Systems Thinking And Engineering In Project Management

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

1.      Explain the relevance of systems thinking to the project, program and portfolio manager.

A project application system refers to is a system that organizes the required information used to plan, organize, and execute a prohject successfully. The application system can constitute a single or more discrete software applicatoions, working together in a methodical process to collect and derive value from project information. Undoubtedly, the principles and theries behind systes such as  AS ISO 21504 on Project are simple and self explanatory from a theoretical point of view. The challenge comes when they have to be practically applied in a give project situation. Issues to do with organizational culture also affect its effective use; traditional firms are less likely to be successful in using application systems in managing projects that matrix type, project oriented forms. For these reasons, BP could not effectively use application systems in managing projects so that disasters as it experenced are avoided or bettr managed. Firms need to become project prineted and work collaboratively to gain the full benefits of project application systems

The concepts and theories behind systems is easy to understand; the challenge comes when they have to be applied in a specific project context 

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

2.      Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers solve project problems.

Application suystems are software modules that cost time and money to procure, implement, and use productively. The tpic give useful insights and have helped me understand the important issues to consider when it comes to implementing and successfully using application systems in projects. The structuring of the content prvides useful insights on the expected learning outcomes (Bonham, 2008)

The ideas are logically and well presented and act as a blue print for the expected learning outcoms for the course unit 

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

3.      Assess the relevance of systems engineering to project cases.

Based on past projects I have participated in, the organization of te unit and learning material borrow gratly from project management principles. The material gives useful insights into how a course should be organized to ensure the learning outcomes are achieved. In this unit, I now have a clear understanding of the synergy between project management methods and systems engineering methods

Studyig Kerzners’ and SEBoK concepts on systems engineering has give me a new perspective on managing projects, previously, I was more concerned with project manamagemnt plans alone, unaware of the concept of systems engineering 

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

4.      Describe how systems engineering concepts and methodologies can help a project, program and portfolio managers organise a project.

While claims by forms such as IBM are true, they must be taken with a ‘pinch of salt’ systems by themselves are just like tools; raw metaerials that must be processed, their propertis learned, and used appropriately. Knowing how to, when to, and where to use the application systems is of greater importance than just having the systems. This requires managers and decision makers to be well grounded in project management principles; the aplication systems are just tools through which the skills of project management can be applied for successful project execution (Gardiner, 2014)

Tools such as application systems are just that, tool: knowing the principles underlying why , when, where, and how they ought to be used is wht is important and so practical and technical skills in project management are still essential in achieving project objectives use=ing the application systems

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

5.      Explain the importance of appropriate selection of project management (PM) application systems in regards to meeting the internal and external objectives of a project.

The selected reading material are well though out and will help achieve the learning outcomes for the lesson

The materals are however too much for the desired learning outcomes

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

6.      Describe how the use of project management (PM) application systems can lead to effective PM knowledge management and decision making.

The course is designed in such a way that a learner knows what they should be compeent on, and relevant material to reach this competency is provided

There is a lot of learning material to cover in a week; however, it provides options so an nividual can slect the best approach to use applications systems in knowledge management for better decision making

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

7.      Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of different manual and electronic project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems within each PPPM knowledge area over the life cycle of a project, program or portfolio.

Insightful material providd that have elped me understand the manual and electronic tyopes of application systems. Material logically arranged; for this, I feel that application systems are useful tools in project management, but how they are used and knowledge of the theoretical principles of project management is still crucial to their successful use (Ter Haar, 2008)

The reading material provide comprehensive information for achieving the learning outcomes

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

8.      Identify how project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems can assist project managers to monitor performance and manage changes within a project.

PPPM application systems are effective tools, when used proprly and based on project management principles, for project moonitoring

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

9.      Propose appropriate project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems to support successful project, program and portfolio execution in different industry domains.

The readings offer insights on what to consider before choosing an appropriate PMIS to ensure the successful excution of the project. I now have a better understanding of how PMIS systems ought to be used and their different commercial models: as a result,  am now able to choose the most suitable depending on the desired outcoms for a project

Mandatory Readings

·        SEBoK

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Introduction to Life Cycle Processes;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Life Cycle Models;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Concept Definition;

·        Part 3: Systems Engineering and Management: Knowledge Area: Systems Definition;

·        Part 6: Related Disciplines – ‘Knowledge Area: Systems Engineering and Software Engineering’;

·        Kerzner (2013) Chapters 15.16-15.23; 23.5-23.6;

·        AS/NZS 15288:2015 Chapter 6.3-6.4;

·        Raymond L., & Bergeron F., (2008) “Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success”

Optional Readings

·        AS ISO 21504:2016

·        SWEBOK V3 Guide.

Web Sites

·        SAP

·        Oracle Primavera

·        IBM Maximo & BPM

·        Microsoft Project.

10.   Discuss contemporary developments in the use of project, program and portfolio (PPPM) application systems.

The PPPM application systems are increasinglybeing used in project management; the success of projects, from what I have learned, depend on the effective use of PPPM application systems in the entire project life cycle, not in some instances where they seem easy to use  (Grönevall & Danilovic, 2014)

Projects suceed when project management systems, implemented using application systems as tools, are used through the entire life cycle of a project