Having completed chapter 3 try the homework questions and post your questions below and we give you feedback?
- List and describe five key benefits of using a programme management?
- List and describe five benefits of running projects as part of a programme instead of unconnected activities?
- Describe the term project context and explain four contextual factors affecting a project giving examples?
- List and describe five ways in which the project manager would make sure health, safety and environment was covered on the project?
Remember each of the five paragraphs in a answer needs to include 2-3 sentences. According the the APM guidance notes this should include a a statement of fact about the list item that indicates why it has been selected and also a statement(s) clarifying, supporting, demonstrating further comprehension or application thereof.
I recommend three sentence describing the what, why it is important and then giving an example. So for instance
1) One benefit of using programme management is that changes between each project in the programme can be co-ordinated in a controlled way by the programme manager. This is very important in multi-disciplinary programmes where change in one project might have a significant effect on the requirements for another. For example changing the layout of a sports stadium will have an impact on the number and locations of seating in the ticketing software. These changes can be controlled by configuration management operated at a programme level.
Five more like this and your done…
Hi Paul/John, I’ve had a go at Q4 below, would appreciate your feedback;
4. List and describe five ways in which the project manager would make sure health, safety and environment was covered on the project?
The project manager must ensure that the project team are properly trained and are able to carry out their roles competently and in a safe manner. One way this can be ensured is by way of specific industry training accreditation schemes such as the CSCS card scheme. These types of training schemes are a strong indication that the individual has been trained to the required level and possesses the health and safety knowledge needed for their particular role.
Another important aspect of health and safety which a project manager will need to address is the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required. The type of project and activities being undertaken will dictate the PPE required but typically include such items as hard hats, hi-viz vests, gloves, glasses and safety boots.
The project manger should also seek to instill a culture of open and honest disclosure in which project members are encouraged to report any dangerous health, safety and environment issues they may witness. The Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) is lawfully required and deals with the reporting of near misses, The project manager must ensure project members feel comfortable reporting such items.
The project manager will need to ensure that proper Risk Assessments are being carried out for all works taking place on the project. Whilst the project manager may not be practically able to view and vouch for each and every risk assessment being undertaken they can ensure the process and protocol is clearly defined in the Health, Safety and Environmental Management Plan which will allow the project office, for instance, to ensure this is being completed and filed correctly.
Stress is an important issue which will need to be addressed by the project manager too. Working in a project environment can produce high levels of stress for project members due to tight timescales and deadlines which need to be met. The project manager must ensure working hours are acceptable (in line with the Working Time Regulations 1998) and objectives are reasonable and achievable in the time available. Failure to address these issues may have an unwanted negative impact on the project as a whole.
patrick your answer to question for is very good. ten more like this and you should do well in The APMP exam.
Hello, my first attempt at an answer under time constraints, any feedback greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Alice
3. Describe the term project context and give four contextual factors affecting a project giving examples.
The term project context covers all aspects of the environment in which a project operates that can influence upon the project. This could include factors internal to the organisation, such as it’s strengths and weaknesses, or its overall goals, priorities and values. This could also include factors external to the organisation, such as those that can be drawn out through a PESTLE analysis.
One important contextual factor is the strengths of the organisation undertaking the project. It is essential to be aware of and consider where the organisations’ strengths lie in order to set the project up for success. For example, if the organisation has a strong history of project management but is poor at contractor relations then it may be prudent to run the project in-house as far as possible.
Another contextual factor is the availability of appropriate technology. If a project requires a particular technical solution or is reliant on the release of a certain technological feature, then the timing of the availability of this technology, and the associated risks of delay, must be considered. For example, if implementing a new HR system then people can not be trained until the system has been installed.
Sociological factors are also key. In the above HR system example this could include the end user familiarity with use of similar computer programmes, any resistance to change in the processes that surround this, and habits of users in terms of when and where they are likely to access the system. All of these factors must be considered when setting requirements, building and testing the system or the end result will not deliver the required benefits.
Another factor is the environmental impact of the project or other environmental factors. With increased focus on environmental concerns it is essential for this to be considered or the project risks not only missing any organisational targets or moral duties but also potential legal requirements. With the HR system, the environmental impact would need to consider how much additional energy extra access systems would take, and offset this against the benefits of reduced paper usage.
A god answer but Sociological factors are more to do with social trends, for example people today want to be able to access their data on the move using mobile technology, they also have higher expectations from what they expect from a software package compared to a few years ago.
Hi Paul, I’ve had a go at question 1.
List and describe 5 key benefits of using a programme management approach.
1. Ability to initiate and terminate projects in a programme.
A programme is made up of several inter-dependent projects, all contributing to the delivery of the same strategic benefit. Individual projects can be started at different times within the programme life cycle. This allows initiation of projects which will deliver the most benefits for the organisation first. It also allows flexibility in approach, in particular with multi-year programmes, as objectives may evolve differently and stakeholders change as the programme matures.
2. Better management of project inter-dependencies.
By having a holistic view of all the projects in the programme, the programme manager can identify and have a better understanding of inter-dependencies between projects. This allows better planning both in terms of project and programme delivery as well as transition to and hence impact on business as usual activities. This is important as it reduces organisational risk and minimises issues and delays in programme delivery.
3. Better management of resources.
An organisation may have limited capabilities and projects may compete for scarce resources. By co-ordinating projects within a programme the programme manager can quickly and seamlessly move shared resources between projects as and when required. The benefit of this is a reduction in staff under-utilisation and reduced risk of overall programme delays when issues occur in one project.
4. Ability to manage risk across the organisation.
A programme view allows an udnerstanding of worklaod and risks across all projects in the programme. This allows better co-ordination and flow of risk information to senior managers, reducing administrative work. It also allows better co-ordination of contingency funds, with funds being moved between projects within the programme if required, thereby providing more efficient use of funds.
5. Consistency of approach.
The programme governance arrangements will need to be followed by all its constituent projects. Individual project managers will therefore have less autonomy over their own project arrangements, such as risk management and reporting. This is important as it reduces potential confusion and also duplication of effort, which itself can reduce overall programme overheads.
Thx
Fran