHETYPE
Source: Kim, 1999.
3. Assess the
relevance of
systems
engineering to
project cases.
The Gulf Oil Disaster case is totally based on the engineering work and this big
disaster happened due to technical errors. Systems engineering is an approach
which focuses on the inter-discipline and helps to develop a successful system
(Sebok, 2017). System engineering is focused on the needs of the customers
and develops a proper system to work.in this case refinery has to produce an
appropriate quantity of the crude oil and gas on a daily basis which has to
develop huge work pressure on the teams which are working in the refinery. The
system engineering is effective to integrate the efforts of all teams in a
determined direction to attain objectives.
4. Describe how
systems
engineering
Systems engineering concept has a proper process which helps to the project,
program and portfolio managers to organise project (Mabelo, 2017). The
process of the systems engineering which is defined by the points:
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