PPMP20012 Program & Portfolio Management Information Systems Portfolio

This consolidated portfolio for PPMP20012 Program and Portfolio Management Information Systems explores the relevance of systems thinking and systems engineering to project, program, and portfolio management. It identifies various systems thinking tools and techniques, assesses the relevance of systems engineering to project cases, and describes how systems engineering concepts can help organize projects. The portfolio also explains the importance of selecting appropriate project management application systems to meet internal and external objectives, how these systems can lead to effective knowledge management and decision-making, and compares manual vs. electronic systems. Furthermore, it identifies how PPPM application systems assist in monitoring performance and managing changes, proposes appropriate systems for different industry domains, and discusses contemporary developments in the field.

PPMP20012 - PROGRAM AND PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS -
CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Course Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................................5
1. Explain the relevance of systems thinking to the project, program and portfolio manager....5
2. Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers solve
project problems..........................................................................................................................7
3. Assess the relevance of systems engineering to project cases.................................................8
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........................10
6. Describe how the use of project management (PM) application systems can lead to effective
PM knowledge management and decision making...................................................................11
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................................................................12
8. Identify how project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems can assist project
managers to monitor performance and manage changes within a project.................................13
9. Propose appropriate project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems to support
successful project, program and portfolio execution in different industry domains.................14
10. Discuss contemporary developments in the use of project, program and portfolio (PPPM)
application systems....................................................................................................................15
Discussions and Conclusions.........................................................................................................16
References......................................................................................................................................18
Appendix........................................................................................................................................19
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Introduction
Projects are multipurpose ventures undertaken to fulfil particular objectives and aims. Projects
are large scaled schemes that are incorporated by various teams and its members. Projects deploy
various resources and systems in the functions and processes with varied and diversified
objectives. Projects on large scale or asset rich requires for enormous resources and technologies.
Various techniques and developments are deployed on the projects for attaining the required
aims of the projects. Techniques or developments such as system thinking, system engineering,
project management information systems and applications etc. Projects also requires for large
number of human and capital resources for accomplishing the project programs and activities.
Schedules and programs, meetings and agendas are established to developing and executing the
project requirements (Al-Mamary, et. al., 2013). Projects also deploy for various methodologies
such as Prince2, project management, and system thinking etc. All these technologies and tools
of project management enable to organise and execute the projects in an effective and efficient
manner. The portfolios undertaken in this course has enabled to gather empirical and evidence
based knowledge and information for organizing and executing the projects. Further the
consolidated portfolio will provide with enhanced details and information for processing and
organising these projects.
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Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the relevance of systems thinking to the project, program and portfolio
manager.
Introduction
System thinking refers to concepts and technologies that are based in the discipline of
engineering and project management. System thinking presents with an opportunity for the
project managers to identify various processes and functions of the project. It also enables to
divide the functions into different parts as per the specifications and requirements of the project.
System thinking also presents its roots in the discipline of management. It facilitates the
functions and processes of the project in an effective manner.
Summary
System thinking is introduced in the concepts of project management in order to provide with
effective management of the project. System thinking enables to combine and execute the
principles and attributes of management and engineering. System thinking divides the functions
and processes as per the processes and activities are undertaken in the project. System thinking
enables for managing and organizing the projects in major effective practices and policies. The
project manager is aided in developing the required project tasks and activities (Al-Mamary, et.
al., 2013). The project manager is also supported by the activities of accumulating and
generating various project related details and information. The program and portfolio managers
are also supported by the concepts, theories, methodologies and activities of system thinking. As
it divides the diversified project into various components and activities automation of decision
and programs is undertaken.
Evidence
System thinking also enables for allocating the limited resources available with the project and
portfolio managers. The operations and tools of system thinking enable to decide the priorities of
the tasks and activities. It identifies the abilities and capabilities of the team members and human
resources available in the projects. It further processes for in-depth details and monitoring of the
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project activities. System thinking is incorporated on complex and asset rich project to execute
the diversified project operations and functions in accordance to the scheduled programs and
budgets developed by the project manager, programmer and the portfolio manager.
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2. Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers solve
project problems.
Introduction
System engineering provides with various advantages and benefits for the project management
activities and processes. System engineering aids the project and portfolio manager to resolve
various project related issues and problems. In various project cases where complex nature of
methodologies and applications are applied system engineering provides with possibilities to
resolve the issues (Sebok, 2017). System engineering also comprises tools and techniques that
enable the manager for effective decision making and execution of project related activities.
Summary
The project has applied tools and techniques of decision matrix, 18 words statements, system
identification, system reduction and system engineering etc. The concepts of system engineering
also provide with benefits to organize and monitor the project in most effective manner. The
concepts of system engineering applications in the organizing, programming, planning and
execution phase of the projects.
Evidence
System engineering helps in project management and various ancillary operations related to the
projects. System engineering also deploys for a various function related approach to plan and
organize the project activities (Sebok, 2017). Project functions are better managed and organized
with the help of system engineering.
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3. Assess the relevance of systems engineering to project cases.
Introduction
Project cases today involve various project methodologies and system thinking tools for defining
and planning project activities and tasks. System engineering also provides with opportunities for
executing the project activities based on sound decisions and programs. With the application of
system engineering project managers are aided in resolving various issues and complex problems
of the project.
Summary
System thinking is highly relevant for various project cases. The projects and the application of
its functions have altered majorly (Kerzner & Kerzner, 2017). System thinking provides with
benefits of various project methodologies and theories. System engineering is highly beneficial
for identifying and diversifying the project over its life cycle period.
Evidence
The projects deploy various sources and techniques along with several functions for the effective
and result oriented performance of the project. System thinking provides with immense
relevance for the project by organizing and monitoring the project over its life cycles (Kerzner &
Kerzner, 2017). It manages and operates the various functions of the project by several tools and
technologies such as the Project Management Information Systems and Application.
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4. Describe how systems engineering concepts and methodologies can help a project,
program and portfolio managers organise a project.
Introduction
The methodologies and concepts of system engineering provide with benefits to organize and
manage a project in an effective manner. The methodologies of system engineering include
methodologies such as system realizations, validation and verification. These methodologies are
incorporated into diversified and complex projects for better execution and monitoring of the
projects (Sebok, 2017). System thinking methodologies also provide the tools of 18 words
statements, decision making matrix, and analysis matrix etc.
Summary
The methodologies of system realization, validation and verification are the most commonly
used system thinking techniques. The system thinking realization methodology is applied in
several projects as it creates a basis for identifying and assessing the functions and processes of
the projects. System reduction is the system engineering technique through which unnecessary
division of the systems is reduced and further resolves the complexities involved in the projects.
Evidence
The methodologies of system verification are applied enormously in various projects for
verifying the systems and its processes. System verification is applied in order to provide
evidence of compliance and execution of policies and procedures for the projects (Young &
Conboy, 2013). It provides with policies for a higher level of integration of the projects with
various other ancillary functions and processes.
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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.
Introduction
Project management application systems are the developments provided by the engineering and
management concepts for better managing and organizing of the projects. Projects are complex
in nature and entail various functions in its orbits for undertaking the internal and external
objectives.
Summary
To achieve the internal and external objectives project management application systems are
applied. The internal objectives such as efficiency and productivity are achieved by the
application of project management application systems by increasing the level of integration
between the employees and the functions (Al-Mamary, et. al., 2013).
Evidence
The project management application systems also provide with increased interaction and
communication with the key stakeholders and the member such as investors, government
authorities, and the shareholders etc. This way external objective of better performance is also
achieved.
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6. Describe how the use of project management (PM) application systems can lead to
effective PM knowledge management and decision making.
Introduction
Knowledge management and decision making are two integral parts of the projects. With the
effective execution of these concepts increased the performance of the projects are achieved.
Summary
Project management application systems enable towards PM knowledge and decision making by
increasing the flow of information and communication between the various project teams and the
respective managers (Young & Conboy, 2013). It also affiliates the decision making the process
by developing schedules and programs for the project through the technique of automation
software and application systems.
Evidence
The developments in Project Management application systems it is accessible to the project
managers to effectively communicate with the project teams and its members. It also increases
the possibilities for better circulation of the information and details within the teams and various
groups.
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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.
Introduction
Electronic project application systems are the developments in the project management. It
deploys the techniques of information and communication technology. On the other hand,
manual project management application systems are the human made records and documents.
Summary
The electronic project management application provides with greater efficiency and management
of the project through the application and utilization of information technology and automated
software services (Kerzner & Kerzner, 2017). The manual project management application
requires for project teams and managers to prepare the records and documents regarding the
project services and functions.
Evidence
It has been observed that manual project systems entail the demerits of errors and omissions. The
manual systems do not provide with greater efficiency and increase the burden of the project
managers. Electronic systems are witnessed to be costly and require for training before rolling
out the systems in 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.
Introduction
Project management application systems are developed with the objective to monitor the
performance and manage the changes. The managers are informed about the schedule and
priority of the activities and tasks. It notifies the scheduled execution of the tasks and compares it
with the actual execution of the project functions and processes.
Summary
The application also manages the changes in the project. It regulates for effective and well
informed communication about the changes that are required to be processed (Kerzner &
Kerzner, 2017). It also monitors and analyses the impacts of these changes over the life cycle of
the project which further aids in decision making processes.
Evidence
In the real-time application of project application system in complex and lengthy projects, it has
been observed that it aids in the performance analysis and monitoring processes. These
application systems provide with opportunities and advantages for monitoring the deviations of
the required performance and implementation of various changes in the projects over its life
cycle.
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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.
Introduction
There are several project management application systems available today to apply at the
complex and lengthy processes of a project. For various industry domains, different project
management application systems are available such as IBM, PMIS, Oracle, and JIRA etc.
(Young & Conboy, 2013)
Summary
The most appropriate project management application is identified as IBM. It is a project
management software that provides with a high level of integration and compatibility with other
significant project management application systems. It also enables to transfer data and
information from one software application to another.
Evidence
With the real time application systems in the project such as Parallel Runway, it has been
observed that project application provides with features to integrate the software with other
primary management applications (Young & Conboy, 2013). The compatibility level is high. It
also provides with the features to develop subsidiary programs or projects within the main
project the application is executed in.
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10. Discuss contemporary developments in the use of project, program and portfolio
(PPPM) application systems.
Introduction
The project management application systems have developed vigorously in the recent times. The
contemporary developments include greater integration of information and communication
technology. The developments also include provisioning with project reporting and increased
level of stakeholder integration.
Summary
The contemporary developments also include for developing and projecting the project schedules
and programs (Young & Conboy, 2013). The software develops time periods and actions plans to
demonstrate an effective execution of the projects.
Evidence
The developments also accommodate effective real time communication within the project
teams, managers, employees and stakeholders. Real time communication is executed with the
management application and fosters better management and execution of the projects.
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Discussions and Conclusions
With the execution of these portfolios, I have gathered information on the concepts and aspects
of project management. The course has provided with portfolio learning in 10 weeks which has
provided with simplified and essay learning of the courses. The weekly learning is specified as
below:
Week 1
This week has discussed the relevance of system thinking in the processes and functions of
project management.
Week 2
The week has increased my education and information about the different tools and techniques
that aid in resolving the project problems.
Week 3
The week describes the importance of system thinking in the various project cases. It has
enhanced my knowledge of system thinking application in project management.
Week 4
The week has discussed the aspects, methodologies and concepts of system thinking in the
project life cycle. It has increased my knowledge of system engineering in organising a project
and its functions.
Week 5
The week has conversed on the importance of selecting and identifying appropriate project
management application systems. It has discussed the objectives of internal and external goals
for a project.
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Week 6
The week has discussed on the utilization of project applications in the projects and its benefits
in the areas of knowledge management and decision making in the complex natured projects.
Week 7
The week has provided me with education on the advantages and disadvantages of the manual
and electronic project management applications and systems.
Week 8
The week has described on the benefits project management application systems provides in
monitoring the performance of the project. It has educated me on the methods project
applications assists managing the changes in projects.
Week 9
The week has briefed me about the identification of project management application systems in
various industry domains. It has educated me on the benefits accrued by a particular application
in different industry domains.
Week 10
The week has discussed for developments that have undertaken in the use of project management
application systems in various projects.
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References
 Al-Mamary, Y. H., Shamsuddin, A., & Abdul Hamid, N. A. (2013). The impact of
management information systems adoption in managerial decision making: A
review. Management Information Systems, 8(4), 010-017.
 Kerzner, H., & Kerzner, H. R. (2017). Project management: a systems approach to
planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
 Sebok, (2017). Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK)
[Online]. Available
at:http://www.sebokwiki.org/wiki/Foundations_of_Systems_Engineering [Accessed on
02 June 2018].
 Kerzner, H. (2004). Advanced project management: Best practices on implementation.
John Wiley & Sons.
 Levine, H. A. (2007). Project portfolio management: a practical guide to selecting
projects, managing portfolios, and maximizing benefits. John Wiley & Sons.
 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
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
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Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
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