Virtual Project Management - Research Paper Example

Virtual Project Management Virtual Project Management Introduction Virtual management tools in any business firm are of utmost importance in understanding the current and future state of project management. This is because of the numerous challenges facing organizations caused by market dynamics notably globalization, flattened hierarchy, increased regulatory scrutiny and fragmented enterprises. Several collaboration tools can be used by team players for purposes of supporting team collaboration and sharing of ideas to ensure a successful project implementation amid the aforementioned challenges.

The use of virtual management tools in addition to creating a contemporary type of project management gives an insight to the management of potential challenges that may arise during project implementation especially in an oil producing environment. The tools chosen for incorporation in an oil producing environment should aid in developing exceptional leadership qualities, highly performing team players, clarity of methodology and knowledge at the point of exploit. Installation and use of real time sensors gives a proactive approach to asset management in an oil producing company.

Abridged Literature Review Project management tools provide assistance in management, planning, support and control of projects. Communication is an important aspect of project management that allows conveyance of decisions and progress across different mediums. Lack of proper interaction and communication in virtual teams compromises effectiveness in product output. Cultural difference between the software team members and poor communication may lead to conflicts which greatly hamper productivity.

Handling change in a virtual environment is crucial as this environment is dynamic in nature. “Globalization, increased competition, technological development, and diversification are some reasons why organizations should be prepared for change and undertake change” (Kotter, 1988). Inability to embrace change may thus result in stagnation of productivity which is not priority in a competitive oil producing environment. With the collaborative features for sharing of resources and standards, workflow, management of project knowledge, document handling and their related functionality, the value of a project management is greatly optimized.

In addition, there are graphical capabilities and elements that enable the decision makers to visualize and realize the desired balance of projects and people, strongly align portfolios with the goals of the organization, and above all ensure that the organization remain in synchronism with strategic objectives in the oil environment. There is an increased petroleum exploration with an aim of meeting the needs of rapidly industrializing countries which can be done safely regardless of the adverse challenges.

These challenges can be overcome through strong partnership, technical cooperation and capacity building, among others, a strong aspect of virtual project management. It thus calls for continued oil exploration. Summary In conclusion, oil production is a lucrative venture that attracts a good number of explorers in the world. It is therefore vital for these companies to understand the dynamic nature in oil producing environments to minimize the possibility of incurring losses or even halting the process of oil production due to unpredicted challenges.

Moreover, in order to move oil production industry forward the use of intelligent surveillance and sensors shouldn’t be ignored. Furthermore, the integration of virtual management tools with the existing systems in an oil producing environment may be difficult. In fact, a substantial amount of valuable data collected by explorers today is neither utilized nor is it disseminated to people who can make use of them. Complex problems facing oil production therefore require a clear understanding of virtual tools to critically analyze data.

Changing the collected data into vital information will help enhance informed business decision-making. Reference Kotter J.P. (1988).The New Rules: Eight Business Breakthroughs to Career Success in the 21st Century. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster publishers, 5(2), 79-80. Reflective paper: Differentiating the Research (Ph.D.) and Applied Doctoral Degrees Professional goals related to applied degree. Scope The paper is always limited in scope dealing with specific study framework. The results of the study should always be of utmost significance to leaders and practitioners in the field.

Secondly, the paper should give a summary analysis of a context with a view to integrate previous scholarly research relevant to the study area. It is important that such a study be original and related to the student’s course and area of specialization. The dissertation is meant to contribute to practice. The contemporary requirement standards include a detailed, current and critically evaluated professional literature linked with the study area. “An applied dissertation requires the practical application of scholarship” (Wergin, 2011).

Originality A doctoral project for a professional degree does not have to be an original contribution to the body of knowledge that impacts the theories in the field, but typically responds to a practical problem or proposed innovation. It is expected that the research program will apply the knowledge in the advancement of practice and in solving complex problems. It is worth noting that the study design need not be generalized. However, the problem in the study context for which there is not yet an accepted knowledge must be practical.

In defining a problem, a clear discrepancy between that which exists and that which is desired must be clearly indicated. Professional goals related to research (Ph.D.) degree Scope The research paper is expected to have a hypothetical insinuation and should make contributions to previous literary work. It should contribute to theoretical development in the research area. The scope of the project must be great in order to add or facilitate extension of theory. Originality Unlike in applied degree, “a Ph.D. dissertation requires original ideas about a specialized topic, as well as a high degree of scientific firmness” (Ware & Millard, 1987). A Ph.D.

dissertation is either a new contribution to a research field (revelatory) or advancement to existing theories (incremental). The research dissertation presented should have scientific significance that will enhance theoretical firmness. In addition, theories presented must be clear, appropriate and aligned to the topic under review drawing scholarly work in peer reviewed journals. Further, the problem presented must be relevant and well documented on a site in order to substantially contribute to the field researched.

It is worth noting that the problem identified in a research paper reflects a hypothetical point of view and level of analysis. Its problem statement must acknowledge relevant theories in order to ascertain explain and understand the existing discrepancies on what is desired and what exists. Any argument on the study paper should be based on scholarly research literature. “The purpose, research questions, and design must reflect a Ph.D. study goal, which include theoretical implications and transferability” (Shulman, 2001).

Lastly, the results and responses collected must be transferable and have theoretical inference relevant to and beyond the study site. References: Shulman F.J. (2001).Doctoral Dissertations on Hong Kong, 1900-1997: An Annotated Bibliography with an Appendix of Dissertations Completed in 1998 and 1999, Hong Kong University Press: Hong Kong University, 9 (7), 211-219. Ware E.M., & Millard R. J. (1987).Handbook on Student Development: Advising, Career Development, and Field Placement, New York, NY: Routledge, 30(2), 451-459. Wergin J.F. (2011). Understanding and Evaluating Educational Research, 4th Ed.

Pearson Education Limited, 32(3), 241-245.