Monday, January 21, 2013

1) What does it mean to take a system view of a project? How does taking a system view of a project apply to project management?



The system view of a project is to take an internal and external look at the operational environment of the organization. Since every project is unique and has its own ups and downs, project managers should make it a priority to become familiar and understand the organization’s cultural and ethical context in order to manage complex situations (project related) more effectively.  When a manager recognizes how the project and the organization relate, the project manager can create balance within the two. - Romy B

YAJAYRA WOJTAS
The systems view approach to a project, is such that,  even though projects are temporary, it can not be run in isolation. It needs to serve the need of the organization. Therefore projects must operate in a big picture context. The term systems approach is used to describe a holistic and analytical approach to solving complex problems that includes using a system philosophy, systems analysis and systems management.  It requires defining the scope of the system, dividing it into components, and then identifying and evaluating its problems, opportunities, constrains, and needs. - Yajayra Wojtas

2) Define globalization, outsourcing, and virtual teams and describe how these trends are changing IT Project Management


Globalization is the way the world is electronically connected. Information Technology has changed the way people connect globally enabling a different, but very effective kind of participation and interaction between people all over the world. Although Globalization seems to be a very convenient source for companies and consumers to interact with each other, there are some issues with time zones, language and culture..    
  
Outsourcing is the acquiring of goods/ sources and labor from an outside source. Outsourcing has enable companies to reduce labor and material costs, giving them an advantage over other companies in today’s competitive market. Negotiating contracts and managing electronic teams are part of the issues that project managers need to deal with when working with outsourced projects.

Virtual teams are groups of people who work and interact with each other electronically. One of the advantages of virtual teams is the time zones since its easier to have team members available 24/7 globally.

How are these changing IT? Globalization, Outsourcing and Virtual teams are all changing IT project management due to fact that project managers now need to be familiar with different cultures and languages. This would help to develop a multi-cultural leadership style of management.- Romy B

YAJAYRA WOJTAS
With globalization everyone is connected. Lower trade and political barriers and the digital revolution have made it possible to interact almost instantaneously with billions of other people across the planet, and for individuals and small companies to compete with large corporations. Outsourcing, is an organization's acquisition of goods and services from an outside source. Offshoring is sometimes use to describe outsourcing from another country. Virtual Teams, is the ability for employees to communicate and wolrk across vast distances, the advantages of hiring people in locations that have a lower cost of living and worker preferences for flexible work hours have contributed to significant increase in virtual project teams. - Yajayra Wojtas