Change Management in Project Execution

Introduction A project has been defined variously but we could simply refer to it as a solution to a problem. The process of project management broadly comprises of assembly of the team, initiation, planning or design, execution, leadership, monitoring and evaluation, presentation and conclusion.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Change Management in Project Execution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Project management as a science involves definition, coordination, and documentation of project work comprising tasks such as resource allocation, time management and budgeting. As an art, project management involves leadership and efficient decision making skills. To achieve project success, every project manager must first understand clearly his/her role in the project which entails ability to coordinate different people with varied backgrounds, evaluate personality traits and level of skills to ensure smooth project execution. The manager therefore needs to develop process management skills, build interpersonal skills, embrace teamwork in which he/she should promote ideas, creativity, recognize good performance, and allow shared decision making to motivate team members and get valuable input from them, thereby making significant success to project implementation (Heerkens, 2007). Managing Change in Project Implementation When there are change issues in the course of project implementation as was the case with the Integrated Project Delivery at Autodesk Inc, the manger should first understand the change, assess potential impact of the change then come up with a change team comprising of key people from areas affected by the new occurrence including those who will implement it. This team should then design a change strategy from which the manager should lobby for support and buy-in from employees and stakeholders. There should be an effective mechanism for communicating the change and the implem entation strategy as well as ways of dealing with current and anticipated challenges, measuring success and undertaking post change review to assess lessons taught (Claudia, 2005). Effective change management sometimes calls for the availability of decision-ready information. A strong team is vital to successful project implementation and the manager should be in a position to promote teamwork; even internal or external shocks occur in the course of project execution. Some internal shocks might include the exit of key project people severely affecting project quality and progress. The manager should employ a sequence of actions key to addressing the new changes and to motivate the team.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More He should form a guiding team comprising of members with the right skills to provide a solution to new occurrence. He should make the team understand the level of urgency required to implement the change and in communicating the change, inform the team at the right time about the change and about the envisaged resolve mechanism to provide a solution, involve the change makers and those it will affect, and involve all stakeholders. This is critical to minimize speculation and uncertainty that compromise objectivity and visibility of project targets thus killing morale and effort among team members. Empowering the change team with tools and resources to implement the change increases motivation because it helps remove bottlenecks and rewards achievement. It is important to continue seeking buy in from the team and stakeholders and promote resilience by encouraging willpower and support during hardships at every stage of change implementation during project execution (Vukotich, 2011). Possession of ability by the manger to influence the team in line with the values and purpose of the organization for which the project is being undertaken is important. To even further motivate the team, some manager qualities as a leader are desirable including having an understanding and an appreciation of other people’s skills, shrewdness, integrity, quick adaption to changes ensuring continuity, honesty, dedication, consistency, and objectivity (Select Knowledge, 2001). In managing staffing needs, the manger should not only know how to effectively address member turnover and wisely deal with poor performers who may drag good performers in the team but must be able to evaluate economies of scale and redundancy that come with addition of new staff as well as address overtime effects as part of change management. This is because these staffing issues may have significant impact on the project in terms of success or failure. The greatest negative impact on project success is felt when turnover occurs late in the project. Line supervisors should inform the manager of the intention for replacement to allow early impact analysis and take necessary replacement measures. If it is possible to organize turnover, do it early in the project, the project owner must prepare for significant impact if the manager is the one moving out. Immediately after an employee leaves, seek for budget and time changes (Knutson Bitz, 1991). Conclusion From the Integrated Project Delivery at Autodesk Inc. case study, it is evident that the project manager was adequately transformational and in good shape to handle the unexpected during project execution. But if the manager was well prepared to handle change, there would have been minimal or no ‘trial and error’ situations thus increasing confidence and project ownership.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Change Management in Project Execution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Effective change management involves certain important steps right from understanding the change to techniques to ensure team moti vation and objectivity towards achieving project targets as envisaged regardless of new events on the way. Reference List Claudia B.A (2005). Project Manager’s Spotlight on change Management. USA: Neil Edde. Heerkens G.R. (2007). Project Management: 24 Steps to Help You Master Any Project. New York: Mc-Graw Hill Professional. Knutson J. Bitz I (1991). Project Management: How to Plan and Manage Successful Projects. New Yok: Amacom. Select Knowledge (2001). Managing Teams. Web. Vukotich, G. (2011). 10 Steps to Successful Change Management. New York: American Society for Training and Development. This essay on Change Management in Project Execution was written and submitted by user Lexie Pate to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.