Question:

1. Discuss the differences between project work and normal operations, and the role of a project manager.

Answer:

A project is an endeavor that is temporary in nature, that is undertaken to produce a unique product. Projects are initiated by organizations for a variety of reasons, such as to meet a business need, attain a strategic objective or meet a market demand. The only way organizations can accomplish any of these goals is by expending resources of the organization over time. Projects are characterised by:

• a new product, service or process that hasn't existed before to create new value
• one objective to be achieved and once that's done

Whereas, Operations are the ongoing execution of activities and they follow organizational procedures to produce the same result or a repetitive service that will help sustain the business. Operations are typically permanent in nature and they include all of the normal business functions. Operations are characterised by:

• repeat process, product or service to sustain the business
• multiple objectives to be achieved again and again

In essence, operations do not produce new things, but they are necessary to maintain and sustain the system.

Project Managers play the lead role in planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects. They're expected to deliver a project on time, within the budget, and Ensure Stakeholder Satisfaction. Some of their main roles and responsibilities are:

• Plan and develop the project idea
  • Monitoring the progress of a project
  • Managing the projects budget
  • Ensuring that key milestones are reached
  • Comparing actual performance against planned/scheduled performance
• Facilitate issue resolution
• Lead the team in working through project changes
• Work with the client to get formal sign-off that the project is complete

Project Managers do play a crucial role in all organizations.

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