PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGIES

This portfolio explores the relevance of systems thinking, tools and techniques, systems engineering, project organization, PM application systems, and contemporary developments in project management. It provides insights, summaries, evidence, and discussions on each topic.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGIES
PPMP20012
Consolidated Portfolio
STUDENT NAME: MOHAMMED ABDUL BAKHI
STUDENT ID: 12067067
LECTURER:<insert>
CAMPUS: <insert>
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TERM: 1, 2018
Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Course Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................................4
1. Explain the relevance of systems thinking to the project, program and portfolio manager. 4
Summary..................................................................................................................................4
Summary..................................................................................................................................4
Evidence..................................................................................................................................5
2. Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers solve
project problems..........................................................................................................................5
Summary..................................................................................................................................5
Evidence..................................................................................................................................6
3. Assess the relevance of systems engineering to project cases.................................................6
Summary..................................................................................................................................6
Evidence..................................................................................................................................7
4. Describe how systems engineering concepts and methodologies can help a project, program
and portfolio managers organise a project...................................................................................7
Summary..................................................................................................................................7
Evidence..................................................................................................................................7
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..........................8
Summary..................................................................................................................................8
Evidence..................................................................................................................................8
6. Describe how the use of project management (PM) application systems can lead to effective
PM knowledge management and decision making.....................................................................9
Summary..................................................................................................................................9
Evidence..................................................................................................................................9
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..................................................................9
Summary................................................................................................................................10
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Evidence................................................................................................................................10
8. Identify how project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems can assist project
managers to monitor performance and manage changes within a project.................................10
Summary................................................................................................................................11
Evidence................................................................................................................................11
9. Propose appropriate project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems to support
successful project, program and portfolio execution in different industry domains.................11
Summary................................................................................................................................11
Evidence................................................................................................................................12
10. Discuss contemporary developments in the use of project, program and portfolio
(PPPM) application systems......................................................................................................12
Summary................................................................................................................................12
Evidence................................................................................................................................12
Discussion and conclusion.............................................................................................................13
References......................................................................................................................................15
Appendix....................................................................................................................................16
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Introduction
It should be noted that in order to complete the project there are various techniques which could
be used by the project manager. In this assignment report, all the fundamentals of project and
portfolio management have been explained along with a brief explanation provided on the
various tools which could be used by the researcher in order to manage the projects and
portfolios. It should be noted that both project and portfolio management although are different
activities but are correspondent of each other which makes it essential for the project manager of
the company to make sure that these duties differ effectively. There are various methodologies
which could be used in order to organise the project. The assignment report will present the
reader with Learning Outcomes which will help them to get the idea about the experiences of the
researcher throughout the project and will also give an idea about the resource management
throughout the project phase.
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Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the relevance of systems thinking to the project, program and
portfolio manager
It should be noted that the systems thinking is the tool which can effectively and efficiently help
the project manager of the company to effectively and efficiently take care of the project related
processes which can further help in the enhancement of project development process. In the
process of project management and development, it is important that the project manager of the
company should make sure that project and portfolio activities should take place in a
collaborated manner. It is also important that the project should be effectively completed under
the stipulated time which makes it even more essential to make sure that the tools of systems
thinking have been effectively applied.
Summary
It should be noted that in each and every project it is important for the project manager of the
company to ensure timely completion of processes and activities which makes it even more
essential for the project manager of the company to apply relevant tools and techniques. The
systems thinking provide various tools and techniques such as TQM, PERT, KANBAN etc.
which can be used by the project and portfolio manager to ensure timely and quality completion
of the project (Sebokwiki.org., 2018).
Summary
It has been identified that the framework of systems relationship helps the project and portfolio
manager of the company to identify and analyze the relationships between the projects that can
help in effective and efficient completion of the project that too with best quality. There are
various constraints such as management, social sciences and engineering embedded into the
concept of systems engineering. This is the technical framework which allows the manager of
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the project to gain effective insights into the needs and requirements of the project and further
helps in enhancing their appeal as well.
Evidence
Taking into consideration the large-scale project that are currently being operated in the
infrastructural industry of UK, it has been found that there are various large-scale project which
has been identified to be using the tools and techniques of system thinking to their advantage
which allows them to effectively and efficiently take care and manage the development of the
project and its quality as well. Project such as Deepwater Horizon uses the systems thinking tool
take use of effective and efficient systems thinking tools such as Brainstorming, computer-based
tools etc. in order to develop the project.
2. Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers
solve project problems
It should be noted that the system thinking tools and techniques are one of the most important
tools that can help in reducing the complexity of the project. The project development is a
complex process and this makes it essential for the project manager to make sure that the
accuracy of operations is achieved. This reduces dependency and reliance of the project manager
on the human workforce (Sebokwiki.org., 2018). This makes it important for the project manager
to make use of different tools of system thinking to solve the issues that might be faced in the
project and reduce its complexity as well.
Summary
There are various tools and techniques provided by the constraint of systems thinking which can
be of effective use to the user and can help them to critically manage the development of the
project. These tools are effective in reducing the complexity of the process and also solving and
eradicating the issues that might be faced. It is important for the project manager to keep in mind
that there are some human-related issues which cannot be solved by the application of digital
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tools. In such cases, application of personal experience is required (Sebokwiki.org., 2018).
Various tools such as trend mapping, actor mapping, fish diagram, computer-based software etc.
are included in this and can be used by the project managers of the company.
Evidence
It has been identified taking into consideration the development of deepwater horizon that the
project manager of the company has taken into consideration various techniques such as
computer-based technologies, actor mapping, etc in order to undertake the rescue operations. It
should be noted that these tools were also used in order to limit the harm that might have been
caused by the oil spill.
3. Assess the relevance of systems engineering to project cases
Systems engineering can be stated as the disciple that is required to be followed in order to fulfil
the needs and requirements of the project. It is important to keep in mind that the systems
engineering and project management are complementary tasks and both of these are required in
order to maintain the smooth development of the project (Kerzner & Kerzner, 2017). Various
development and managerial based benefits are gained by them.
Summary
The system engineering is one of the most significant aspects of the project development. This
not only helps the project to increase its quality but this also helps the project manager of the
company to make sure that all the aspects of the project are effectively fulfilled. Here it is also
important for the project manager of the company to make sure that there is a balance between
the project engineering and project management which can help in increasing the efficiency of
this process (Kerzner & Kerzner, 2017). Various advantages of systems engineering that can
help the project manager of the company have been stated below:
 Completion of value proportion;
 Improvement of efficiency of process;
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 Effective assignment of duties and responsibilities.
Evidence
It has been found in the case of Deep Water Horizon which is one of the biggest oil refineries in
the world, the application of systems engineering has been effectively and efficiently applied
which also gives the company many added advantages as well. One of the major advantages is
seen in the context of operations of the system which is currently being done in a smooth
manner. Also, this has helped in smooth follow of communication during the course of project
development.
4. Describe how systems engineering concepts and methodologies can help a project,
program and portfolio managers organise a project.
It should be noted that the application of systems engineering project can help in merging
various other activities of development of the project. With the effective and efficient application
of systems engineering the project manager of the company can ensure that all the activities are
aligned and organized which can help the project managers to effectively organize and manage
the project.
Summary
For the project manager of the company, it is important that each and every tool of project
management should be used such that the company might be able to reduce the complexity of the
project. There are various processes in the concept of system thinking that can effectively help
the project and portfolio managers to effectively solve project related issues and ensure smooth
organisation of the project. Techniques such as Six Sigma, TQM, PMBOK, etc. can be used
(Kerzner, 2004).
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Evidence
It should be noted that in order to complete the project of Deep Water Horizon, the project
manager has effectively and efficiently taken use of the TQM and Six Sigma approach in order
to maintain the good quality of the project. This not only helped the project management team in
ensuring that operations are conducted in an effective manner but this also helped in managing
the operations in an integrated manner (Kerzner, 2004).
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 the development of the project, it is important for the project manager of the company to make
sure that all the deliverables of the project and the development of the project is done effectively
keeping in mind that external and internal environment of the project development. In order to
ensure the same, it is critical for the project manager to effectively apply systems such that
internal external risks are reduced. The application of project management tools and software can
help in ensuring the same.
Summary
With the application of the tools and techniques of systems engineering in the development of
the project, it should be noted that the project can get various advantages which would not only
help in effective completion but will also ensure that the needs and desires of externals, as well
as internal stakeholders, are effectively fulfilled (Kerzner, 2004). The tools help in identification
of issues that might arise in the external and internal environment and can also help in addressing
the same. These tools also help in application of a faster response system.
Evidence
It has been identified in the context of various projects being developed in UK that the projects
that are being developed on large scale have to face issues posed by the external environment of
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the industry. The implementation and facilitation of project management tools allow the project
manager of the company to make sure that future insight into the risks are gained and the issues
faced are effectively resolved.
6. Describe how the use of project management (PM) application systems can lead to
effective PM knowledge management and decision making.
It has been found that in the case of development of the project the tools and application of the
project management and systems thinking helps the project manager to gain the idea about risks
that might be faced and issues that might arise in the development of the project. These future
insights of the project help the project manager of the company to make effective decisions such
that the impact of these risks can be effectively reduced well (Levine, 2007).
Summary
In the development of a project on a large scale, it has generally been found that the project
manager of the company at times might have to come across the issues and risks that have the
potential to harm the development of the project. The tools of project management and systems
engineering such as risk assessment framework, application of creative thinking help the project
manager of the company in making sure that these issues are effectively and efficiently
addressed (Levine, 2007).
Evidence
In the case of Deep Water Horizon, it has been found by the researcher that there were various
law and structural problems in the structure of the project; with the application of KANBAN, the
project manager was able to identify issues and solve the same. This not only reduced the risks
but also facilitated effective and efficient decision making as well.
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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.
With the development of the technology, it has been found that each and every technology in the
industry has various advantages as well as disadvantages which has the potential to hamper the
development of the project. Same is the case with the application systems of PPPM. The
disadvantages may lead to various issues such as increment in risks, project delays, disruptions
etc.
Summary
It should be noted that in the development of Deep Water Horizon there was usage and
application of various tools of project management which allowed the project manager of the
company to fasten the processes. Though the computer-based tools such as IBM, Microsoft
Office etc. helped in resolving the issues and smoothening of the project, it should be noted that
this software was costly and also required training of the employees which is the major
disadvantage. Also, this software was able to solve structural issues and not the issues involving
humans (Young & Conboy, 2013).
Evidence
During the development of the Deep Water Horizon, it was found that there were various issues
found among the employees such as trust issues, ego clashes etc. These issues cannot be solved
by the application of software and would require human reasoning. Thus it can be said that it is
important for the project manager of the company to make sure that the advantages which are
gained from the application of software application are effectively harnessed but over-reliance of
the project manager can be harmful to the development of the project.
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8. Identify how project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems can
assist project managers to monitor performance and manage changes within a
project.
The development of PPPM software and applications is regressive in nature and it has been
identified that with the application of these systems the project manager of the company can get
the details and insights on the activities that are required to be done in order to complete a
particular task. In the development of the project, it is important for the project manager of the
company to make sure that the deadlines are met and project is completed without any delay.
The application of portfolio management has helped the project manager in the same.
Summary
For the project manager of the company, it is important to use the tools of PPM as these tools
and techniques help them to solve the critical issues that might be faced during the development
of the project. Apart from this, the application of these tools also helps the project and program
managers of the company in keeping a critical eye on the development and progress of the
project. This majorly helps them to ensure that the project is completed within stipulated time
(The Systems Thinker, 2018).
Evidence
During the development of the project of Deep Water Horizon, it has been identified that the
project manager of the company has effectively taken into consideration the tools such as WBS,
Gantt chart etc. in order to make sure that the development of the project is being done in
accordance with the timelines set for each task. It is also important that the quality of project
should be at optimum levels according to with effective development.
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9. Propose appropriate project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems
to support successful project, program and portfolio execution in different
industry domains.
There are various tools and software which can help the project manager of the company in
ensuring that the project is being developed in an effective manner. This software is developed in
a rapid manner and they majorly help the project manager of the company to fasten the
development of the project (The Systems Thinker, 2018). Not only this, these tools also help the
project manager of the company in solving the complex and mathematical issues that might be
faced during the course of development of the project.
Summary
There is various project management software which is currently being utilized all around the
world that helps the project and program managers to make sure that the activities are being
effectively completed within the stipulated time. This software also allows the project manager
of the company in ensuring that the issues faced are solved in an effective manner. Software such
as IBM, Microsoft Office, 3D Earth Mapping etc. is being used by the project managers of the
company in resolving the issues faced (The Systems Thinker, 2018).
Evidence
During the development of the Deepwater Horizon it was found by the project manager of the
company there were various strategically issues faced by the company in the structure of the
project. These issues were effectively solved by the project manager of the company by taking
into consideration these tools of project management.
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10. Discuss contemporary developments in the use of project, program and
portfolio (PPPM) application systems.
In this part of the portfolio it has been found that there are various developments in the field of
portfolio management which makes it even more essential for the project manager of the
company to make sure that the systems and tools that are being used in the project development
are updated and in accordance with the trends in the industry. The usage of these tools and
techniques has also increased in an effective manner.
Summary
It should be noted that in the development of the project it is important for the project manager of
the company to make sure that the tools and techniques which are being used are updated in
accordance with the development of the technology. It is also important for the project manager
of the company to ensure that there is application of updated and effective software tools.
Evidence
It has been identified taking into consideration the development of Deep Water Horizon that
there were various tools used by the project manager of the company which helped the project
manager of the company in ensuring that there are no issues faced in the development of the
project. The developments in the tools and techniques have fastened and smoothened the process
of project development.
Discussion and conclusion
Thu from the development of the project, it can be stated that there are further insights that have
been gained by me in the development of the project. In this segment of the portfolio, there is a
discussion of the learning that has been gained. The learning from each week has been stated
below as follows:
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In the 1st week of development of the report, I have gained insights about the importance of
systems thinking tools and techniques which have also helped me in gaining the deeper insights
into the development of the project and portfolio management.
The 2nd week of the course has helped me in gaining the knowledge about the systems thinking
tools and techniques which can help in solving the issues that the company might have to face
during the development of the project. The insights into techniques to address these problems
have also been gained.
In the 3rd week of the course, I have gained the insights about the importance of systems thinking
for the project manager of the company an how these tools and techniques can help me in
solving the issues that might be faced.
In the 4th week of the development of the project, I have gained the knowledge about the
organization of project and how this can be enhanced by the application of systems engineering
concept and methodologies.
In the 5th week of the development of the report, I have gained the knowledge about how I can
effectively and efficiently use project management tools in order to meet external and internal
objectives.
In the 6th week of the development of the report, I have gained knowledge about how the systems
engineering and project management tools can enhance the decision making of the project
manager of the company.
During the 7th week of the development of the project, I have gained the insights about various
advantages and disadvantages of the project, program and portfolio management systems over
the life cycle of the project.
In the 8th week of the development of the project, I have gained the knowledge and insights about
how the PPPM application systems can help the users and project managers to effectively
facilitate and monitor the changes that take place during the development of the project.
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During the 9th week of the project development, the insights about the software program and
processes and how they can contribute to the development of the project was learnt. This idea
was analyzed taking into consideration the operations of various industries.
During the last week i.e. 10th week of the project development, the knowledge in the
developments in the project, program and portfolio management systems were gained taking into
consideration the technological developments and advancement in the industry.
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References
 Kerzner, H. (2004). Advanced project management: Best practices for implementation.
John Wiley & Sons.
 Kerzner, H., &Kerzner, H. R. (2017). Project management: a systems approach to
planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
 Levine, H. A. (2007). Project portfolio management: a practical guide to selecting
projects, managing portfolios, and maximizing benefits. John Wiley & Sons.
 Sebokwiki.org. (2018). SEBoK. [online] Available at:
http://www.sebokwiki.org/wiki/Guide_to_the_Systems_Engineering_Body_of_Knowled
ge_(SEBoK) [Accessed 1 June, 2018].
 The Systems Thinker. (2018). Palette of Systems Thinking Tools - The Systems Thinker.
[online] Available at: https://thesystemsthinker.com/palette-of-systems-thinking-tools/
[Accessed 1 June, 2018].
 Young, M., &Conboy, K. (2013). Contemporary project portfolio management:
Reflections on the development of an Australian Competency Standard for Project
Portfolio Management. International Journal of Project Management, 31(8), 1089-1100.
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Appendix
Portfolio 1
Portfolio 2
Portfolio 3
Portfolio 4
Portfolio 5
Portfolio 6
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Portfolio 7
Portfolio 8
Portfolio 9
Portfolio 10
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