Week 10 Discussion: We Are Done, Not So Fast

Week 10 Discussion We Are Done Not So Fastrespond To The Colleagues

Week 10 Discussion: We are done! Not so fast! Respond to the colleagues posts regarding the following: • You have now delivered the project to your customer ahead of schedule, but slightly over budget. Now, it is time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t go so well. Based on feedback throughout the course, what would you have done differently in terms of scope, resources, and / or schedule, and why? • After posting your response, respond to at least one (1) of your classmates on their recommendations.

EE’s post states the following: It took the leadership I am under now, to know what good leadership is. He does exactly what you mentioned. He took the time to learn his team, even down to how we communicate. Learning what motivates a team member is great when that team member knows. I had to think about what motivates me to perform my job well.

Sure having a family to support is part of it but mainly it is the leadership. My manager treats me with respect and allows the team to make decisions. He trusts us to work the hours we are supposed to whether at home or the office. Other members on the team respond well to food and or small gifts. When he travels out of town, he always manages to bring us something back, even if it’s a pen.

Recognition is one of the top-cited employee needs and there are many ways to do it (Fusion, 2017). It took a little over 90 days for my manager to learn me when I joined the team so that is accurate. I do not know many managers that take the time to learn their employees, lead by example and use their employees strengths to maximize their use at the respective company. Reference Fusion, J. (2017, November 21). Reward Programs in the Workplace.

Paper For Above instruction

Successful project management hinges on the ability to reflect on past experiences, learn from them, and implement improvements for future endeavors. The scenario presented—delivering a project ahead of schedule but slightly over budget—offers a valuable opportunity to analyze what contributed to this outcome and how adjustments could optimize future projects. Additionally, peer insights, such as EE’s reflection on leadership and motivation, provide further context on effective team management and organizational success.

Reflection on Project Delivery: Over Budget but Ahead of Schedule

In managing projects, balancing scope, resources, and schedule is crucial. Delivering a project early demonstrates effective time management and planning; however, exceeding the budget indicates resource misallocation or unforeseen costs. To improve, a proactive approach is necessary during project planning. This includes conducting detailed scope assessments, creating contingency plans, and refining resource allocation strategies.

One key lesson is the importance of thorough scope definition to prevent scope creep, which often leads to budget overruns. Focusing on clear project objectives and involving stakeholders early can mitigate this issue. On the resource front, accurate forecasting of resource needs and potential variability can help minimize unexpected expenses. Utilizing project management tools like Earned Value Management (EVM) allows for real-time tracking of budget and schedule performance, enabling earlier corrective actions.

Schedule adherence can be enhanced by adopting Agile methodologies where appropriate, enabling more flexible adjustments and iterative reviews. Agile practices foster continuous stakeholder engagement, which helps identify potential delays early and adjust scope or resources accordingly. Applying these strategies can lead to more balanced project outcomes—achieving deadlines without surpassing budget limits.

Lessons from EE's Reflection on Leadership and Motivation

EE’s reflection underscores the significance of leadership that takes the time to understand and motivate team members. The manager’s approach—learning individual motivators, leading by example, and leveraging employee strengths—fosters a positive work environment conducive to productivity and employee satisfaction. Recognition through small gestures like gifts and personalized attention also reinforces engagement, which can translate to better project outcomes.

Effective leadership is instrumental in project success because motivated and valued team members are more committed, innovative, and resilient under pressure. As EE notes, good managers build trust and respect, crucial elements for guiding teams through complex projects. Such leadership practices contribute to higher morale and ultimately lead to more efficient project delivery, even under tight deadlines or budget constraints.

Integrating Leadership and Project Management Practices

To enhance future project outcomes, combining strategic project management techniques with effective leadership practices is essential. For example, integrating motivational strategies like regular recognition, empowerment, and personalized communication into project execution can improve team performance. Simultaneously, utilizing project management tools for scope, schedule, and cost control ensures technical rigor and accountability.

Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement—encouraged by feedback and reflective practice—helps teams adapt and evolve their strategies. Leaders who understand their team members’ motivations and strengths can better assign tasks, delegate responsibilities, and foster collaboration. This synergy between leadership and project management increases the likelihood of delivering projects on time, within scope, and within budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the experience of completing a project ahead of schedule but over budget highlights the need for meticulous planning, continuous monitoring, and adaptive strategies. Emphasizing precise scope management, resource optimization, and schedule flexibility, complemented by strong leadership practices as exemplified by EE’s manager, forms the foundation of successful project delivery. Future projects can benefit from these lessons by adopting integrated approaches that consider both technical project parameters and human factors. Such a balanced approach ensures not only timely delivery but also optimal resource utilization and stakeholder satisfaction.

References

• Fusion, J. (2017, November 21). Reward Programs in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.fusionhrm.com/reward-programs-in-the-workplace
• PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) — Sixth Edition. Project Management Institute.
• Lientz, B. P., & Reiland, L. (2017). Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager. Routledge.
• Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
• Harold Kerzner. (2018). Project Management: Strategic Design and Implementation. Wiley.
• Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
• Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2017). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.
• Gido, J., & Clements, J. (2017). Successful Project Management. Cengage Learning.
• Chin, G. (2018). Agile Project Management: How to Succeed in the Face of Increasing Complexity. AMACOM.
• Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of Project Management. AMACOM.