IBM CASE STUDY
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cover Page. 1
Table of Contents. 2
Introduction. 3
IBM’s Project Management Project` 3
Key Issues and facts within IBM… 4
Relevance to the future market 4
Unifying Project Management 4
Tentative Solutions to Problem.. 4
Embracing Technology Change. 4
Proficiency in multicultural diversity. 5
Constant Project Management Steps. 5
Embracing Project Management 5
Follow Up and Contingency Plan. 6
Conclusion. 6
References. 7
Introduction
When a person hears of IBM, what comes to his/her mind is proficiency in consultancy, Information Technology, Research, and Development. In 1997, IBM noticed another critical field in the business world, Project Management, which most companies have neglected, yet they have many projects within their programs (Stefanazzi & Boland, 2018). As a result, IBM started its journey into ensuring there is a Global Professional Project Management.
IBM’s Project Management Project`
IBM had a dream of ensuring there is a Global Professional Project Management, and it devised strategies of achieving this through a series of plans. All stakeholders involved forecasted that Project Management, a neglected field, would become a demanding and lucrative venture. Until today, it still holds onto the same dream and has ensured its employees own the vision. As a result, most of its employees operate with slogans and values like agility, design thinking, taking risks that are well calculated, and enhanced collaboration (Stefanazzi & Boland, 2018). After the IBM global institute visualized the goals it needed, it devised the means of achieving them. The institute had to break the goal into more straightforward tasks during the planning phase, including Project Management Training, ensuring there is a global curriculum, and certification into the field.
The institute invested resources into the field, and today it is a pioneer in the area. It has developed a Worldwide Project Management Method, which offers guidance and ensures the field follows the same course, and there are no conflicts within it (Stefanazzi & Boland, 2018). It provides education and mentoring in the area as well as offering its certification. The control of the project entails analyzing Quality Assurance through those in the career path.
Key Issues and facts within IBM
Relevance to the future market
IBM has done a considerable job in the Project Management field. However, one of the challenges it faces remains relevant to the futures market, which is very uncertain. Each day, technology is changing; hence what IBM offers today might become obsolete in the future. According to Stefanazzi & Boland (2018), IBM has also faced a challenge of some people sticking to archaic and dubious means of managing projects, and they may continue with the same trends in the future.
Unifying Project Management
Consequently, Project Management is a broad field; hence unifying it into a single global approach is challenging. Each industry and platform has a unique approach to Project Management (Stefanazzi & Boland, 2018). Presumably, the client’s needs vary from one individual to another. Things like culture and preference affect the manner of handling the project.
Tentative Solutions to the Problem
Embracing Technology Change
With technology, IBM should forecast more and more improvements. Adopting technology was one of the world’s greatest achievements, and once there was this discovery, the same trend would continue. According to Bunner (2016), if there is a comparison between the Project Management of the ’90s and that of today, there is significant improvement all courtesy of technology. Project managers can now make real-time tracking of ongoing projects. They can manage a project even if they are not physically present, and there is improved communication. With technology, there was the Project Management software with the latest available in cloud form hence less costly and easily manageable. Project managers can now freely share experiences and consult with each other if there is a challenging experience (Bunner, 2016). From the above evidence, IBM should always remain vigilant with changes in technology. Whenever there is a discovery, they should try to figure out how it can be implemented.
Proficiency in multicultural diversity
When it comes to different cultures, most Project Managers lack knowledge on how to deal with a myriad of individuals. According to Obikunle (2002), generally, most Project Managers lack knowledge of cultural diversity. They are individuals who are going to meet different individuals, some of whom their culture is different. As a result, Project Managers need to embrace cultural diversity. They need knowledge of different verbal and non-verbal communication. IBM, an institute pioneering for Global Professional Project Managers, should advocate for the incorporation of Multicultural diversity into the Project Management curriculum (Obikunle, 2002). While students are in school, they should have some training and even participate in projects in regions with different cultures.
Constant Project Management Steps
Project Management is a broad field; hence unifying it is a challenge. However, according to Heizer, Render & Munson, (2017), all projects go through planning, scheduling, and controlling. Even though a client may have a different taste or come from a different culture, a Project Manager should ensure he/she undertakes all the stages. All three are universal.
Embracing Project Management
Many projects around the world did not adopt the roles of a project manager. The fight for project managers to take a position in the business world has not been easy. Today, many organizations have Project Managers. Unfortunately, there are still many others lacking the Project Management department, yet they have many programs. IBM institute has to train their students to have excellent communication skills and the art of persuasion (Bordelon, 2004). They have to fight for their position in the business world and change it. They should have positive mental energy and a good personality. All project managers should have a sense of unity, and as they do their work, they do it correctly, leaving a legacy.
Follow Up and Contingency Plans
The future is always uncertain; hence as one plans, he/she tries as much as possible to ensure that all will end well through forecasting, but sometimes things might fail. As a result, it is best to ensure there is constant monitoring of all the suggested solutions to determine if it is yielding results as expected or not (Heizer, Render & Munson, 2017). If things are going well, then it would be best to maintain and improve the ongoing strategies. However, if things are failing, one must consider whether to make some changes, switch to contingency plans, or opt to forego the alternative if it is the best decision. It is also best to evaluate a project after it is completed to see if the results are as expected and whether the impact they will create is positive. Good Project Managers also strive to ensure the sustainability of the project where it would continue even in their absence.
Conclusion
No business operates without various programs. As a result, the world is full of many projects; hence companies need to hire Project Managers. To the Project Managers in the field, they should fight for their position. They have to work hard and let people know their usefulness. They have to persuade people not just by words but also through actions. IBM still has a vast road to cover in ensuring Global Professional Project Management.
References
Bordelon, J. (2004). Be a Positive PM Change Agent: Learn How to Use Persuasion and Influence in a Win-Win Way! Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2004—North America, Anaheim, CA. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. Retrieved on 17th July 2020 from https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/positive-project-management-embrace-accept-change-8268
Bunner, A. (2016). 5 ways technology has changed project management. Retrieved on 17th July 2020 from https://www.clarizen.com/5-ways-technology-has-changed-project-management/
Heizer, J., Render, B. & Munson, C. (2017). Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management. (12th ed.). New York: Pearson Education, Inc.
Obikunle, O. (2002). Dealing with cultural diversity in project management: a dilemma in communication. Paper presented at Project Management Institute Annual Seminars & Symposium, San Antonio, TX. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. Retrieved on 17th July 2020 from https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/dealing-cultural-diversity-project-management-129
Stefanazzi, O & Boland, J. (2018). IBM strengthens focus on Professional Project Management. Newton Square: Project Management Institute.