Project Administration Process - Essay Example

Project management process Project management process The fit between realistic social theory on project management and personal practice as a result of my participation in the Active Being Project 2014- 15. Success is the main aim of any project, an element that is primarily based in the project management field. Theories of project management therefore aim to ensure that this success is witnessed in the projects. More than often, these theories are the ones that are used in the development and management of projects. These theories help in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the projects. The process of organizing and controlling of the interventions is what is known as project management. The ideal situation of project management as stipulated in the theories at times may be hard to implement in real time situation. This essay aims to show that there is a fit between the published project management theory and personal practice as a product of my participation in the Active Being project 2014- 15. Realistic Social Theory The theory of realistic social is a Margaret Archer work that involves an element of philosophy of Bhaskar. This morphogenetic approach is a show of Archers understanding of the importance of social sphere in the success of the projects. In this theory Archer shows the difference between natural, transcendental reality and social reality (Huyssteen and Shults, 2006: 96). ‘Social reality is unlike any other because of its human constitution. It is different from natural reality whose defining feature is self subsistence…Society I more different still from transcendental reality , where divinity is both self- subsistent and unalterable at our behest’ (Archer, 1995: 1) Archer gives three main features that are used to demonstrate the realistic social theory. The first one is that the theory cannot be separated from the society since the existence of the society technically depends on the anthropogenic activities. The second one is that the society can be transferred inherently but cannot be changed. Lastly, Human agents cannot be changed since their agency is controlled and relies on the society that they reside in and the efforts they put in place to transform it. This theory therefore tries to relate human beings and the success of the projects or society (Huyssteen and Shults, 2006: 96). This theory shows a two way relationship between the structure of the project and the agency that the objective of the project holds. This theory contradicts the structuration theory by holding that the agency and structure elements do not conflate (Archer, 1988: 4). The theory is described as meta- theoretical conception as opposed to theoretical. It is a theory built from other theories (morphogenesis). The major concept here is to make this theory to make sense by moving it to theory from meta- theory (Archer, 2000: 15). Application of Realistic Social Theory in Project Management The realistic social theory shows that the human resource is the most important part of the success of the project. According to Morteza and Kamyar (2009: 13) there is no specific method that can be used to determine the success of the project. It is not known if the success of a project depends on the complexity or structure of the project. But if a success of a project is caused by a given number of factors, then these factors can be used to determine the success of another project. What might be a reason of success in another project may be the reason for downfall in another. This is not the same case when it comes to the importance of human resource in a project (Prabhakar, 2008: 4). In the project management study, there is always need to know why the project succeeds or fails. Several texts have given the definition of success of projects (Gray and Larson, 2008: 4; Brewer and Dittman, 2013: 24; Schwalbe, 2008: 14) even though there has been some who disagree with the definitions. More than often these goals of project success are not met as many projects find it impossible to deliver. Two factors that stand out in relation of project success is that they are meant to change and the fact that they are social activities. The first feature which holds that they are designed to ensure that there is a change in the way activities are done is important. The definition of projects is normally that it is a kind of activity that has a lifespan; that are based on a given objective. The definition also includes the fact that the participation is cross sectional and the objectives are novel in nature (Brown, 1977: 4). The second factor emphasizes that the products or service out- comes are in form of social activity. The activity also should involve several sections of the society to see that it becomes successful. This simply means that projects should not be in terms of the need of individuals, but should involve interaction of people either in conflict or in harmony. This simply means that the projects should be based on the need and participation of the relevant stakeholders (Brown, 1977: 24). Project outcome or failure is therefore based on the social change that the project induces to the society (Poli, Cosic and Lalic 2010: 17). Social Realistic Theory as a social theory show the need of projects that will see the structure in the society is changed to the better. The social structures that are described in the theory include culture, organizations, labor divisions among others (Cuellar 2010: 7). The basics of the theory in project success or failure are therefore the relationship between the actors and the agencies and the actors. Leisure Complex Scenario The novelty of the objectives shows that the project is meant to bring something that never existed before into existence. For our work this work the project is a leisure complex that is a new project and will see to it that the human beings are positively impacted. The leisure- complex acts as a source of employment and also serves the customers. The social change, therefore, can be considered in two phases: the leisure complex development and the implementation of its goals. The first phase sees to it that the leisure complex exists while the second phase sees that there are social impacts (Bhasker 1978: 13). The leisure complex is a social activity in the sense that it has a washroom, reception and gymnasium at the ground floor. The first floor has a cafeteria and a leisure facility that helps in the socialization and relaxation of the relevant community. The second floor is made of the offices and the staff quarters. In general, the structure of the leisure complex and the services that it offers show that the project is cross- sectional. This is due to the fact that it involves several parts of the community that has a variety of people as per the activities and practices (Bhasker 1978: 13). The leisure complex aim is to ensure that there is social change in terms of provision of services and also employment. Putting up the structure in the area will bring the development of infrastructure and social amenities in the area (Kylindri et al. 2012: 220). This will mean that the society can easily access the services that come with infrastructure development and the social amenities. The society will also be in a position to gain the benefit of the services offered directly from the leisure complex (Abdullah et al 2010: 4178). In conclusion, this work shows the link between the social realistic theory and the participation in the Active Being Project 2014- 2015. The social realistic theory emphasizes that the projects should be made to improve the human standards. This is the same way with the Active Project 2014- 2015, its main aim is to see that the stakeholders is to the better. The leisure complex works as per the three pillars that govern the social realistic theory in its full context. The functioning of the leisure complex shows the belief that the societal progress depends on the human activities. It also aims to transform the society to its best state possible, but does not aim to change it since that is impossible. The complex project also uses the capability of the human nature as never an island. It understands that the business to flourish, it must rely on the society in place. The complex will offer services, but for the owner of the complex to gain, the customers must be there. This shows the reliance between the two parties that relates mutually. References Abdullah A. A., Rahman H. A., Harun Z., Alashwal A. M. and Beksin, A. M. (2010) ’Literature mapping: A bird’s eye view on classification of factors influencing project success’, African Journal of Business Management, vol. 4, no. 19, September, pp. 4174-4182 Archer M. (2000) Being Human: The Problem of Agency, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Archer M. S. (1988) Culture and Agency: The Place of Culture in Social Theory, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Archer M. S. (1995) Realist Social Theory: The Morphogenetic Approach, New York: Cambridge University Press. Bhasker, R., A (1978) Realist Theory of Science. New Jersey : The Harvester Press- Sussex, Humanities Press. Brewer, J. L., & Dittman, K. C. (2013) Methods of IT project management, West Lafayette, Indiana : Purdue University Press Brown, H.I. (1977) Perception, Theory, and Commitments. Chicago Illionis: Precedent Publishing, Inc,. Cuellar M. (2010) ‘Using realistic social theory to explain project outcomes’, International Journal of Information Technology Project Management, vol. 1, no. 4, August, pp. 1- 15. Gray, C. F., and Larson, E. W. (2008) Project management: the managerial process, Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Huyssteen, J. W. V., and Shults, F. L. (2006) The evolution of rationality: interdisciplinary essays in honor of J. Wentzel van Huyssteen, Grand Rapids, Michigan: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. Kylindri S., Blanas G., Heinriksen L. and Stoyan T. (2012) ‘Measuring project outcomes: A review of Success Effectiveness Variables’, MIBES, vol. 25, no. 27, August, pp. 212-223 Morteza, S. C. & Kamyar, K. Ch. (2009), ‘Generic Project Success and Project Management Success Criteria and Factors: Literature Review and Survey’, WSEAS Transactions on Business and Economics, Vol. 8, No. 6, August, pp. 456-468. Poli M., Cosic I. & Lalic B. (2010) ‘Project Strategy: Matching Project Structure to Project Type to Achieve Better Success’ , IJIEM, Vol. 1, No. 1, August, pp. 29-40. Prabhakar, G. (2008) ‘What is Project Success: A Literature Review’, International Journal of Business & Management, vol. 3, no. 9, August, pp. 3-9 Schwalbe, M. (2008). The sociologically examined life: pieces of the conversation. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Read More