Systematic Guidelines with Strong Performance Orientation - Essay Example

? "Issues and conclusions from the construction case that also apply to information technology projects" Task Introduction A project is an activity that is set with specific goals and deliverables that are to be attained within defined timelines. Projects require effective administration through systematic guidelines with strong performance orientation. Comparatively projects in any field of operation, for example, construction and technology industries have pertinent elements that drive their exemplary execution. The elements include planning, budgeting, risk management and scheduling of activities. They also include setting of viable objectives, support teams and good communication channels. In projects, proper coordination of activities and setting of effective timelines is key. This is to; ensure adequate identification of the limiting factors that may hinder the realization of excellent re4sults. Information technology projects require a high level of innovation and creativity that is achievable through systematic approaches. IT projects entail execution of delicate activities due to the level of expertise, equipment and resources required to drive their operations. The paper discuses issues from the construction case that also apply to the information technology sector. It also covers the processes that are involved in planning, budgeting and scheduling of activities. Recommendations for accountability maintenance Accountability maintenance is the process of ensuring transparent coordination and execution of activities. It involves proper planning, coordination and allocation of resources in affair manner. The process is integral in facilitating effective operation in institutions (Gurmin, 2010). It enables project managers and stakeholders to gain full knowledge on the operating procedures and utilization of resources. As noted, projects that are driven without the integration of accountability maintenance incentives operate in the brinks of collapse. Such projects cannot register exemplary performance due to eminent misappropriations that are instigated with inferior systems (Gurmin, 2010). Indeed, IT project managers should design viable operating guidelines that are ideological, economically viable and socially acceptable. The guidelines should also be specific, attainable and realistic in nature. The recommendations are set to avert unwarranted complications that may compromise accountability in the administration of activities and resources. It is imperative to note that construction and information technology projects are designed to transform stakeholder’s lifestyle. The projects hold immense significance in the current environment and should be executed under stringent measures that facilitate accountability. Drinkwater (2011) provided key elements that IT projects managers should adopt to advance accountability maintenance. The recommended elements include development of proper planning techniques. This is crucial since planning entails allocation of resources, workforce, scheduling of activities and budgeting. The process should be undertaken after effective determination of the goals, assessment of the factors that drive operations and evaluation of the available resources. This is to; facilitate the development of sustainable plans that hold limited complications (Bart, 2011). Consequently, early identification and assessment of risk is critical in minimizing accountability issues. It ensures prior discovery, elimination of unwarranted activities and unqualified personnel that can pose a severe threat to the projects overall performance. Project managers can also develop strong control measures to curb mismanagement of resources (Drinkwater, 2011). The control measures that are worth adoption include use of password system, authorization process and segregation of duties. That is no fund is to be utilized without authorization and use of password to control access to crucial data. Reasons for the position The position and recommendations are undertaken due to the comparable nature of various projects. The elements contained in the position and recommendations aims at promoting performance in institutions through effective planning, risk management, budgeting and accountability maintenance (Bart, 2011). The elements hold significance and are crucial in steering development in the IT sector. They hold the capacity to facilitate coordination and effective monitoring of activities including resources that require proper engagement. As noted, construction, and IT projects can be operated using similar guidelines, policies and administration techniques. They require proper planning of activities, evaluation of possible threats, opportunities, budgeting, scheduling of activities and clarity of ownership issues. It is imperative to note that any institution or project that is driven without strong plan of activities, risk identification, resource allocation and clear objectives cannot register good performance. The environmental dynamics requires administrators to develop sound operating techniques track risks and various tasks and to prioritize eminent weaknesses (Bart, 2011). Counterarguments Although, major project management elements that drive operations in diverse sectors are similar, there are evident differences that arise based on scope, set objectives and nature of the projects. In particular, IT projects also require determination, dedication and innovative mindset since the attributes contribute in achieving exemplary results (Bart, 2011). That is the common elements, for example, proper planning, budgeting and scheduling of activities cannot be achieved effectively without absolute determination and dedication of the stakeholders. IT projects also require a high level of expertise apart from the common elements. This is critical since the projects are involving and should be executed accurately with individuals who understand the operating systems and their limitations. Finally, review your original position in light of the counterarguments, showing how they are inadequate to rebut your original statement. Review of the position As indicated the major elements that drive execution of project activities, are integral in ensuring effective performance. The elements that include planning, budgeting, scheduling of activities, risk assessment and setting of viable objectives holds immense significance than ethical aspects. The elements facilitate superior coordination of activities, allocation of resources and maintenance of accountability that is crucial for growth (Drinkwater, 2011). Evidently, when strong plans and budgeting guidelines are adopted, project activities can proceed even if some individuals lack commitment and determination. That is the ethical elements cannot drive projects to a successful end inferior planning, budgeting and scheduling of activities. Therefore, project mangers should develop strong policies and operating guidelines to facilitate the realization of quality results. Processes involved in planning, budgeting and scheduling of activities Planning is a performance technique that project managers should undertake especially in the IT field to ensure effective execution of activities. Planning process in IT settings entails adequate identification of set objectives, evaluation of the factors that drives operations in the sector and determination of available resources (Drinkwater, 2011). Consequently, determination of the requirements and estimation of time needed are significant. The processes ensure development of viable plans that are sustainable within institutions strengths. Budgeting process entails the establishment of the available resources, needs, cost implications and the timeline of the project (Gurmin, 2010). The process seeks to ensure fair allocation of resources to advance operations effectively. Scheduling that entails the identification of the project duration is also critical in project management. Conclusion Indeed, project management is a critical aspect that aids coordination of activities in institutions. It entails formulation of viable performance policies and scheduling of activities to advance productivity. As noted by project administrators, no institution can achieve its project objectives without adoption of credible planning procedures, budgeting, scheduling and risk management techniques. This is critical since superior planning and risk assessment avert wastage of resources. The elements facilitate effective utilization of the scarce resources. References Bart, J. (2011). 10 Golden rules of project risk management. ProjectSmart.  Retrieved from Read More