Our experience informs us that project managers work in complex environments. Complexity on projects manifests itself in six major forms:
ORGANIZATIONAL - This relates to how the organization is structured and whether the structure is responsive to its project teams or excessively process-driven. Organizational complexity also affects how quickly resources can be provided and how effectively employee development is managed at the project level.
TECHNOLOGICAL - The "DEVIL" on projects lies in the details and in the technical interfaces. Deploying high-technology, systems and infrastructure construction projects requires a solid ability to grasp interfaces and plan for their associated risks.
CONTRACTUAL - Project managers must be intimately familiar with contract clauses, particularly "terms and conditions" which are typically explicit about notification and reporting requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL - This includes physical environments as well as economic, political and social.
SUPPLY CHAIN - Project success is largely dependent on our ability to manage our supply chain: suppliers, vendors, subcontractors, consultants and manufacturers. Taking a long-term WIN-WIN approach to our supply chain increases the likelihood that our supply chain relationships are collaborative and promote innovation and creation of value for all parties.
COMMUNICATION - Effective communication is key to project success and is the defining factor for a project manager's success. The more we simplify it, the better. Getting back to basics is important; transparency, ownership, clarity and trust helps us overcome this complexity.