Project Management Success Factors

Project Management Success Factors Introduction Project is a temporary, unique and novel endeavor having a clear finish date (Project Management Institute, 2013). Project success has been a hot topic of debate for the last few decades. A lot of research and study has been done in this respect but the results are elusive rather than conclusive. The fundamental reason behind this is the unique nature, size and complexity of a project. Project success is a perceived concept and there is a wide divergence of opinions concerning this. Early research on project success was done keeping into account the golden triangle of time, budget and required levels of quality (Belassi, 1996). Failure to meet this expectations/standards, the project was considered as a failure. However, in the last two decades, the focus has been more on organizational and management success. The assessment of project success is done by different interest groups- (Stockholders, managers, customers and employees). Therefore, assessment of project success must be done in accordance to different views (Stuckenbruck, 1986) (Baccarini, 1999) identified the two distinct sources of project success: Project Management Success Emphasizes on project process and the successful accomplishment of golden triangle (cost, time and quality). Also, it addresses the way a project was conducted. Product Success- Deals with the effects of products final outcome. Project success is of prime most importance as a vast majority of the projects fail, incurring huge amounts of losses (resources and time). To overcome this, prominent researchers have adopted a two-dimensional method of addressing project success, namely project success criteria and success factors. PROJECT CRITICAL SUCCESS CRITERIA AND CRITICIAL SUCCESS FACTORS   Ã‚   Project success criteria are the set of guidelines and standards used to review the success or failures of a project. These are dependent on a lot of factors/variables and will be subject to variation in perception by different stakeholders. Traditionally, project success criteria were dependent on the golden or iron triangle (cost, time and quality). Conversely, it was later on discovered that success criteria couldnt be measured based on these factors alone as the perception of project success varies from person to person. Furthermore, research also shows that it is impossible to generate a standard specification of success criteria apposite for all projects. Assessment of project was done on different criterias, including utility of the final project, client satisfaction, and the probability of making use of the finished project (Slevin Pinto, 1986). Although different researches have different opinions, there is a general consensus regarding the result areas, which covers the en tire issue of project success in the broadest sense. Some of the key elements of project success criteria are as follows: Stakeholders Appreciation. User Appreciation. Appreciation by contracting partners. Appreciation by project personnel. Appreciation by users. Client appreciation. Time. Quality. Cost. Project efficiency. Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements. (Project Management Institute, 2013). A lot of significant research work has been carried out in the field of project management to identify and determine the critical success factors. Eminent researchers , Pinto and Slevin were the first to develop a Project management tool, named Project Implementation Plan (PIP) and identification of critical success factors (Slevin Pinto, 1986). These factors were widely accepted and also used by other researchers (Scott-Young Samson, 2004) . Furthermore, it was also realized that due to complexities and subtleties of projects, this method wasnt very effective and the Project implementation tool (PIP) was used to examine the Critical success Factors (CSF) over different project life cycles (Pinto Prescott, 1998) (Adams, 1978) (King Cleland, 1983). The various Critical Success Factors associated with the dif ferent project life cycles are as follows: Project Initiation or Conceptualization Phase: (Success factors- Definition of goals, project objectives, project summary and client appreciation). (Morris Hough, 1987) Project Planning Phase : (Success factors- Scope definition, project strategy, selection of team members, work breakdown structure (WBS), resource allocation, client acceptance and management support). (Cleland King, 1983) (Belassi, 1996) Project Execution Phase: (Success factors- Scheduling, technical works, trouble-shooting, monitoring and feedback, innovation and quality control) (Morris Hough, 1987) Project Closing or Terminating Phase: (Success factors- Client feedback, work review, technical tasks, client consultation, project reports.) (Belassi, 1996) Furthermore, the success factors can also be divided into major groups covering all the aspects and elements of project management (Westerveld, 2002). These are as follows: Management of Human Resources: (Team and leadership, Project manager, stakeholder Management) Project Process: (Planning, scheduling, controlling, monitoring, quality and risk) Organizational Factors: (Resources , policy , organizational structure) Technical Factors: (Procurement, Contractor, technical works and novelty) External Factors: (Skilled human resources, experience, project size, project uniqueness, management support structure, political stability, environment and other natural hazards) Thus, it can be concluded that project success criteria emphasizes more on the result oriented areas, whereas; success factors focus more on the organizational areas of a project (Westerveld, 2002). At the same time, they both act as excellent guidelines for the management team to formulate and device their strategy, implementing and executing them in order to achieve direct or indirect project success. Also, researchers have found that that human resource management accelerates projects success more than technical skills (Scott-Young Samson, 2004). Project managers play a pivotal role when it comes to successful delivery of projects. Due to the complexity and uniqueness associated with each project, it is of outmost importance for a project manager to develop and adopt a multi-dimensional approach. As the project manager has to focus on multiple variables, it is essential for the project manager to get his management team onboard as quickly as possible and define project goals, sco pe and execution plan. A project manager must realize and understand the client and organizations expectations and design a bespoke plan of action taking into account the success criteria and success factors.

Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues - Same-sex Marriage :: Argumentative Persuasive Essay Examples

Same-sex Marriage The argument of same-sex marriage is important, not only for the religious and legal precedent, but because the welfare of families, especially the interest of children now and in the future, may be profoundly affected by the proposals before Hawaii's courts and the state legislature relating to same-sex marriage. Marriage is a unique practice, in that it is both a religious sacrament and legal registration controlled by the state. For the time being, marriage is defined by "84% of the population as the union of two people of the opposite sex" (Johnson p.49). Therefore, by definition, marriage has to be different sex. Whereas, the definition of homosexuality is "exhibiting sexual desire toward another of the same sex" (Webster's New World Dictionary p.673). Throughout human history, according to religious tradition and as a matter of natural law, marriage has been tied to potential procreative sexuality, which is a monopoly held by different-sex couples. Under this definitional objection, "the state cannot recognize something that is an impossibility" (Eskridge p.87). "In 1993, three same-sex couples (Ninia Baehr, Genora Dancel, Tammy Rodrigues, Antoinette Pregil, Pat Lagon and Joseph Melilio) applied for marriage licenses from the State of Hawaii. They were refused. They then challenged the state's decision in court. This set in motion a chain of events: the case was appealed to the Hawaii Supreme Court (Baehr v. Miike; action #15689) which ruled on May 27, 1993 that the state's refusal to grant marriage licenses was unconstitutional. It violated the Hawaiian Constitution's equal protection guarantees (Article I, Section 5) against gender discrimination. The court remanded the case to the Circuit Court, stating that licenses should be issued to same-sex couples, unless the state can show a compelling interest in banning such marriages" (Hawai'is Future Today). The Hawaiian Legislature passed a bill in 1994 stating that "the state's policy is that marriage must only be permitted between a man and a woman" (Hawai'is Future Today). On December 3, 1996, Judge Kevin Chang issued a 46 page ruling. He has determined that "the State of Hawaii failed to show a compelling state interest to justify the continuation of the ban against same-sex marriages" (Chang). Same sex marriages are now theoretically legal in Hawaii. However, the state refused to recognize the courts decision until it was formally filed. The attorney general obtained a stay of Judge Chang's court order, pending a decision by the state Supreme Court.

Hrm, Performance Mgmt.

HR03 Performance Management Assignment No. I Assignment Code: 2013HR03A1Last Date of Submission: 15th April 2013 Maximum Marks:100 Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks. Section-A Ques. 1Discuss the role of Performance Planning in setting performance criteria for achievement of goals of an organization. Explain with an example how an organization attempts to synchronize individual performance targets with organizational goals. Ques. 2â€Å"Performance Management –It’s about performing not just appraising† comment on the statement using theoretical concepts to support your answer. Ques. Elucidate the role of HR departments in the successful implementation of performance appraisal system in organizations. Ques. 4Explain why KPAs and performance targets form the building blocks of any good performance planning system? Section-B Case Study In response to an advertisement Murali Dhar Yadav applied for the post of an assistan t supervisor at Kanpur unit of Manorama Industries (P) Ltd. , leading manufacturers of telephone cables. He was 22 and had passed the intermediate examination in science from Uttar Pradesh Board securing a second class as well as a three-year Diploma in mechanical engineering from Allahabad Polytechnic.The selection was made in the last week of December, 2005 through scientific procedures including screening, psychological tests, group discussion, interview and medical check-up and as Yadav was found to be the most suitable person among 34 applicants, the management was pleased to offer him the position. Yadav joined the company and after completing six months’ training successfully he was formally placed as an assistant supervisor on Rs. 8000/- p. m. in the extrusion section dealing with the coating of polyvinyl chloride on copper or bunched cables. He supervised approximately 60 workers and reported to the general supervisor.His duties and responsibilities in this position included planning, training new operators, chasing schedules, developing new methods, inspection and quality checks etc. etc. Yadav’s performance as assistant supervisor from the very beginning was found to be uniformally efficient. His general behavior in the company towards his superiors, fellow-supervisors and workers was highly appreciable. He used to participate actively in informal get-togethers and parties in the canteen of the company. He inspired confidence, respect and enthusiasm in his subordinates.He was instrumental in increasing production and did not hesitate to work with his own hands. He welcomed responsibilities and did not pass on the buck. On the recommendation of the general supervisor, he was confirmed in his position. Later on, Baldev Prasad Sinha, an assistant supervisor in the cabling section, took three months’ leave, and Yadav was transferred to this section for the specified period of time. Yadav again demonstrated his ability and leadership qualities while handling responsibilities of the new section. Then, he was placed again in the extrusion section. In course of time, Rakesh Kochar, a production supervisor (shift n-charge) of the extrusion section was transferred to Kolkata unit of the company and to fill-up the vacancy thus created the general supervisor recommended the name of Yadav on the following grounds: 1. He had fair knowledge of extrusion, cabling and tinning. 2. He could get things done and had a control over the workers. 3. He was the senior most diploma holder in the extrusion department. 4. He took responsibilities willingly. 5. He had potential for leadership. The management was pleased to accept the above recommendation and promoted Yadav as a Production Supervisor (shift in-charge) at a salary of Rs. 5,000/- p. m. Gradually the factory expanded, more workers were employed and more machines were brought. However, it was found that despite the expansion, the production in cabling section was not incre asing proportionately as expected because of low motivation among workers. Yadav was transferred to this section to get the expected results. He attempted to motivate the workers by providing them good facilities for work, valuing their ideas, recognizing good work, and by changing the programmes and schedules according to the capacity of each individual.He also tried to inject team spirit among the workers by encouraging competition between the two shifts of workers. His techniques proved to be very effective and consequently production in the section increased 1. 35 times. Besides this, he also made useful suggestions for cooling the cables at the die for getting a mat finish which was implemented and since then being practiced. Later on, his services were rendered to the wire drawing section where production was suspected to suffer because of poor personal relations among the workers as well as between the supervisors.He attempted to create a healthy atmosphere in the section, to settle the disputes among workers through mutual understanding and to inject a sense of brotherhood and respect for each other. He succeeded in his attempts to build-up good relations and consequently, production increased 1. 2 times. Then, he was again placed in the extrusion section and by the end of the year, the general supervisor and the works manager appraised his performance as almost â€Å"outstanding†. Subsequently, Yadav was promoted as a general supervisor in production planning and control department.He was to be paid a salary of Rs. 17000/- p. m. The duties and responsibilities in this section included the following: 1. Coordination of wire drawing, extrusion and cabling sections. 2. Assessment of target requirements of raw materials. 3. Programming, coordinating and controlling the processes for machines. 4. Assessment of customer requirements 5. Delivery scheduling 6. Export order execution. Yadav showed mixed reactions to his promotion as a general supervisor in production planning and control department.On the one hand, he was glad to acquire the status of the general supervisor as well as accompanying financial benefits. On the other hand, he felt uneasiness for he was completely removed from the shop floor team of workers, which he enjoyed to supervise. He put his best efforts to perform his functions in the new position. However, despite his efforts, next month, 70 km of wrong colour-coded twisted wires worth about Rs. 22,000 were produced because of his incorrect planning for which he was warned to be careful in future.Again after 3 weeks, he was responsible for wrong twisting of 75 km of switch-board wire for which he was asked to submit an explanation by the works manager. Though since then such mistakes did not occur in his planning, a number of different kind of mistakes crept in because of miscalculations. Next, considerable work accumulated in the coiling section due to his incorrect planning. Again, the process was held up b ecause he planned 200 kg of 0. 4mm wire for cables but only 185kg of the wire could be actually available for it.The works manager reprimanded him privately several times for such inaccuracies in planning and did not know what to do. It was extremely surprising why Yadav’s performance tended to fall substantially below the standards expected of him by the company. Questions 1. Discuss critically performance appraisals of Mr. Yadav. 2. What are the reasons for declining performance of Mr. Yadav in the context of his performance appraisals? HR03 Performance Management Assignment No. II Assignment Code: 2013HR03A2Last Date of Submission: 15th May 2013 Maximum Marks:100 Attempt all the questions.All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks. Section-A Ques. 1Write a note on ‘Improving managee performance in rapidly changing organization’ Ques. 2Performance management is a critical final element of the performance appraisal process. Explain how effective mana gers help employees improve performance. Ques. 3We are living in a world of teamwork and collaboration, so much so that even, the Government at the Center and that in a number of states are being sustained through coalition politics. In such a scenario can you suggest any new way of measuring erformance of employees so that they are better performers in the new organizational context. Ques. 4Explain why in any performance appraisal form the appraisees are required to fill up much more than the appraisers? Section-B Case Study – SGM Education Enterprises is a company in Noida, which came into existence in 1986 but implemented 360 degree feedback only four years ago. However, owing to immense resistance, had to discontinue its implementation. It so happened that CEO of the company was earlier given a powerful demonstration by a vendor of 360 degree feedback and the CEO was quite impressed by it.Consequently he decided to implement it in SGM Education Enterprises as well. Once t he CEO decided to implement the 360 degree feedback, he took the initiative to appoint the vendor as consultant to ensure its implementation in the company. Towards this end, an e-mail was sent highlighting its benefits and the rationale for changing to the new system. It was informed as to how the ratings collected utilizing the new system will be linked to bonuses as well as the importance of finishing the On-line training and familiarization course on the system.Later, the consultant also imparted online training to all those who showed keenness to learn as well as provided links to various documents on how to observe, assess and record performance behavior. In case any employee had a doubt or needed clarification, he could contact HR personnel to resolve any problem. Question: Discuss in detail the method adopted by the CEO to implement 360-Degree feedback in the company. As per your opinion what could have gone wrong in this regard.

Culture Shock What White America Feels After Reading...

Culture shock: what white America feels after reading this book. Juan Gonzalez’s Harvest of Empire encases what most Latinos want to say, but always gets muted for. The empowerment behind the title is such an intricacy yet soft to the touch. This book will make any reader reconsider about everything they’ve learned from any culture. This book covers most atrocities committed to Latin America by Spain and the US. The factor of white hegemony, hunger for power and possessions, discrimination, conquest, and the terrorization by Americans in Latin America makes this book difficult to read as a Latina. The limelight of this book is in Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico because how relatively close these three countries are in relation to the US. Gonzalez’s main argument of this book is to demonstrate to America how Latino presence is becoming a commonality and it will be normalized. Furthermore, it talks about the second wave of immigration and how pivotal it has become. Fi nally, he discusses This book has the focal point of having the truth being told once and for all from the Latino perspective. Mine is the perspective of a Latino who has grown tired of having our story told, often one-sidedly, without the passion or the pain, by experts who have not lived it. (Gonzalez, XVII) Gonzalez cuts straight to the point when he wrote this book. Gonzalez went through the bushes and cut through the bullshit to make his point. He wrote about how various groups of Latinos migrated here toShow MoreRelatedOnline Reading Essay1541 Words   |  7 PagesOnline Reading Essay America, a country created by the outcasts of Europe in the 1700’s, is a nation that consists of a diversity not known by any other country. Since the first settlers travelled to this new nation, people from all over the world have come to this great country for many different reasons. Some people come to make a better life for their families, some people come to experience freedom, some have come to stay alive and avoid genocide of their own nation, in the past some have evenRead MoreClose Reading of a Poem Essay1280 Words   |  6 PagesClose Reading of a Poem Maria Clinton ENG 125 May 31, 2011 Tiffany Griffin-Minor Close Reading of a Poem ON THE AMTRAK FROM BOSTON TO NEW YORK CITY: BY SHERMAN ALEXIE On the Amtrak from Boston to New York City is an emotionally provocative poem by the Native American Indian writer, Sherman Alexie. It describes a train journey from Boston to New York City in which an elderly white woman excitedly points out historical sites to her fellow passenger, a younger Native American Indian. The poemRead MoreWhat I Learned Culture And Health Class This Semester1735 Words   |  7 PagesIjeoma Unachukwu Professor Gezmu Culture and Health Fall 2014 What I learned in Culture and Health Class This Semester Where do I begin. I wasn’t going to take this class. I’m already taking Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Disease on Thursday so I thought I filled my Professor Gezmu quota for the semester, but the first day of class I was reeled in. I’m pretty sure I was staring at Gezmu with the most dumbfounded shock-filled face of all time. Prior to the class I really did think I was aRead MoreRacism of Yesterday and Today Essay1655 Words   |  7 Pagesfor the book came from Mark Twain’s own encounters. Twain’s experiences as a steamboat pilot from 1835 to 1845 provided a great deal of the historical context for his work. The novel revolves around a southern boy, Huck, and a slave named Jim who both reject society by running away in hopes of finding freedom. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn highlights and portrays the cruelty of racism that surrounded the south in Pre-Civil War America; the racism depicted in the book still to this day receivesRead MoreMulticultural Liter ature Essay1702 Words   |  7 Pagesawareness. Through multicultural books many young readers are able to make a connection with their own culture or better yet, further explore another culture. Authors use different themes such as culture, politics, and even personal barriers to show different cultures. At times though, this genre will often reveal the â€Å"ugly roots for even the greatest literature† (Multicultural). The phrase â€Å"ugly roots† emphasizes that what readers may not want to hear about a culture, including their own, willRead MoreEssay on Dances With Wolves by Michael Blake1805 Words   |  8 PagesDances With Wolves by Michael Blake is a novel that covers the topics of cross-culture, equality and respect. It also shows me the history of modern America. Reading this novel is a great adventure to me. Through years of getting ready, Michael Blake spent nine months on writing the book and got it done in 1981. The story happens in 1863, when US civil war was in ongoing. Knowing the potential amputation of his wounded leg, Union Army Officer Lieutenant John J. Dunbar turns suicidal and ridesRead MoreOppression Of The United States868 Words   |  4 Pages In this course we learned about many different types of oppression, from the time America was first â€Å"discovered† and the discoverers began oppressing the Indians, to slavery, to the oppression of the mentally handicapped, all the way to more â€Å"modern† times in schools were students are being oppressed. When the Europeans and Spaniards first â€Å"discovered† North America all was well. The Indians at first were truly intrigued with the white man as the brought all sorts of new stuff to trade. MatterRead MoreI Chose, Lipstick Jihad By Azadeh Moaveni Essay1760 Words   |  8 Pages One of the first steps in cross cultural communication is making sure that you are confident in your own cultural identity. In the book that I chose, Lipstick Jihad by Azadeh Moaveni, the author struggled with finding a place that she felt she belonged and her cultural identity. Azadeh Moaveni is of Iranian diaspora and was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. Growing up Azadeh was embarrassed by being associated with Iran so she thought of herself as a Persian princess and when people askedRead MoreClass : Ids 230 - Great Books1731 Words   |  7 PagesClass: IDS 230 – Great Books Instructor: Professor Catherine Milton Student: Herfalyn Williams Final Essay Question â€Å"What is â€Å"Race?† Race to me is one issue that is staring in our face, we see it but behave as if it’s not there. I moved to America a few years ago and experienced the culture shock of the issue of race that is affecting us as people. When I first got here I was so unaware of a fact that my race was referred to as minorities. I knew not much about my history and lived amongst JamaicansRead MoreWhat Makes You Me?1702 Words   |  7 Pagesher own culture. With this being said it would make sense as to why my life has always been so unpredictable, seeing that I’ve never known much about my own culture. It’s not so much that I’m unaware of my African American culture, but more in fact that despite being a product of my culture, I could never really relate to or fit in with other members of my own culture. I always seem to feel out of place wherever I go, from classrooms, to my workplace and even at family reunions. I think this deep sense