Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key reason active participation is emphasized in this course?
What is a key reason active participation is emphasized in this course?
- It allows students to dominate class discussions.
- It is necessary for earning extra credit.
- More engaged students typically learn and retain more. (correct)
- It helps in networking with industry professionals.
Which type of organizational structure typically involves a more rigid reporting system?
Which type of organizational structure typically involves a more rigid reporting system?
- Predictive approach (correct)
- Adaptive methods
- Self-organizing teams
- Flat structure
What is one aspect students will explore in the course related to project management?
What is one aspect students will explore in the course related to project management?
- Strategies for handling workplace power dynamics and conflict. (correct)
- Legal considerations in project financing.
- Advancements in project management software.
- The effects of globalization on project budgets.
How is the learning plan described in the course?
How is the learning plan described in the course?
What cultural skill is important for students to develop in this course?
What cultural skill is important for students to develop in this course?
What might be a result of understanding organizational structure and power centers for project managers?
What might be a result of understanding organizational structure and power centers for project managers?
What type of team structure is likely used in projects employing adaptive methods?
What type of team structure is likely used in projects employing adaptive methods?
What is a major focus of discussions within the course?
What is a major focus of discussions within the course?
What defines the principles that modern businesses operate on?
What defines the principles that modern businesses operate on?
What term describes the process by which new innovations replace older ones in capitalism?
What term describes the process by which new innovations replace older ones in capitalism?
Which factor influences the allocation of resources in a market economy?
Which factor influences the allocation of resources in a market economy?
Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with modern business strategies?
Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with modern business strategies?
What is a defining characteristic of traditional businesses?
What is a defining characteristic of traditional businesses?
Why is history relevant in business?
Why is history relevant in business?
What role do governments play in a market economy?
What role do governments play in a market economy?
Which statement best describes the focus of modern businesses?
Which statement best describes the focus of modern businesses?
What is one primary purpose of a business?
What is one primary purpose of a business?
What has contributed to significant changes in business practices recently?
What has contributed to significant changes in business practices recently?
What is a misconception related to pricing in a market economy?
What is a misconception related to pricing in a market economy?
How do modern businesses gather information for decision-making?
How do modern businesses gather information for decision-making?
What is a typical feature of traditional business models?
What is a typical feature of traditional business models?
What is a crucial priority for modern enterprises?
What is a crucial priority for modern enterprises?
Which term best describes the nature of modern businesses in terms of their operational structure?
Which term best describes the nature of modern businesses in terms of their operational structure?
What distinguishes modern business practices from traditional ones?
What distinguishes modern business practices from traditional ones?
What characterized early forms of business before the industrial revolution?
What characterized early forms of business before the industrial revolution?
What was a significant outcome of specialization and industrialization during the period 1830’s-1850’s?
What was a significant outcome of specialization and industrialization during the period 1830’s-1850’s?
Why is it important for a project manager to understand the organizational structure?
Why is it important for a project manager to understand the organizational structure?
What aspect of project management is emphasized regarding resource constraints?
What aspect of project management is emphasized regarding resource constraints?
What should be included in the assignment due on Sept 11th, 2024?
What should be included in the assignment due on Sept 11th, 2024?
What type of class activity is planned for the next week?
What type of class activity is planned for the next week?
What foundational knowledge will help project managers lead their projects effectively?
What foundational knowledge will help project managers lead their projects effectively?
Which of the following statements about project management is true?
Which of the following statements about project management is true?
Modern businesses are focused on promoting individualism over teamwork.
Modern businesses are focused on promoting individualism over teamwork.
The concept of 'creative destruction' suggests that older innovations are replaced by new ones.
The concept of 'creative destruction' suggests that older innovations are replaced by new ones.
Governments do not play any role in ensuring competition in the market.
Governments do not play any role in ensuring competition in the market.
The notion of 'fair' pricing exists in a market economy.
The notion of 'fair' pricing exists in a market economy.
The Covid pandemic had little effect on business practices and organizational change.
The Covid pandemic had little effect on business practices and organizational change.
Joseph Schumpeter defined capitalism as a stagnant economic model.
Joseph Schumpeter defined capitalism as a stagnant economic model.
Strong company cultures are essential for guiding modern businesses.
Strong company cultures are essential for guiding modern businesses.
In a market economy, international trade does not require enforcement of rules and regulations.
In a market economy, international trade does not require enforcement of rules and regulations.
Traditional businesses often adopt innovative methods to enhance their operations.
Traditional businesses often adopt innovative methods to enhance their operations.
Modern businesses prioritize creating a great client experience over other operational aspects.
Modern businesses prioritize creating a great client experience over other operational aspects.
Hierarchy and clear job roles are characteristic features of modern businesses.
Hierarchy and clear job roles are characteristic features of modern businesses.
The purpose of a business is primarily to engage in social activities.
The purpose of a business is primarily to engage in social activities.
Data-driven decision-making is a hallmark of modern business practices.
Data-driven decision-making is a hallmark of modern business practices.
Traditional businesses are characterized by their adaptability and responsiveness to change.
Traditional businesses are characterized by their adaptability and responsiveness to change.
Modern businesses gather information from various sources to better understand client requirements.
Modern businesses gather information from various sources to better understand client requirements.
Modern businesses are less collaborative compared to traditional businesses.
Modern businesses are less collaborative compared to traditional businesses.
Organizational structures that tend to have a flat structure typically use predictive approaches.
Organizational structures that tend to have a flat structure typically use predictive approaches.
Active participation in class is proven to enhance learning retention.
Active participation in class is proven to enhance learning retention.
The learning plan is a fixed document and cannot be changed once it is distributed to students.
The learning plan is a fixed document and cannot be changed once it is distributed to students.
Power centers in an organization are irrelevant to project managers.
Power centers in an organization are irrelevant to project managers.
Culturally sensitive interpersonal skills are crucial for communication within industry contexts.
Culturally sensitive interpersonal skills are crucial for communication within industry contexts.
Projects utilizing adaptive methods often rely on hierarchical leadership structures.
Projects utilizing adaptive methods often rely on hierarchical leadership structures.
Discussion topics in the course cover organizational structures and the role of politics in project management.
Discussion topics in the course cover organizational structures and the role of politics in project management.
The PMBok 7th Edition is the source of the standard definitions for organizational structures.
The PMBok 7th Edition is the source of the standard definitions for organizational structures.
Specialization and industrialization led to a decrease in production in the 1830’s-1850’s.
Specialization and industrialization led to a decrease in production in the 1830’s-1850’s.
Understanding organizational structure is important for a project manager.
Understanding organizational structure is important for a project manager.
A working agreement is something that teams will not review in class next week.
A working agreement is something that teams will not review in class next week.
The companies operate under a set of assumptions that project managers need to be aware of.
The companies operate under a set of assumptions that project managers need to be aware of.
In early business, production was primarily done in factories.
In early business, production was primarily done in factories.
Participants in projects are only responsible for their individual tasks with no constraints.
Participants in projects are only responsible for their individual tasks with no constraints.
From the assignment due on Sept 11th, students are asked to provide a summary of their PM experience.
From the assignment due on Sept 11th, students are asked to provide a summary of their PM experience.
The industrial revolution is often cited as a key period of stagnation in production growth.
The industrial revolution is often cited as a key period of stagnation in production growth.
The term ______ refers to an organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.
The term ______ refers to an organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.
Traditional businesses usually have a hierarchical organizational ______, clear job roles, and a systematic approach to decision-making.
Traditional businesses usually have a hierarchical organizational ______, clear job roles, and a systematic approach to decision-making.
Modern businesses are increasingly relying on ______, technology, and data to add value.
Modern businesses are increasingly relying on ______, technology, and data to add value.
To enhance their offerings, modern businesses continually strive to better understand client ______.
To enhance their offerings, modern businesses continually strive to better understand client ______.
Modern enterprises focus on creating a great client experience by supplying products and services that meet client ______.
Modern enterprises focus on creating a great client experience by supplying products and services that meet client ______.
The modern business landscape is characterized by being client-centred, adaptable, and ______-responsive.
The modern business landscape is characterized by being client-centred, adaptable, and ______-responsive.
In modern businesses, data is gathered from diverse sources such as user surveys and social ______.
In modern businesses, data is gathered from diverse sources such as user surveys and social ______.
To produce value, they must satisfy their consumers’ ______ by providing exceptional customer service.
To produce value, they must satisfy their consumers’ ______ by providing exceptional customer service.
The purpose of a business is to organize some sort of economic production of goods or ______.
The purpose of a business is to organize some sort of economic production of goods or ______.
Business historian Joseph Schumpeter defined capitalism as the 'constant process of replacing old products, processes, and organizational forms with ______.'
Business historian Joseph Schumpeter defined capitalism as the 'constant process of replacing old products, processes, and organizational forms with ______.'
In a market economy, resources are allocated based on ______ and demand.
In a market economy, resources are allocated based on ______ and demand.
Social responsibility and sustainability are gaining ______ for modern businesses.
Social responsibility and sustainability are gaining ______ for modern businesses.
Creative destruction describes a process in which new innovations ______ and make obsolete older innovations.
Creative destruction describes a process in which new innovations ______ and make obsolete older innovations.
Organizations encounter difficulties in making ______ due to their great deal of inertia.
Organizations encounter difficulties in making ______ due to their great deal of inertia.
Governments want to ensure that ______ exists in the market.
Governments want to ensure that ______ exists in the market.
The notion of 'fair' does not really exist because prices are determined by the ______.
The notion of 'fair' does not really exist because prices are determined by the ______.
Active participation in class is a key success factor for you in this course and the ______ itself.
Active participation in class is a key success factor for you in this course and the ______ itself.
An organizational structure has many levels, a rigid reporting structure, and substantial ______.
An organizational structure has many levels, a rigid reporting structure, and substantial ______.
Projects that use adaptive methods tend to have a ______ structure.
Projects that use adaptive methods tend to have a ______ structure.
In this course, students will apply culturally sensitive ______ skills when communicating with others.
In this course, students will apply culturally sensitive ______ skills when communicating with others.
The learning plan is a living ______ and is subject to change at the discretion of the professor.
The learning plan is a living ______ and is subject to change at the discretion of the professor.
Understanding organizational ______ and power centers is essential for project managers.
Understanding organizational ______ and power centers is essential for project managers.
Listening, asking questions, and submitting assignments reflect what is known as active ______.
Listening, asking questions, and submitting assignments reflect what is known as active ______.
The course will examine the relationship of power, politics, and ______ within an organization.
The course will examine the relationship of power, politics, and ______ within an organization.
Early ‘business’ consisted of trades and ______ production that happened in people’s homes.
Early ‘business’ consisted of trades and ______ production that happened in people’s homes.
Specialization and ______ led to massive increases in production in the 1830’s-1850’s.
Specialization and ______ led to massive increases in production in the 1830’s-1850’s.
Understanding the organizational structure helps the project manager know who they are ______ for.
Understanding the organizational structure helps the project manager know who they are ______ for.
Project managers have to work with various areas and organizational ______ of a company.
Project managers have to work with various areas and organizational ______ of a company.
An important reason for knowing company assumptions is that it can impact the ______ of projects.
An important reason for knowing company assumptions is that it can impact the ______ of projects.
As a project manager, you need to manage resources that are often living under ______.
As a project manager, you need to manage resources that are often living under ______.
In the next week, students should be prepared to be on ______ for group work.
In the next week, students should be prepared to be on ______ for group work.
The assignment due on September 11th, 2024 requires students to submit a ______ of themselves.
The assignment due on September 11th, 2024 requires students to submit a ______ of themselves.
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Study Notes
Course Introduction
- The course "Leading Projects in an Organizational Context" explores the connection between projects and the overall functionality of businesses.
- Students will learn how projects contribute to organizational success, understanding the interplay of power, politics, and conflict within organizations.
- It emphasizes effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
Active Participation
- Active participation in class is crucial for students' success.
- This includes:
- Listening attentively
- Asking insightful questions
- Engaging in discussions on screen
- Seeking additional examples
- Completing assignments promptly
Organizational Structures
- Organizations have varying structures:
- Rigid structures with multiple hierarchical levels, strict reporting lines, and a significant amount of bureaucracy.
- Flat structures tend to be more adaptable and can work with self-organizing teams.
Importance of Organizational Structures
- Understanding organizational structures is essential for project managers.
- It helps them navigate power centers within the organization and effectively manage project teams.
- Project managers need to be aware of leadership skills necessary for team success and understand human motivation and conflict resolution strategies.
Business Definition
- Business refers to an entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.
- The primary purpose of a business is to produce goods or services for an economic purpose.
Traditional vs. Modern Business
-
Traditional businesses rely on established methods and structures, emphasizing:
- Hierarchical organization
- Clearly defined job roles
- Systemized decision-making
-
Modern businesses leverage innovation, technology, and data, focusing on:
- Client-centric approach
- Adaptability and responsiveness to change
- Continuous improvement
- Data-driven decision-making
- Collaboration and networking
- Social responsibility and sustainability
- Strong company culture
Capitalism and Creative Destruction
- Capitalism involves continuous innovation, with new products, processes, and organizational forms replacing older ones.
- This phenomenon is termed "creative destruction".
- The core of capitalism is the continuous creation and replacement of businesses within a cycle of change.
Market Economy
- In a market economy, resources are allocated based on supply and demand, which determines prices.
- The notion of "fairness" is not a defining factor in market economies.
- Governments play a role in ensuring an efficient market by:
- Regulating competition
- Blocking ventures deemed harmful to consumers
- Enforcing contracts and transactions
- Upholding international regulations
Importance of Business History
- Understanding business history helps anticipate and learn from recurring patterns like business cycles, weather cycles, and previous organizational challenges.
- Organizations often resist change due to inertia, highlighting the value of knowing historical circumstances and their influence on current operations.
Business Evolution
- Early forms of business involved trade and piecemeal production within homes.
- Subsistence production focused on producing enough for individual needs.
- The rise of industrialization and specialization in the 1830s and 1850s led to significant increases in production during Europe's Industrial Revolution.
Why Business Context Matters for Project Managers
- Project managers need to understand the company's assumptions, hierarchies, and constraints to effectively manage resources and projects.
- They must navigate multiple organizational layers and work within diverse areas of the company.
Summary
- Understanding organizational structure helps project managers identify reporting lines, grasp the importance of their project for the organization, and understand team formation.
- It's crucial to understand why projects are conducted and the purpose they serve.
Next Week's Class
- Focus will be on group work during the Zoom session, requiring camera participation.
- Students will be tasked with creating a working agreement to be reviewed in class.
Assignment #1
- Due Wednesday, September 11th, 2024.
- Students are required to submit a summary of themselves, including:
- Personal and professional background
- Motivation for joining the program
- Goals for the course
- Project management experience (if any)
- Learning objectives for the course
- The assignment should be submitted as a PDF using the provided template.
Course Description
- Explore the components of business
- Assess how projects fit into the organization
- Examine the relationship between power, politics, and conflict
- Apply culturally sensitive interpersonal skills
- Support organizational goals
Learning Plan
- The learning plan is a living document and subject to change
- Announcements will be posted on myCanvas
- An updated version will be available
My Ask of You
- Active participation in class, virtual or otherwise, is key to success
- Proven that the more you attend, the more you retain
- Active participation includes listening, asking questions, being on screen, asking for more examples, submitting assignments
Organizational Structure
- An organizational structure has defined levels, a rigid reporting structure, and significant bureaucracy
- Often uses a predictive approach
- Projects that use adaptive methods tend to have a flat structure and may operate with self-organizing teams
Why This Matters
- Discussions will focus on organizational structures and the power centers
- Project managers must be aware of these centers and work with them
- Examines how project teams are built
- Discusses the leadership skills project managers need to help teams succeed
- Presents human motivation and empowerment, along with conflict resolution
- How project managers need to work within organizational structures
Leading Projects
- How business can be defined
- The difference between modern and traditional business
- Definition of capitalism
What is Business?
- Refers to an organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities
- Purpose of a business is to organize some sort of economic production of goods or services
Modern Business or Traditional?
- Modern businesses rely on innovation, technology, and data to add value
- Modern businesses use data for smarter decisions
- Modern businesses are customer-centric, adaptable, and change-responsive
- Modern businesses focus on creating a great client experience
- Modern businesses are more networked and collaborative
- Modern businesses prioritize social responsibility and sustainability
Defining Capitalism
- Defined as the constant process of replacing old products, processes, and organizational forms with new ones
- ‘Creative destruction’ describes new innovations replacing older ones
- Progress is driven by new companies replacing older generations
How it Works
- In a market economy, resources are allocated based on supply and demand
- The notion of ‘fair’ does not really exist because prices are determined by the market
- Legislation helps to ensure efficient markets, block mergers, and safeguard consumer interests
- Laws uphold contracts and transactions, enforcing international rules and regulations
Business History
- History can predict/repeat itself, such as business cycles, weather cycles, and lessons learned
- Organizations tend to have inertia, making change difficult
- Understanding history helps to understand the organization’s focus
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid change and adaptation
Business Progress
- Early business involved trades and piecemeal production in homes
- Subsistence production meant people produced enough for themselves
- Specialization and industrialization increased production in the 1830's-1850's
- This period was known as the industrial revolution in Europe
Why is this Important?
- Companies operate under a set of assumptions
- Project managers work within a hierarchy and constraints
- Resources are managed under constraints
- Project managers must work with different areas and organizational layers of a company
Summary
- Understanding organizational structure helps project managers know who they are ‘working’ for
- Understanding the project’s importance to the organization
- Identifying who will help lead the project
- How the project team comes together
- Understanding the purpose behind projects
Next Week
- Virtual class via Zoom
- Details provided via the announcements section
- Be prepared to be on camera for group work
- After-class activity: create a working agreement to review next week in class
Assignment #1 - due Wed Sept 11th, 2024
- Provide a summary of yourself, who you are, and why you signed up for the program
- State your specific goal
- Summarize your project management experience
- Include what you hope to learn from the course
- Submit a pdf through myCanvas assignments tab
- Use the provided template
Course Description
- This course explores the components of modern business and how projects contribute to its success within an organization.
- It examines power dynamics, politics within organizations, and strategies for resolving conflict.
- It emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and interpersonal skills in professional communication.
Learning Plan
- The learning plan is subject to change at the professor's discretion.
- Updates will be communicated via the Announcements page and updated versions will be available on myCanvas.
Active Participation
- Active participation in class, including listening, asking questions, being present on camera and submitting assignments, is essential for success in the course.
- Active participation is linked to higher levels of learning retention.
Organizational Structure
- Organizational structure includes levels of hierarchy, formal reporting structures, and significant bureaucracy, typically utilizing predictive methods.
- Projects using adaptive methods often have flatter structures and self-organizing teams.
Why this Matters
- The course focuses on organizational structures, power centers within organizations, and how project managers need to understand and work with these dynamics.
- Students will learn how project teams are built and the leadership skills necessary for success.
- The course will cover human motivation, empowerment, conflict resolution, and how project managers navigate these organizational structures.
Leading Projects
- The concept of "leading projects" is closely tied to the concept of "business."
What is Business?
- Business refers to an organization engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.
- Its purpose is to organize economic production of goods or services.
Modern vs. Traditional Business
- Modern businesses focus on innovation, technology, data, and customer-centric approaches.
- Traditional businesses rely on established methods, with hierarchical structures, defined roles, and systematic decision-making.
Modern Business Characteristics
- Innovation, Technology, and Data: Modern businesses use these to add value for stakeholders.
- Client-Centric: Modern businesses prioritize understanding customer needs and adapting to their preferences.
- Networked and Collaborative: Modern businesses value collaboration with suppliers, partners, and other organizations to create value.
- Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Modern businesses strive to operate sustainably with minimal environmental impact.
Defining Capitalism
- Capitalism involves the constant replacement of old products, processes, and organizational forms with new ones, according to Joseph Schumpeter.
- This process, called "creative destruction," represents progress through the creation and replacement of companies.
How Capitalism Works
- Market economies allocate resources based on supply and demand, determining prices.
- The concept of "fair" is relative, as prices are set by the market.
- Governments regulate markets to ensure competition and consumer well-being.
Business History
- Understanding business history can predict and prevent repetition of past patterns.
- Organizational inertia makes change difficult, so knowing the history and motivations behind organizational actions is crucial.
- The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of rapid adaptation and information absorption.
Business Progress
- Early "business" involved small-scale production within homes.
- The Industrial Revolution, driven by specialization and industrialization, significantly increased production in the 1830s-1850s.
Why This is Important
- Companies operate under specific assumptions that employees should understand.
- Project managers need to navigate hierarchical structures and constraints within organizations.
- Project managers must work with and manage resources within these organizational layers.
Summary
- Understanding organizational structure helps project managers understand their place in the organization, the importance of the project, who they will work with, team formation, and the overall purpose of projects.
Next Week
- Class will be held virtually via Zoom.
- Students will be required to be on camera for group work.
- A working agreement will be created and reviewed in the next class.
Assignment #1 (Due Sept 11th, 2024)
- Submit a summary of yourself, including reasons for joining the program, goals, project management experience (existing or none), and desired learning outcomes.
- Submit via myCanvas assignments tab in PDF format using the provided template.
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