Week 1 Discussion: You As A Project Manager

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Describe an event you planned, summarizing what went well and/or what went wrong, referencing key project management skills.

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In everyday life, many individuals engage in activities that resemble project management, often without realizing it. From organizing a birthday party to overseeing house renovations, these events require planning, coordination, and management of resources, time, and people. Reflecting on such experiences provides valuable insights into the core principles of project management, including scope definition, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

One particular event I planned was my parents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration. The goal was to organize a memorable gathering that involved coordinating venue arrangements, catering, decorations, entertainment, and guest invitations. The planning process began several months in advance, which allowed ample time to identify and address potential issues. I developed a detailed schedule and assigned responsibilities to family members to ensure smooth execution.

Several aspects worked well during the planning and execution phases. Communication was clear and consistent among family members, which facilitated collaborative decision-making. I also used basic project management tools such as checklists and timelines to track progress. The event's success was evident in the high attendance, positive feedback from guests, and the overall warm atmosphere that reflected careful planning.

However, the experience also highlighted some challenges. One significant issue was vendor scheduling conflicts, which resulted in last-minute adjustments to arrangements. Additionally, some guests arrived later than anticipated due to transportation delays, underscoring the importance of contingency planning. These challenges taught me the importance of incorporating risk management strategies, such as having backup vendors and detailed timing buffers.

From this experience, I learned key project management skills, including effective communication, scope management, scheduling, and risk mitigation. These skills are essential in ensuring that projects, both personal and professional, are completed successfully. Recognizing the parallels between everyday event planning and formal project management underscores that many of these principles are universal and applicable across various contexts.

References

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• Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
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• Heldman, K. (2018). PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide. Wiley.
• Harrison, F., & Lock, D. (2017). Advanced Project Management: A Collection of Leading Edge Research and Practice. Wiley.