Project Management and the Key Fundamentals of Systems Theory - Assignment Example

ESSAY MANAGEMENT Introduction It is important to highlight that this paper delves in the discussion of project management. In most cases, it has always been noted with a lot of concern that most of the tasks that are conducted are either projects or operations. Another important factor that is worth highlighting is that this is an area that has been widely studied by several scholars. They have come up various definitions of the word project and in relation to this, it is very necessary to acknowledge that all have validity but the definition that was given by the British Standards Institution (2000, page 12), it is a unique process and actions that is made up of a set of well coordinated as well as the beginning and also the dates or periods of accomplishments., and that these measure or processes are undertaken to achieve a given objective or target that conforms to the given requirements, incorporating various constraining factors such as cost of conducting the exercise, the time required for the process as well as the resources that are required during the whole process to ensure that the targeted aim is achieved by the project manager. It is therefore described as a trans-disciplinary study which tends to cut across many disciplines by looking at the makeup of a phenomenon and determine g the effects of the given phenomenon based on the variables that have come into being (Hamilton, 2001, page 32). PART 1 The key fundamentals of systems theory It is important to highlight that a system is the integration of several steps, procedures and even other variables that have certain aspects and features in common. When it comes to the systems theory, it can be noted that this is a multi disciplinary measure that is also interrelated with other variables that are used in the assessment as well as analysis of variables and how they other factors interact and thereby the approach focuses on the relationship or how the parameters link. This is a very vital approach that involves critical thinking and internalization of the desired procedures to be undertaken thereby making it quite practical and applicable. The model below therefore shows the system theory (Roberto, Franz, and Alexis, 2005,page 524). There are three types of systems: i. Open system: - this is a type of system that allows room for uncontrolled as well as unregulated input and output. ii. Closed system: - this is type of system whereby there is no variable that comes over into the boundary of the system or near the boundary of the system. iii. Isolated system: - this is a type of system whereby there are regulations and controls to the various parameters and conditions especially under certain conditions of operations to enhance its efficiency. Based on this, it is therefore quite in order to envisage the core concepts or the guiding fundamentals in the system theory. These are well discussed below for effective understanding. Systems do not exist in nature:- this is a fundamental concerning the system theory that explains that there are no systems that are there in natural state. Based on this, the principle argues that systems are just but set of innovations and creativities that are meant to make work easier (Hamilton,2004, Page 204). Arbitrary boundaries;- this is the most outstanding principle of the system theory. It tends to show the limit of a system is random and that it can either be extended or reduced depending on the need. This therefore will; ;lead to the changing or the creation of a new system in the event that the boundary is tampered with in any way during the modification or in any slight alteration that is unknown. This therefore shows that for a system to be distinguished from the other, there has to be the creation of given arbitrary boundaries in the whole system. This must be accompanied by all the other concepts that are associated within the boundary. All the elements that constitute that particular system are as well put into consideration. In the event that is a system does not possess any form of link rules based on how it functions or how it limits the either components then the system becomes null system (Hamilton, 2001, page 322). Well outlined system aspects:-this concept or fundamental of system theory envisages that there are distinctions in the roles that need to be executed by the various elements that are making up the system. This is described in a way that a system is divided with various rules for the efficiency and better understanding of the system parts and function. For the case of the relational principles, this states that they hep in the giving of the explanations on how the various components of the system works. However on the boundaries of the system, they simply dictate on how far each aspect of the system should reach and in what way does it affect the either components of the whole system (Hamilton,2004, Page 643). Tangibility and intangible:- Intangibility is the physical nature of the system. It therefore notes that the system can be touched, seen or felt. Intangibility is the perception or the virtual perception of the systems. According to this principle, it highlights that it is only the characteristics or the attributers that can best describe and explain much on the nature and materiality of a system (Hamilton, 2001, page 22). The principle of coexistence:- this principle shows the mutual existence of various systems together. Under this, it can be noted that core systems as well as the peripheral systems can exist together. This therefore leads to the creation of other categories such as the main system as well as the sub-system (Hamilton,2004, Page 243). Difference in the system variables and parameters:- under this principle, it tends to discuss the fact that considering all the forces both internal as well as the external that cause given reactions or responses to the system, the effects or impacts are quite diverse and cannot be the same. The principle consequently gives a discussion concerning two similar processes that are acting within the boundary or limits of the system but in different sides and direction whether for the system or against the system will definitely give diverse and different results. This as well explains the fundamental that highlight that an observation or remark that has been identified in one system will definitely be different with the other that is in either a sub system or another system (Daniel, 2005, page 493). PART 2 Project and list all its systems The project was the water lifting device. This is a system that is used by the various people the collecting and lifting of the underground water. This is a very vital device as it helps in the saving of the other monies that would otherwise been used in the getting of other materials in buying the water or collection. The system is made of a wheel, a groove, a pedal, bucket, axle as well as the rope. The system is a very efficient as it works without much energy consumption. In the description, it is important to highlight that the core system is the wheel, the groove and the axle which form the system called the rotational while the other is called the holders. Iot is important to highlight that the rope and the bucket are the holders. The other components are just but peripherals that are assisting the core components of in becoming effective in terms of efficiency of the machine with minimal velocity ratio and higher mechanical advantage. With the efficiency enhanced, it is quite evident that the target will be achieved and so the work done (Hamilton,2001, Page 264). In the description of the process, it is important to highlight that the rope is tied onto the bucket and it is then rolled onto the wheel. It is then lowered into the borehole where there is the water beneath the earth surface. Lowering is done by rotating the wheel with the aid of the pedal. The wheel and the axle are always greased to reduce the friction thereby ensuring that they work as efficient as possible. Once the bucket has been lowered down, it is allowed to settle ad it collects water in the borehole. It is then raised or lifted up by the wheel being rotated using the pedal until the water in the bucket is lifted to the ground level and then the person who was collecting the water takes it and transfers it to another container (Daniel, 2005, page 433). Describe using 2 examples how the project systems are interdependent As it was highlighted in the introduction part of the paper, it was said that a system must have parts that are interlinked and relate in one way or the other. This is also very much evident in the water project system that is discussed here. In the project, it can be clearly noted that there is need to have both the rotational as well as the holders for the whole intended mission to be accomplished, efficient as well as completing of the job(Roberto, Franz, and Alexis, 2005,page 254). In the assessing of how these are interdependent, it can be noted that there has to be a bucket to ensure that water is collected from the ground. The rope can go down but it cannot collect the water. Consequently, the others can be there but without the presence of the pedal, it is quite explicit that there would be no way to bring the water back unless one goes for the manual way of lifting the water using the hands. However, with the manual way, it still proves that there is interdependence and that the person has opted for that owing to the fact that the preferred way has failed because the pedal is lacking in the system (Daniel, 2005, page 143). Another instance that can vindicate the interdependence in is the groove. The wheel and the pedal all depend on the groove. The wheel cannot be fixed without the groove and the pedal has to be fixed onto the wheel such that if it is rotated it moves the wheel round thereby rolling onto the groove when there is need to lift the container or the bucket after having collected the water or the wheel and unrolling the rope from the wheel or the groove when there is need to collect water. These are therefore very clear states of the system that show how tampering or messing up with one element in the entire system affects the functioning of the whole system (Roberto, Franz, and Alexis, 2005,page 54). Describe 2 management techniques/processes/tools by which your project systems may be coordinated It is very important to ensure that management measures are taken into account to enhance the efficiency of the entire system and its parts or components. For the case of the water lifting device, it is very important to discuss the management exercises and tools that have been employed to make it or effectively and efficiently. These are well discussed below: The rotating parts are continuously oiled and greased to ensure that there is no friction during the rotation of the wheel. Friction is a major hazard for the device as it can make the wheel fixed and rigid and eventually break the system. The pedal is consequently made with a rotating handle this similarly reduces friction it would have otherwise created through the contact with the palm especially during the lifting of the water. This therefore plays a mind game with an individual as the water is drawn from the borehole (Daniel, 2005, page 43). How the external environment affects your project system It is important to acknowledge the fact that the external environment is so large and that it affects the project in a way. The various persons, environmental hazards and organisms that come into contact with the system affect the system. The high rate of acidic rain leads to high levels of corrosion in the metallic parts of the system. This therefore with time makes the system to be weak and fragile that therefore becomes too delicate to handle. This is also caused by high temperatures as well as high rates of rainfall (Hamilton, 2004, page 432). PART 3– REFLECTION Practical use of systems theory to a project manager Under this section, it is important to highlight that the project manager can develop better ways of coordinating various parts of the system to effectively deliver all that is it intended by the project. This theory can as well help the project manager in the comparison of several parameters before the project fully catches up thereby making necessary adjustments that can boost the effectiveness as well as efficiency of the project (Hamilton ,2001, Page 24). References Hamilton, A., Managing Projects for Success: A Trilogy, Thomas Telford Publishers, 2001. Hamilton, A. Handbook of Project Management Procedures, Thomas Telford Publishers, 2004. Daniel J., Dynamics of Team Member Replacements from Complex Systems Theory, in: Computational & Mathematical Organization Theory, Volume 10, Number 4, 2005 Roberto M., Franz P., and Alexis Q. (Eds.), Computer Aided Systems Theory – EUROCAST 2005 10th International Conference on Computer Aided Systems Theory, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, February 7–11 2005. Read More