CIS517
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
A project manager is the person responsible for leading a project from its inception to
execution. This includes planning, execution and managing the people, resources and scope of
the project. Project managers must have the discipline to create clear and attainable objectives
and to see them through to successful completion. The project manager has full responsibility
and authority to complete the assigned project
Describe the different organizational structures as it relates to project management
A project organization is a structure that assists the coordination and implementation of
project activities. Its main reason is to create an environment that nurtures interactions among the
team members with a minimum amount of disruptions, overlaps and conflict. One of the
important decisions of project management is the form of organizational structure that will be
used for the project. The current types of organizational structure of project management are
functional organizational structure, project-based organizational structure and matrix
organizational structure.
Matrix organizational structure is a hybrid form of structure which is a combination of
the functional and divisional structures. Matrix based, in which the project manager shares
responsibility with other program unit managers. Some of the shared responsibilities can include
assigning priorities and tasks to individual team members. Matrix based project organizations
allow program units to focus on their specific technical competencies and allow projects to be
staffed with specialists from throughout the organization The matrix based organization is also
the most flexible when dealing with hanging programmatic needs and priorities. The main
advantage of the matrix based organization is the efficient allocation of all resources, especially
scarce specialty skills that cannot be fully utilized by only one project. With this type of structure
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
there is a balance between ongoing operations and projects, so it is a common structure for
organizations that have these dual roles.
Project Based type of organization project managers have a high level of authority to
manage and control the project resources. The project manager in this structure has total
authority over the project and can acquire resources needed to accomplish project objectives
from within or outside the parent organization, subject only to the scope, quality, and budget
constraints identified in the project. The project manager has the authority to set priorities, apply
resources, and to direct the work of team members assigned to the project. The members of the
project team report directly to the project manager and everyone is assigned to a project. When
the project is completed, resources will be re-assigned to another project. The project-based
organizational structure is common in companies that work on sizeable long-term projects.
Functional organizational structure is the most common type of the three structures and
works best in small organizations in which the different sections are geographically close
together and provide only a small number of goods and services. A functional organizational
structure has several advantages when it comes to managing projects. Project teams within a
functional structure benefit from clearly defined reporting relationships. Functional structures are
managed through a coherent top-down approach, with employees generally reporting to only one
manager. Fewer layers of management mean employees are more likely to know what is
expected of them, and from whom. Another main advantage of projects performed inside a single
department is that the unit has complete control over the results. Project goals are determined
internally, not by an external project owner, and thus are better suited to meet departmental need.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Different roles that project managers can play in organizational leadership.
Project managers are organized, passionate and goal-oriented. Understand what projects
have in common, and their strategic role in how organizations succeed, learn and change (PMI,
2013). The most fundamental role of a leader is to define the organizational goal, formulate
plans and organize people to achieve the goals through the execution of plans. Organizational
leadership is a dual focused management approach that works towards what is best for
individuals and what is best for a group as a whole simultaneously. Project Management is all
about effective communication, from understanding the technical aspects of the discipline and
disseminating that information to the team, to the sponsors, and effectively dealing with diverse
groups up and down the organization chart. A project manager is a person who has the overall
responsibility for the successful initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling
and closure of a project. The specific duties of a project manager vary from industry to industry,
company to company, and sometimes even from project to project. A project manager is the
person with the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project
requirements (PMI, 2013). The Project Manager is also responsible for managing the work of
consultants, allocating and utilizing resources in an efficient manner and maintaining a co-
operative, motivated and successful team.
Depending on the size and the complexity of the project, they may need to take on multiple
roles. The project manager may need to assist with gathering business requirements, help to
design a database management system or may prepare project documentation. They may work
full time on a large project, or may work part-time on various projects of a smaller nature; or
may alternatively handle various projects as well as handle other responsibilities like business
analysis and business development (Jackowski, 2015).
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Human resource factors that affect project management
Human resource function is one of the most crucial elements for an organization's success.
Human resource (HR) management within a project is the crucial success factor nothing will
ever be designed, built, implemented or operated without people (PMI, 2013). Human resources
factors affects project management in all phases. These factors can include skills and
competencies; involvement in decision making, and motivational factors in management of
human resources of project management.
Planning human resource management involves identifying and documenting project roles,
responsibilities and reporting relationships. Human resource planning is a process that identifies
current and future human resource needs for an organization, based on the goals and objectives
set by upper management. It responds to the importance of business strategy and planning in
order to ensure the availability and supply of people—in both number and quality. Human
resource planning serves as a link between human resource management and the overall strategic
plan of an organization (Boundless, 2014).
Because projects do something unique, project team members do not necessarily know
what to do next. They need to be told the project plan. The majority of project HR tools are
focused on ensuring that each project team member knows what is required of them. The
PMBOK Guide process related to project human resource management comprises: develop
human resource plan, acquire project team, develop project team, and manage project team.
Conflict resolution techniques that project managers can utilize to keep team members
productive.
According to the PMBOK Guide, conflict is inevitable in a project environment. After
defining the problem, the PMBOK Guide suggests five techniques for project management.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Leadership approaches are one of the potential success factors for project managers. It is a skill,
which is often neglected in training because it is very hard to measure a person’s leadership style
in a training situation. By understanding leadership styles and their impact, a project manager
can become a great project leader. Therefore, the project manager must determine the most
appropriate leadership style for each project team. A project manager should choose the correct
leadership style based upon the project and project team requirements.
Withdraw/Avoid Conflict Management
Retreating from an actual or potential conflict situation; postponing the issue to be better
prepared or to be resolved by others. Temporarily avoiding the conflict also means you have the
chance to think through the other person’s situation. While withdrawing and avoiding is valuable
in the short term, it can be over used (PMI, 2013). If you retreat from a conflict situation and fail
to follow up, the conflict is likely to become worse over time. Withdrawing and avoiding also
works well as a self-management technique.
Smooth/Accommodate Conflict Management
Emphasizing areas of agreement rather than areas of difference; conceding one’s position
to the needs of others to maintain harmony and relationships (PMI, 2013). This approach
recognizes the importance of professional relationships to project success. Successfully using
smoothing and accommodating requires understanding of the parties in conflict (PMI, 2013).
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Compromise/Reconcile Conflict Management
Searching for solutions that bring some degree of satisfaction to all parties in order to
temporarily or partially resolve the conflict (PMI, 2013). The compromise technique recognizes
that some conflicts cannot be fully solved. To successfully use this method, the project manager
needs to understand the needs of the person or stakeholder. The project manager also has to be
willing to make changes to their project. For compromise to be successful, each party needs to
benefit and sacrifice party of their objectives (PMI, 2013).
Force/Direct Conflict Management
Pushing one’s viewpoint at the expense of others; offering only win-lose solutions,
usually enforced through a power position to resolve an emergency (PMI, 2013). Use the
force/direct conflict management technique only when absolutely required. As the PMBOK
definition suggests; applying force to resolve conflicts comes at a cost. Specifically, the project
manager is likely to harm relationships with the project team by using this method. Abuse or
overuse of this technique tends to cause more conflict in the long term.
Collaborate/Problem Solve Conflict Management
Incorporating multiple viewpoints and insights from differing perspectives; requires a
cooperative attitude and open dialogue that typically leads to consensus and commitment (PMI,
2013). The collaboration and problem solving approach to conflict is the most productive
technique in my view. This technique has two major benefits; the conflict itself is solved and the
project team is strengthened as a by-product of working to solve the problem. This technique is
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
most likely to be successful in situations where the project team already has a high level of trust
(PMI, 2013).
Leadership approaches and when they are best utilized
An effective Project Management Professional (PMP) is able to invoke various
leadership styles. The key is to use each style at the right time. There are six distinct leadership
styles that were identified by Daniel Goleman. Peter Drucker suggested that, "Management is
doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." Leadership Style is a one of the potential
success factors for project managers. By understanding leadership styles and their impact, a PM
can become great project leader.
Coaching Style
Coaching style leader is willing to teach and allow people to work on their strengths and
weaknesses. The coach challenges all to do better and is encouraging when any failure is present.
It works well when the team is inexperienced and small in number.
Coercive Style
Coercive Style is used when a leader issues orders in such a manner that there is only one
direction to go. It is also used when there is a lack of time, or subordinates have no idea how to
craft a solution.
Affiliative Style
Affiliative Style is where a team leader seeks to encourage each member to think of
themselves as 'one of the gang', so to speak. There is a lot of flexibility on how the work is
actually done, as long as all objectives are met. Open communication and team harmony are
some of the by-products of this style.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Democratic style
Democratic style is employed when everyone has a say. While this style may cause the
planning and execution stages to be time consuming, morale is usually high. Invites ideas from
the team for decision-making process, goes with majority. This style will usually result in a
good decision, but may leave the minority voters disgruntled. A project manager will never hold
a vote without first consulting with the primary stakeholders in the vote. This is necessary to
ensure that the vote properly addresses the issue at hand, and that all parties know what is at
stake. An example would be a committee without a chair. An effective project manager must
employ a variety of leadership styles in order to be successful. There is no one size fits all.
Pace-setting style
Pace-setting style involves the setting of high performance standards. There is usually a
weeding out process that identifies employees who may have weaknesses in a certain area. Some
team members may feel constant pressure to compete and not feel they are providing any
meaningful contribution to the creative process.
Authoritative Style
Authoritative Style is used when the project manager shares their vision with the team,
but allows them to use their various talents to come up with a collaborative solution. By valuing
each team member's contribution, the leader is motivating the team. It is important that the leader
is respected for his/her knowledge so that others feel honored to be part of the effort.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Ethical situations or dilemmas that project managers might face in their role within an
organization.
Project managers have to face various ethical issues every day. Ethical issues especially
those related to workplace if not resolved properly, results in a decrease in the efficiency of team
members. Ethical issues revolve around our working relationship with other team members.
They may vary from one culture or region to the other as they are based on the norms, values,
thoughts and beliefs of the individuals (Majeed, 2012). Some common ethical issue related to
project management are:
Violation of Basic Rights of Workers
Misuse of power is a violation of basic rights for workers. When this happen the moral of
the team lowers, the motivation level of the team decreases as well (Majeed, 2012). Many times
it is difficult for people to admit that they have done something wrong. This is especially true for
a project manager, who may be responsible for a large project and for overseeing a staff.
However, ethically, if the project manager is at fault for the unsuccessful venture of project
completion, then that project manager must be able to admit this wrong. Not admitting
wrongdoing can greatly damage the team relationship. The unethical practice will also most
likely cause the team members you are in charge of to not trust the manager as well.
Being Bias
Biasness is common everywhere whether it is project management or any other business.
The project manager show biased behavior which leads to a disturbance in the whole working
environment (Majeed, 2012). At times project managers hire their family members, relatives or
friends in their team without considering that these people lack desired skills and qualifications.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
When working with contracts, there are often many stipulations and requirements between the
two parties involved. Sometimes, these stipulations may violate ethical beliefs and values.
Project managers have to face various ethical issues every day however, a project manager must
also remember his obligation to be an ethical, responsible employer, employee and corporate
citizen.
Ethical Violations
Ethical issues especially those related to workplace if not resolved properly, results in a decrease
in the efficiency of team members. Ethical issues revolve around our working relationship with
other team members. They may vary from one culture or region to the other as they are based on
the norms, values, thoughts and beliefs of the individuals. There are no hard and fast rules for
dealing with ethical issues so you have to use your entrepreneurial and leading skills in order to
tackle ethical problems while doing project management.
Blaming Others
Project managers blame their team members or subordinates without thinking that being a
project head it was also their responsibility to ensure success. Although the project manager is in
charge of ensuring the task gets completed, sometimes a task can fail despite the project
manager’s best efforts. In these cases of project incompletion or failure, it should be said that the
team failed.
When considering the special and general circumstances discussed above, it is quite clear that
project environment is a potential hot bed for unethical behavior. Project managers must deal
with a surplus of ethical issues, and at any given time and place can find himself or herself
dealing with an ethical situation or indiscretion related to a particular topic.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Summarize tools and techniques commonly used in project procurement.
Project procurement management is a simple activity that is comprised of four main
processes plan procurements, conduct procurements, administer procurements and close
procurements. Consequently, it can cause major delays that may result in payouts. Project
procurement management is about establishing, maintaining and closing relationships with
suppliers of goods and services for the project. “The processes necessary to purchase or acquire
the products, services, or results needed from outside the project team” (PMBOK). Various tools
and techniques are used for conducting procurements which can include make or buy decision,
bidder conferences, proposal evaluation techniques, procurement negotiations, expert judgment
and internet searches to name a few.
The procurement audit tool allows a structured and comprehensive review of the whole process
of procurement, aimed at detecting any mistakes and analysis of the process to learn from it, for
the purpose of making future procurements more informed. The future projects will benefit from
procurement audits, through the lessons learnt in previous audits.
The procurement negotiation tool is meant to resolve any outstanding dispute between the
buyer and the seller. The dispute progress to the mediation stage if negotiation fails to work before
the parties can take the dispute for litigation. Litigation will lead to both parties counting losses in
terms of the time, cost, and reputation.
A make or buy analysis is done to ascertain if a piece of the project work should be done
within the team or it should be purchased from an outside source. Will need to be taken where
the option exists to do the work in-house as part of the project or to purchase some products or
services from suppliers.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Expert judgement is considered to be one of the best accepted approaches and most
useful too during the planning phases of many activities. The approach not only saves the time
during the planning but also highlights risks to be considered while executing. It also improves
the quality of the estimates and provides accurate forecasts. Seller rating system is a historically
based system for evaluating sellers.
Assess the role of technology in project management.
Technology does help project managers perform better and can play a major role in
supporting project managers in managing projects effectively and efficiently. Technology has a
big impact on project duration, tracking costs and overall project performance. Technology
assumes importance in the context of project management due to greater challenges in today's
technology-enabled work environment, where technology tools are routinely used for
collaboration, communication, and deployment of project management practices. It is becoming
common practice for even co-located project teams to use the electronic medium for these
purposes. Nevertheless the importance of technology, research has shown that it is difficult to
associate the use of technology with business performance and the absence of such relation can
be extrapolated to project performance as well. However, technology can play a major role in
supporting project managers in managing projects effectively and efficiently.
Provide your expectations for the development of the project management field aided by
modern technologies
With modern technology the project management field can advance in many ways. I expect
there will be more offshoring due to virtual presence, companies will invest more into social
media as it’s now the norm, and there will be more qualified trained project managers.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
Technology is changing everyday so in order to keep up, the project management field will need
to grow and change as well.
There are powerful environmental forces contributing to the rapid expansion of project
management approaches to business problems and opportunities. A project is defined as a non-
routine, one-time effort limited by time, resources, and performance specifications designed to
meet customer needs. One of the distinguishing characteristics of project management is that it
has both a beginning and an end and typically consists of four phases: defining, planning,
executing, and closing.
Effective project management begins with selecting and prioritizing projects that support the
firm’s mission and strategy. Successful implementation requires both technical and social skills.
Project managers have to plan and budget projects as well as orchestrate the contributions of
others.
Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
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Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
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Term Paper: Project Managers and Leadership, Ethics, and Technology
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