Question

ASSIGNMENT:

Answer the following questions below:

1. List and describe the unique features and complexities of managing information systems projects. Of the unique features that make IT projects difficult to manage, which ones are most likely to prevail in the future? Which may become less important? Why?
2. List and describe “soft skills” needed in managing projects. Why is each important?

Answer 1

A Project Management Information System (PMIS) is one or more software tools used for a project’s information storage and distribution. A project management information system is the coherent organization of the information required for an organization to execute projects successfully. It is typically one or more software applications and a methodical process for collecting and using project information. These electronic systems are used to plan, execute, and fulfill project management goals.

The components of Information System Project Management are:

• Scheduling
• Estimating
• Resources
• Project documents and data
• Portals and dashboards
• Collaborative work management tools
• Social media
• Project control

The number of elements in a system and the possible relations among these elements is called as complexity. Complexity is the sum of - the differentiation of functions in a project between clients, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, banks, etc., or the internal differentiation of the contractor’s organization. The four components of Information Systems Development Project (ISDP) complexity are : structural organizational complexity, structural IT complexity, dynamic organizational complexity, and dynamic IT complexity. Project complexity is a contributing factor to project performance. Understanding how project complexity interacts with management actions and project performance is imperative. It fills this knowledge gap by empirically exploring the relationship between construction project complexity and project performance and their interaction with resource allocation.

Most important soft skills needed for a project manager in managing projects are as follows -

1. Leadership.
2. Motivation.
3. Communication.
4. Conflict Management.
5. Trust Building.
6. Decision Making.
7. Organization.

• Leadership - As a leader, it is important to understand how teams work, and what the characteristics of a good team are. Teams are a constantly changing dynamic force in which objectives are discussed, ideas are assessed and decisions are made in an effort to reach previously set goals. Before working on a particular project, tasks and goals should be clearly defined and understood by everyone on the team. This, along with assigning tasks based on each team member’s capabilities, is the responsibility of a leader.
• Motivation - Motivation is known as the “will to act.” Everyone has motivational forces inside them, and as a manager it is important to understand what those are for each team member so as to tap into that and influence their behavior in a positive way.
• Communication - Communicating clearly and openly is a necessity, but it’s important to remember that these exchanges go both ways. Open and honest communication from top-level leadership helps result in the same communication and trust from all other members of the team. Transparent project managers will typically have employees who feel more comfortable about opening up to the manager about their concerns, issues and constructive suggestions.
• Conflict Management - Implementing conflict resolution strategies helps make effective leadership easier during difficult moments for the team.
• Trust Building - Good leaders care about earning the trust of their team members. Sharing information with the team, being transparent about decisions, getting team members involved in the decision-making process and being genuinely interested in each team member’s growth are all ways project managers can earn the trust of their team.
• Decision Making - Decisions can usually be categorized as routine, strategic, operational or emergency. Depending on the type of decision that needs to be made, project managers may have different sets of criteria that come into play when making a judgment, and how they analyze the individual options may vary. During the decision-making process, managers should always consider how others will be affected, and when in doubt, consult their peers or colleagues.
• Organization - Project managers should be capable of organizing a large number of moving parts. A good project manager can track the multitude of tasks, issues, action items, milestones and decisions, all while ensuring accountability.