Leading Projects in an Organizational Context
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Leading Projects in an Organizational Context

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Questions and Answers

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?

  • Predictive approach (correct)
  • Adaptive methods
  • Self-organizing teams
  • Flat structure

    • 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?

    <p>A flexible document subject to changes by the professor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cultural skill is important for students to develop in this course?

    <p>Understanding and applying culturally sensitive communication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a result of understanding organizational structure and power centers for project managers?

    <p>They can better align their projects with organizational goals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of team structure is likely used in projects employing adaptive methods?

    <p>Self-organizing teams with a flat structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major focus of discussions within the course?

    <p>Understanding organizational politics and structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the principles that modern businesses operate on?

    <p>Corporate social responsibility and sustainability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the process by which new innovations replace older ones in capitalism?

    <p>Creative destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor influences the allocation of resources in a market economy?

    <p>Supply and demand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with modern business strategies?

    <p>Complex operational practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of traditional businesses?

    <p>Hierarchical organizational structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is history relevant in business?

    <p>It aids in predicting business cycles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do governments play in a market economy?

    <p>They ensure market competition and fair practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the focus of modern businesses?

    <p>Adaptability and client-centered approaches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one primary purpose of a business?

    <p>To organize economic production of goods or services</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has contributed to significant changes in business practices recently?

    <p>The impact of the COVID pandemic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a misconception related to pricing in a market economy?

    <p>Fair pricing exists in the market</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do modern businesses gather information for decision-making?

    <p>Using data from multiple sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical feature of traditional business models?

    <p>Systematic approach to decision-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial priority for modern enterprises?

    <p>Creating an excellent client experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term best describes the nature of modern businesses in terms of their operational structure?

    <p>Networked and collaborative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes modern business practices from traditional ones?

    <p>Focus on innovation and stakeholder engagement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized early forms of business before the industrial revolution?

    <p>Home-based trades and subsistence production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of specialization and industrialization during the period 1830’s-1850’s?

    <p>Massive increases in production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for a project manager to understand the organizational structure?

    <p>To determine who they are 'working' for and project importance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of project management is emphasized regarding resource constraints?

    <p>Managing under constraints is essential</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be included in the assignment due on Sept 11th, 2024?

    <p>Documented goals and personal summaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of class activity is planned for the next week?

    <p>Group work on creating a working agreement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What foundational knowledge will help project managers lead their projects effectively?

    <p>Understanding project team dynamics and leadership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about project management is true?

    <p>The importance of a project can vary within an organization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modern businesses are focused on promoting individualism over teamwork.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of 'creative destruction' suggests that older innovations are replaced by new ones.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Governments do not play any role in ensuring competition in the market.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The notion of 'fair' pricing exists in a market economy.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Covid pandemic had little effect on business practices and organizational change.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Joseph Schumpeter defined capitalism as a stagnant economic model.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Strong company cultures are essential for guiding modern businesses.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a market economy, international trade does not require enforcement of rules and regulations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Traditional businesses often adopt innovative methods to enhance their operations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modern businesses prioritize creating a great client experience over other operational aspects.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hierarchy and clear job roles are characteristic features of modern businesses.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The purpose of a business is primarily to engage in social activities.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Data-driven decision-making is a hallmark of modern business practices.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Traditional businesses are characterized by their adaptability and responsiveness to change.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modern businesses gather information from various sources to better understand client requirements.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modern businesses are less collaborative compared to traditional businesses.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organizational structures that tend to have a flat structure typically use predictive approaches.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Active participation in class is proven to enhance learning retention.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The learning plan is a fixed document and cannot be changed once it is distributed to students.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Power centers in an organization are irrelevant to project managers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Culturally sensitive interpersonal skills are crucial for communication within industry contexts.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Projects utilizing adaptive methods often rely on hierarchical leadership structures.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Discussion topics in the course cover organizational structures and the role of politics in project management.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The PMBok 7th Edition is the source of the standard definitions for organizational structures.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Specialization and industrialization led to a decrease in production in the 1830’s-1850’s.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Understanding organizational structure is important for a project manager.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A working agreement is something that teams will not review in class next week.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The companies operate under a set of assumptions that project managers need to be aware of.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In early business, production was primarily done in factories.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Participants in projects are only responsible for their individual tasks with no constraints.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    From the assignment due on Sept 11th, students are asked to provide a summary of their PM experience.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The industrial revolution is often cited as a key period of stagnation in production growth.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term ______ refers to an organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.

    <p>business</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Traditional businesses usually have a hierarchical organizational ______, clear job roles, and a systematic approach to decision-making.

    <p>structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modern businesses are increasingly relying on ______, technology, and data to add value.

    <p>innovation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To enhance their offerings, modern businesses continually strive to better understand client ______.

    <p>requirements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modern enterprises focus on creating a great client experience by supplying products and services that meet client ______.

    <p>desires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The modern business landscape is characterized by being client-centred, adaptable, and ______-responsive.

    <p>change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In modern businesses, data is gathered from diverse sources such as user surveys and social ______.

    <p>media</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To produce value, they must satisfy their consumers’ ______ by providing exceptional customer service.

    <p>demands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The purpose of a business is to organize some sort of economic production of goods or ______.

    <p>services</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Business historian Joseph Schumpeter defined capitalism as the 'constant process of replacing old products, processes, and organizational forms with ______.'

    <p>new ones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a market economy, resources are allocated based on ______ and demand.

    <p>supply</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Social responsibility and sustainability are gaining ______ for modern businesses.

    <p>importance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Creative destruction describes a process in which new innovations ______ and make obsolete older innovations.

    <p>replace</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organizations encounter difficulties in making ______ due to their great deal of inertia.

    <p>change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Governments want to ensure that ______ exists in the market.

    <p>competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The notion of 'fair' does not really exist because prices are determined by the ______.

    <p>market</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Active participation in class is a key success factor for you in this course and the ______ itself.

    <p>program</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An organizational structure has many levels, a rigid reporting structure, and substantial ______.

    <p>bureaucracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Projects that use adaptive methods tend to have a ______ structure.

    <p>flat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In this course, students will apply culturally sensitive ______ skills when communicating with others.

    <p>interpersonal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The learning plan is a living ______ and is subject to change at the discretion of the professor.

    <p>document</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Understanding organizational ______ and power centers is essential for project managers.

    <p>structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Listening, asking questions, and submitting assignments reflect what is known as active ______.

    <p>participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The course will examine the relationship of power, politics, and ______ within an organization.

    <p>conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Early ‘business’ consisted of trades and ______ production that happened in people’s homes.

    <p>piecemeal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Specialization and ______ led to massive increases in production in the 1830’s-1850’s.

    <p>industrialization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Understanding the organizational structure helps the project manager know who they are ______ for.

    <p>working</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Project managers have to work with various areas and organizational ______ of a company.

    <p>layers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An important reason for knowing company assumptions is that it can impact the ______ of projects.

    <p>operation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As a project manager, you need to manage resources that are often living under ______.

    <p>constraints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the next week, students should be prepared to be on ______ for group work.

    <p>camera</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The assignment due on September 11th, 2024 requires students to submit a ______ of themselves.

    <p>summary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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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    Related Documents

    Leading Projects in an Organizational Context BUSN 10276 PDF

    Description

    This course explores how projects drive organizational success by examining their connection to overall functionality. Students will learn to navigate power dynamics, politics, and conflict in organizations while enhancing their communication and conflict resolution skills. Active participation is vital for mastering these concepts.

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