Module 4 Paper 1

Module 4: Paper
Kylee Knighten
November 13, 2020
Is there a one size fits all perfect answer to managing uncertainty in project
management? The learning materials helped me in my understanding of dealing with
uncertainty and uncontrollable variables. There’s only so much planning that can go into
planning a project before it’s time to execute and let all the pieces all where they may. With
that being said planning for risk is a must. In this week’s simulation project managers were
blindsided with a decrease in our execution time to design our printer. The competitor rushed
to rollout, forcing our executives to limit our schedule by 5 while weeks. The blogs chosen were
applicable to the simulation, provided a foundation and strong tips on what to look for when
managing a project.
When managing a project there is always a chance of uncertainty. In this week’s module
we were given a simulation, told about an upcoming challenge and asked to work through it
with our team. The first run through was almost blind, having no idea what the challenge was
ahead of me. This week’s reading describes how to manage the uncertainty as it comes across
in projects. Lastly, I chose two blogs from Project Management Hut that outline why projects
fail and how to interpret risk when managing a project.
In chapter 3 of the reading, David Cleden describes the differences between controllable
and uncontrollable variables. “Controllable variables are the things which we, as the principal
decision maker, can alter or influence,” (pg. 14). In the simulation some of examples of the
controlled variables were the team size, meeting frequency and the creation of a prototype.
Cleden goes on to mention that not every controlled variable needs to be changed when
managing a project. This was especially relevant following week 5. After the competitor
announce they were releasing their printer 5 weeks early our executives forced our team to
jump ahead of schedule and do the same. This pressure forced me as the project manager to
make tough decisions altering the resources available to me. The variable that I decided to
leave alone was creating a prototype. I selected team members who were highly skilled and
was confident in their work. I did not feel as though creating this model would benefit our
team. Instead creating the prototype would have slowed down our progress.
This week I chose two blogs that I felt really made an impact on my interpretation of the
project management role. The first blog is titled “Top 10 Main Causes of Project Failure” written
by Rosanne Lim. The first cause is poor preparation from the project manager. Lim suggests to
“have a meeting even if it is lengthy, with stakeholders to discuss their expectations on cost,
time and product quality”. This is the part of the simulation that I wish was a bit more flexible.
While I understand this is a simulation after all, it would be nice if there were more
communication from our executives or a successful guided path was given. For example, in the
real world if I ran into a challenge, as a project manager, I would consult my executives and
stakeholders to determine their flexibility. if they cut my team in half, I would be transparent
with them that it might delay the schedule. I would also communicate to them that certain
milestones may take longer to be reached. Or for example if they decide to move up our
deadline, I would ask for an increased budget in order to add more team members to
accomplish the project. I think another helpful tool would have been to showcase how the
simulation should ideally be ran. After I ran through the simulation more than 5 to 10 times it
would be nice if there was an “ideal path” to showcase how to maximize the given situation.
That way we could step back as project managers and say “ah ha” that’s what I was missing
from my project.
Number six on Lim’s list of reasons why projects fail is due to in accurate cost
estimations. This cause was extremely prevalent in the simulation. In order to make the
schedule deadline I found myself going over budget $10-$15,000 each time. “When resources
run out the project stops,” Lim expresses. Thankfully, even though our budget had ran-out the
expenses did not stop the project.
The second blog I chose for this week’s learning material is titled “Understanding the 4
Types of Risks Involved in Project Management” written by Balaji Viswanathan. The significance
of this blog was Balaji’s number 2 risk: scheduling. The schedule deadline being pushed forward
by 5 weeks was a huge challenge in the simulation. While there are various tools to help project
manager’s adhere to the schedule, such as the Work Breakdown Structure, some unexpected
and uncontrollable changes may occur. The competitor releasing their printer design 5 weeks
early was out of our control but by increasing the team’s size we were able to catch up even
though the budget ran significantly over.
Ultimately there I’ve learned there is no one answer when dealing with uncertainty.
There is no one size fits all path that will ensure your project reaches its goal, but if you stay
flexible and transparent with your team and stakeholders the job will be a whole lot smoother.
Reference:
Understanding the 4 Types of Risks Involved in Project Management by Balaji Viswanathan
retrieved from:
https://project-management.com/understanding-the-4-types-of-risks-involved-in-project-
management/
Top 10 Main Causes of Project Failure by Rosanne Lim retrieved from:

https://project-management.com/top-10-main-causes-of-project-failure/

Module 4 Paper 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 4 Paper 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 4 Paper 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 4: Paper

management? The learning materials helped me in my understanding of dealing with

fail and how to interpret risk when managing a project.

expenses did not stop the project.

though the budget ran significantly over.

Top 10 Main Causes of Project Failure by Rosanne Lim retrieved from:

You might also like