PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio: Systems Thinking for Project Management

This project, a unit portfolio for the PPMP20012 course, delves into the application of systems thinking within project, program, and portfolio management. The assignment examines the core concepts of systems thinking, emphasizing its role in understanding interrelationships and identifying patterns to aid in effective decision-making and risk assessment. The portfolio includes analysis of mandatory readings, such as SEBoK and Kerzner, to illustrate how systems thinking supports the prioritization and control of projects and programs. It also covers the use of application systems for monitoring project performance and managing changes. Furthermore, the project discusses the identification of systems thinking tools and techniques for solving project problems, change management, and performance monitoring within project management frameworks. The goal is to demonstrate the practical importance of systems thinking in addressing the uncertainties and complexities inherent in project environments, as well as the application of application systems to monitor performance and manage changes.

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—
Guidance on
portfolio
1. Explain the
relevance of
systems thinking to
the project,
program and
portfolio manager.
System thinking is considered as one of the frameworks that is mainly utilized
for reflecting on the interrelationships rather focussing on the things for seeing
on the patterns rather than different types of static snapshots. It is found that
the system thinking is helpful in making proper assumptions and assists in
determining risks effectively. Moreover, it also helps in properly communicating
the issues as well as the proposed solutions for achieving benefits.
It is found that portfolio management is one of the procedures that helps in
prioritizing as well as controlling the projects as well as programmes of the
organization for achieving the objectives. On the other hand, programmes is one
of the coordinated management within the project as well as change
management based activities that are helpful in achieving success. Thus, it is
found that system thinking generally helps the programs by properly reflecting
on the scope, dependencies, transition planning as well as different types of
external changes.
I have analyzed that the readings assist in putting proper insights om the
project outcomes that showcases that the system thinking plays an important
role in managing the project, program as well as portfolio.
Mjema, E. A. (2018). A
System Thinking
Approaching
Maintenance, Production
and Quality. Tanzania
Journal of Engineering
and Technology, 26(2).
1 of 2

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
management;
2 of 2