Relevance of Systems Thinking to PM

VARUN THATIKONDA / 12068175 - PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio for Week 1
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;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Introduction;
Optional
Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016
Project,
programme
and portfolio
management—
1. Explain the
relevance of
systems
thinking to the
project,
program and
portfolio
manager.
The fundamental learning objectives that were set in the first
week included systems, programs and projects. At first, I learnt
that a project system is a collection of various sub-systems and
it can be used to provide synergistic outputs in the form of open
system, closed system and extended system. I also learned that
a program is a collection of a number of activities that is
conducted over an undefined period of time in order to achieve a
particular objective of a project. In this case, the project has
specific start and end dates and suitable operations are required
to fulfil the deliverables.
In this unit, I learned from SEBok regarding systems thinking
that are adopted by project managers during execution of a
project. Systems thinking approach provides the project
managers with the benefit of accurately identifying and solving
complex problems in the project. Systems thinking approach
enables the manager to develop multiple approaches to problem
solving in the project and review and modify the requirements
accordingly. On the other hand, system engineering is used by
the project managers to define an integrative approach in order
to meet the requirements of a successful project system and
also satisfy the needs of stakeholders, customers and users.
At the same time, I also learned that portfolio management is an
important fraction in project management. A portfolio is a
document that is used to control, select and prioritise programs
during a project in order to fulfil the deliverables at the right
time and cost as per the main strategic objectives of the project.
PPMP20012 Unit
Profile
PPMP20012 Moodle
Web site
URLhttps://
www.apm.org.uk/
body-of-
knowledge/
context/
governance/
portfolio-
management/
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VARUN THATIKONDA / 12068175 - PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio for Week 1
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
Guidance on
portfolio
management;
While studying in this unit, I also needed to understand the
application of various software in project program and portfolio
management systems. Some these software include Oracle
Primavera, Microsoft Project, SAP ERP and IBM Maximo. At the
initial stages of the module, I found it hard to understand the
functionalities of these software applications and their
requirements in our course of studies but gradually, I learnt the
importance of these applications along with manual work to
solve complex problems regarding PPPM.
Overall, this unit provided me with a lot of knowledge as well as
complex problem skills manually or with appropriate application
of software and other tools that were included within the
module. I learnt not only the lessons but also personal
development that will help me in my future professional career.
The supporting and important materials of Project Management
and Systems Thinking have similarities in each other. To
improve complex projects and avoid pitfalls, systems thinking
is generally used in comparison to project management.
Systems thinking is provides a synopsis in the analysis of the
interrelations between things. Patterns can be found out using
the method. Outlines of systems thinking have diverse uses in
managing complex projects. To adhere to the outline of systems
thinking, the team leaders and the managers must understand
the needs and requirements of the individuals to work in an
integrated and collaborative way.
The guidelines of systems thinking integrates systems approach
and systems science to properly practice and manage the
complex projects.
Systems knowledge is a superset of systems thinking, that
ensures intellectual base and foundation. The method is useful
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