The desired job role is that of a Project Manager; the company’s vision is to become the national leading supplier of healthy fruit flavored soft drinks, be recognized for the highest quality, and be known for passion in customer service. As a project manager, I will strive to ensure projects are undertaken within scope, professionaly managed, and the objectives achieved. In line with the company vision, I believe changing the company’s strategy to be a project driven company will greatly enhance performance and take it closer to acheving and exceeding the vision.
Personal goals
- Familiarize, including through taking short courses, on the latest skills and trends in Project management and get the necessary certifications
- Identify and execute intiatives that have high impact and high visibility, such as changing the processes for acquisition, manufacture, distibution, advertising, and customer services tasks to be project driven (create a project driven organization)
- Develop a framework showing how the Project Management Office/ Division is aligned with strategic enterprise objectives of the organization
- Evolve the Project Management Office / Department to support digital business and bimodal It in the company’s operations, including, and especially, customer service
One of the objectives of the organization is to hire people with the right set of skills for the right positions, as dtailed in the employee guidelines. Acquiring Project Managenet training and certification will take me towards fulfilling this company objective. In identifying and executing initiatives with high imapct and vsibility, I will be helping the company achieve its objectives of being the leading suplier of quality and healthy fruit flavored soft drinks and to be innovative and contnuously improve to respond to changing needs of Australians. Evolving the Project Managment Division to be aligned with strategic objectives and to support digital processes will help achieve the company goal of constantly monitoring the environment to identify opportunities as well as threats and help adapt the organization to changing need and business environment
Prioritise tasks and actions to achieve the two goals
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Goal Number
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Task Number
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Tasks (personal)
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1
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1
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Evaluate present and future job requirements for the role
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|
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2
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Identify latest trends in the industry sector with regard to training
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|
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3
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Evaluate my present skills and compare with latest trends in training and qualification to identify skills gap and what training to undertake
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4
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Choose a suitable course and register to undertake (study)
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5
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Acquire the necessary certification after training (part time)
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|
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Tasks (team)
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|
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6
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Work with HR manager to identify sponsorship opportunities
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7
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Work with HR to identify present and future skills and identify gap
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|
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8
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Work with management and HR to plan short courses in Project management for entire project team
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|
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9
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Evaluate future business needs and determine the right PM skills needed to achieve these goals
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|
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10
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Undertake a small project to apply skills learned based on advice by Fuhrmann, Hobin, Clifford & Lindstaedt (2013)
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2
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Tasks (personal)
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|
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11
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Improve the process of procuring raw materials
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|
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12
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Enhance use of IT in all departments
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|
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13
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Implement project oriented approach to tasks involving value addition and value creation
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|
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14
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Computerized customer service and support
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|
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15
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Improve organization culture in handling projects and repeated tasks
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|
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Tasks (team)
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|
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16
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Discuss with project team on how project management can be used in company activities
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|
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17
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Train team to understand how a project driven organization works
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|
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18
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Consult with management and directors on areas where project management skills can be used, such as acquiring raw materials and manufacturing processes
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19
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Identify a project and implement it using project management tools and skills
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|
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20
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Determine reporting standards for project driven initiatives with management
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3
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Tasks (individual)
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|
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21
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Identify stakeholders in context of company goals and objectives
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|
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22
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Develop communications plans and approaches to use
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|
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23
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Write strategy for executing projects using PM skills and approaches
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|
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24
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Identify areas where there is misalignment with company strategic objectives
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|
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25
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Review the stakeholder management and communication plan regularly
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|
|
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Tasks (team)
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|
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26
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Meet with project team to identify key stakeholders in projects
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|
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27
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Discuss how project management can help company achieve its goals with the stakeholders
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|
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28
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Assign communication roles to project team members/ staff
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|
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29
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Review communication plan every week
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|
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30
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Reporting on projects being undertaken as per Katzenbach & Smith (2015)
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4
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Tasks (personal)
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|
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31
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Identify digital assets in the organization
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|
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32
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Understand how ICT infrastructure is used to help meet company strategic objectives
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|
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33
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Evaluate internal resources, such as customer support staff
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|
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34
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Identify how project management approaches will add to customer value using quality metrics (seven basic tools of quality management)
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|
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35
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Identify current wastes in company operational processes
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|
|
|
Tasks (team)
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|
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36
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Work with IT department to identify digital assets
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|
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37
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Work with IT department and other departments to understand work-flows
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|
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38
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Work with manufacturing, R&D, marketing, customer service, and compliance to identify wastes in their respective organizations and determine where to make improvements
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|
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39
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Work with other departments on quality metrics to use for evaluation and how to use them ( seven basic tools of quality management)-requires weekly meetings and updates (Tammy, 2017)
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|
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40
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Evaluate effectiveness of project management initiatives in meeting set objectives
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URGENT – IMPORTANT MATRIX
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HIGH URGENCY; HIGH IMPORTANCE
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HIGH URGENCY; LOW IMPORTANCE
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|
GROUP 1: TO DO IMMEDIATELY
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GROUP 2: TO DECIDE WHEN TO DO
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|
Tasks 1,2,3, 4, 6,7, 13
tasks 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 35
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Tasks 5, 8, 9, 10
Tasks 11, 14, 15, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 34, 36, 37
|
|
HIGH URGENCY; LOW IMPORTANCE
|
LOW URGENCY; LOW IMPORTANCE
|
|
GROUP 3: TO DELEGATE OR PUSH BACK
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GROUP 4: DON’T DO IT (UNLESS TIME IS NO ISSUE)
|
|
Tasks 12, 33, 38
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39, 40
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Use technology to organise and plan work tasks and actions
The Apps considered are WunderList (https://www.wunderlist.com/) and Trello (https://trello.com/). After evaluating both applications, the chosen app is Trello. This is because while WunderList has good features, trello is feature rich in collaborative work as well as in undertaking personal work and tasks. With Trello, one can organize tasks, get remindes when behind schedule, set goals, and collaborate with others. Collaboration is going to be very important and crucial for acheving the set work goals (Duffy, 2017)
Work-life balance
|
The two important personal goals are business/ career and personal development
|
Business/ Career
|
Personal Growth
|
|
Manage time more effectively
|
Undertake professional training
|
|
Identify work priorities
|
Crate work/ life balance
|
|
Align with company goals and objectives
|
Read a self improvement book, at least one per month
|
|
Do not take work home
|
Define my goals in life and undertake a personal SWOT and psychometric test
|
|
Build strong networks and identify a mentor
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Prioritize issues and manage time effectively
|
|
SWOT Analysis
|
SWOT Analysis
|
|
Strengths
Self driven
Creative
Intelligent
calm and collected
Energetic
|
Weaknesses
Procrastination
Poor communication skills
Introverted at times
Lack of focus
Inaction or compulsiveness
|
|
Opportunities
Learn more skills
Start a new hobby
Join a professional club
Cut weight and eat healthy
|
Threats
Having dreams and visions but not taking action
Time limitations
Financial limitations
Taking on too many responsibilities
|
- Stress Management Plan
Stress Causes
Worrying about whether I am in the right profession and whether I will ever meet my professional and career goals
Financial shortfalls such as money needed to pay back college loan, car, and maybe get a mortgage
Negative people
Too much work
Inability to meet my set goals and objectives despite putting in much effort
Non-cooperative colleagues at work
problem with a close family member
Techniques I can use to manage my stress
Prioritize my work and eliminate things that do not add much value, such as frieds/ colleagues that make my life hell
To deal with the stress of too much work, I will plan my time effectively and concentrate on doing the simple tasks first to have a sense of accomplishment
Financial troubles will be solved by setting realistic financial goals and objectives
Will start exercising and eating healthy to help manage stress and attain better health
Will be cooking at home to cut on the costs of eating out and also use cooking as a form of therapy (‘Harvard Health Letter’, 2015)
Deep breathing/ meditation to relieve stress and maintain balance
Avoid toxic relationships and seek to resolve long standing conflicts wth family members
Maintain a healthy balance between work and rest, and sleep at least eight hours
Do one fun thing every week, such as painting or going for a hike/ long walk
Join a health and wellness club
How others can help
Have quality conversations with loved ones and spend time together with them
Seek out a mentor from among my senior managers, especially on career goals
Join a special interest group, such as Yoga or fitness club to share experiences
Actions
|
Upload evidence (for example email or screenshot) onto eCampus that you’ve performed at least two actions.
E-mail:
To: julia.hazard@wamco.com
Dear Julia
Hello and hope you are keeping well; am having a few challeges regarding my professional life and development, sometimes I worry too much if I am ever gong to make it and if I am doing the right thing. I would like to seek your help on a continula basis in a professional way: I have read your background and seen that you started as an intern at this form, and have grown to become a senior manager. I need a mentor and I feel I can trust you and learn a lot from you regarding my professional and career development. I will be communicating with you from time to time, howver, at this momemnt, I wish to get your response if you could agree to become my mentor
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Upload evidence (for example email or screenshot) onto eCampus that you’ve performed at least two actions.
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I sawyour advert in the local daily and online: I have been comparing health and wellness clubs and after a careful review, I feel you have the profile to meet my needs. Kindly send me a prospectus, along with products offered and rates, and what I need to do to become a member of your club
|
- Develop a career plan and maintain professional competence
PART A: DEVELOP A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
- Career Goals
Short term career goals
Attain requisite qualifications in project management
Gain practical skills in project management and be in charge of at least two projects in the company as a way of introducing project driven techniques in company operations
My preference is in the manufacturing industry or at the very least, the construction sector where project management skills are greatly beneficial
Long term career goals
To gain post graduate qualifications in Project management
To gain promotion as a senior manager in Project management/ product development . Being a project manager/ product development manager will give me a platform to use my project management skills. It will also give me a platform to do what I really love, which is getting someithing from being an idea to a realized finished product
Have gained four solid years of experience in project management
Personal Asessment
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Knowledge, Skills and Attributes/Abilities (KSA) Assessment Checklist
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|
RATING SCALE
1 = Does not demonstrate 2 = Developing 3 = Proficient 4 = Advanced
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|
ITEM
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Self-assessment
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Other assessment 1
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Assessment by seior colleague
|
|
KNOWLEDGE
|
|
Project management methodologies
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4
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3
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2
|
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Earned value analysis and management
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3
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3
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2
|
|
The role of the project manager
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3
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3
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3
|
|
Project driven organizations
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3
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2
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3
|
|
People and human resource management
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3
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2
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1
|
|
Stakeholder management in projects
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4
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2
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3
|
|
Project risk management
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4
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2
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2
|
|
Project triple constraints
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4
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2
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3
|
|
Project procurement management
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4
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2
|
2
|
|
Project communications management
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3
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2
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3
|
|
SKILLS
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|
Effective communications skills
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4
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2
|
3
|
|
Leadership skills
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4
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2
|
4
|
|
Team management
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3
|
2
|
3
|
|
Negotiation
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3
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2
|
3
|
|
Personal organization
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3
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2
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3
|
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Risk management
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3
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2
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3
|
|
ATTRIBUTES/ABILITIES
|
|
Technical expertise in project management
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3
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3
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2
|
|
Ability to inspire a shared vision
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2
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3
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3
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Effective communication and leadership
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3
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2
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3
|
|
Good at decision making
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3
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3
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2
|
|
Team building skills
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3
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3
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3
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Competence
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3
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2
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2
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Good negotiation skills
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2
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3
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3
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Based on Alexander (2017)
- Prepare for and then conduct face-to-face feedback sessions with at least 2 people who know you well (and preferably who you work with, for example a colleague and boss) to get third party assessments of your current competencies.Record (audio or video) both sessions, which should each be around 5 minutes long. Add the ratings to the KSA Assessment Checklist, and make notes of their feedback.
Gap Analysis
From the personal analysis and evaluation based on AQF and project management institute, as well as feddback session with my manager I need to make improvements on project management methodologies, especially for different porject types since am more conversant with the traditional (waterfall model) but need to improve on agile project management. I need to improve on my knowledge of earned value analysis to manage people and human resources. I need practical experience in project risk management and how to manage procurements for projects and gain more technical expertise and competencies in managing projects, as well as effective decision making. My competency in most areas is proficient; however, my goal is to attain advanced competencies, and this I will achieve throgh practical projects where I learn on the job and apply theoretical knowledge. Within the present year, I want to be involed in two projects, where I am at least in charge of one project to grasp key skills such as procurement management, decision making, managing risks, and evaluating and managing earned value (Russell, 2012). I want to complete a technical course in project management within the next eight months to increase my technical skills and competency as well as in project management methodologies. In three years time, I want to complete a post gradiuate qualification in project management with up to date industry qualifications to attain the level of advanced knowledge in project management
PART B: A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (PD) LOG
- Self Asssement with VARK
Based on my VARK test scores, my prefereed learning methods are kinesthetic where practical exercises, case studies, senses, and trial and error is used. Based on these, learning through practical project management will be very suitable to me. Read write is also a preferred learning method involving notes, lists, and texts, and so an academic course taken online/ part time where I read and undertake assessment tests suit me very well. Visual learning is not really my cup of tea, but mixed with other methods such as illustrations and vidooes in online learning suit me well
- Professional Development (PD) Log
|
In addition to completing the PD Log below, please upload evidence that you’ve performed at least 2 professional development actions. Examples of evidence could include:
· A screenshot of your profile on one of the social networking sites
· A copy of a confirmation email or screenshot of subscription to a blog or newsletter
· A copy of any resources you produced as a direct result of a blog article or webinar, including confirmation of your attendance
· A screenshot showing you are following companies, groups or channels relevant to your career objectives, personal skills and knowledge
|
|
P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T L O G
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|
What is the PD activity (including type of activity, provider, cost, location)?
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Date initiated and timeframe to complete
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How I will use knowledge and skills acquired?
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Date completed and evidence provided
|
|
EXAMPLE
|
|
Joined te project management podcast and read how NASA manages its plan and protfolio
|
18/04/2018
|
Use information from the podcast to learn how to professionally plan major projects located in different regions involving several different teams
|
21/04/2018
https://www.project-management-podcast.com/
|
|
Read about the project management triangle from the Project management Institute
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19/04/2018
|
Use the information to understand what is involved in project management
|
Ongoing
https://www.pmi.org/learning/training-development/talent-triangle
|
|
Read the current industry standard qualifications and exams and the similarities and differences between them
|
18/04/2018
|
Use the information to decide on what Project management course to undertake
|
18/0/2018
https://www.simplilearn.com/prince2-vs-pmp-certifications-article
|
|
Gave presentation on the values of the company becoming a project driven organization
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15/04/2018
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Present my views on why a project driven organization will likely succeed
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15/04/2018
|
|
Rad about and started doing a course on continuing professional development online
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19/04/2018
|
Gain key practical skills and competencies to augment my professional and on the job training
|
Ongoing
https://learn.saylor.org/course/index.php?categoryid=19
|
|
Applied to join the Australian Institute of Project Managment
|
12/04/2018
|
Gain industry knowledge and skills and network with other members and professionals
|
12/04/2018
https://aipm.com.au/home
|
Measure and maintain performance in varying conditions
General manager Position
Responsibilities
Developing and executing a new project driven business strategy for ANZ business region
Lead sales and marketing, business development, and business solutions to drive growth in frut flavored soft drink sles, in line with company objectives
Optimize operational performance and manage transport and logistics to enahnce efficiency
Identify opportunities for cross border busness
Lead a management team while managing all aspects of ANZ region operations
Identify opportunities for business process improvements
Develop new policies to reduce wastes and increase efficiency
Develop a Plan for Quality Improvement
Self Assessment Table
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes/Abilities (KSA) Assessment Checklist
|
RATING SCALE
1 = Does not demonstrate 2 = Developing 3 = Proficient 4 = Advanced
|
|
ITEM
|
Self-assessment
|
Other assessment 1
|
Assessment by seior colleague
|
|
KNOWLEDGE
|
|
Project driven business strategy
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Lead sales, marketing, business development solutions
|
2
|
2
|
|
|
Optimize operational performance
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Identify new opportnities (cross border trade)
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Lead management team
|
2
|
2
|
|
|
Identify opportunities for business process improvements
|
3
|
3
|
|
|
Develop a Plan for project Quality Improvement
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
SKILLS
|
|
Leadership
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Decision making
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Negotiation
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Quality Improvement
|
3
|
3
|
|
|
Strategy development
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Decision making
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
ATTRIBUTES
|
|
|
|
|
Demonstarte and enforce high standards
|
3
|
3
|
|
|
Leadership skills
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Good judgement
|
3
|
3
|
|
|
Innovativeness
|
3
|
3
|
|
|
Able to infleunce and manage change
|
3
|
2
|
|
Prepare your personal General Manager Development Planthat answers the following questions:
- How have your work conditions or situation changed?
- What additional knowledge, skills and attributes/abilities will you need for the General Manager position?
- What process will you follow to get back on track?
- What networking opportunities will you add to your PD Log?
The evaluation shows that I still have areas to improve on; the situation has changed a little bit in that instead of being involved in managing projects, I will have a greater role entailing managing teams, people, incuding business teams and having to develop strategies. Ther is a skill gapin that most of the required knowlegde and skills show I am in the development phase and not at least proficient, based on industry job requirements. I will need to enhance my knowledge by undertaking an MBA online to get the general grounding in management and complete the pofessional development course, as well as undertake short courses on strategic management. The MBA is particulalry important for such a job (‘Kettering University Online’, 2017), as is experience and so I will continue to seek tasks that enhance the required skill set for the job especiallythe soft skills needed to get teams moving forward (Isacke, 2013)
Submission Checklist
This checklist is to be completed by the learner to help check that all evidence has been supplied.
|
Task number
|
Evidence required (upload onto eCampus)
|
Your evidence (submission title and filename)
|
Confirmed
|
|
All
|
Completed Portfolio document (all Assessment Tasks, Research Assignments and Workplace Projects)
|
Filename: <your first and last name> BSBWOR501 Portfolio <ddmmyy>
|
|
|
Workplace Task 4, number 1
|
Screenshot of completed Planning Schedule using an app, system or software
|
|
|
|
Workplace Task 4, number 7
|
Evidence that you’ve actioned at least two things outlined in your Stress Management Plan
|
|
|
|
Workplace Task 5, number 4
|
Two audio or video files of verbal feedback sessions to show evidence of having done the oral communication task
|
|
|
|
Workplace Task 5, number 7
|
Evidence that you’ve performed at least two things outlined on your Professional Development Log
|
|
|
Direct Observation Checklist: Oral Communication
This checklist is to be completed by the trainer/assessor to assess the oral communication roleplay.
|
Performance descriptor
|
Not applicable
|
Satisfactory
|
Not satisfactory
|
Comments
|
|
Presented traits of a positive role model
|
|
|
|
|
|
Presented facts in a descriptive way, and without a judging tone or words
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treated the person with respect and didn’t allow emotion to take over
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowed the person to respond, and finish his/her point without interrupting
|
|
|
|
|
|
Encouraged the person by giving small verbal comments like “yes” and “uh huh”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acknowledged what the person said by reflecting back
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asked questions to check for and clarify understanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summarised periodically as required
|
|
|
|
|
Don’t stop now …
Please save and upload this file (Section 2 of the unit) onto eCampus under the relevant unit.
We will be in touch as soon as your submission has been assessed.
References
Alexander, M. (2017). 6 traits of highly effective project managers. CIO. Retrieved 20 April 2018, from https://www.cio.com/article/2433916/project- management/project-management-six-attributes-of-successful-project- managers.html
Duffy, J. (2017). Trello review. PCMAG. Retrieved 20 April 2018, from https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2487001,00.asp
Fuhrmann, C., Hobin, J., Clifford, P., & Lindstaedt, B. (2013). Goal-Setting Strategies for Scientific and Career Success. Science | AAAS. Retrieved 20 April 2018, from https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2013/12/goal-setting-strategies-scientific-and- career-success
‘Harvard Health Letter’. (2015). Best ways to manage stress – Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Retrieved 20 April 2018, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and- mood/best-ways-to-manage-stress
Isacke, H. (2013). Soft skills for strong leaders. London: New Generation Publishing.
Katzenbach, J., & Smith, D. (2015). The Wisdom of Teams: Creating the High-Performance Organization (1st ed., pp. 5, 63). Harvard Business Review Press: Harvard.
‘Kettering University Online’. (2017). The importance of an MBA education for General Managers. Online.kettering.edu. Retrieved 20 April 2018, from https://online.kettering.edu/news/2017/10/13/importance-mba-education-general- managers
Russell, L. (2012). Managing Projects: A Practical Guide for Learning Professionals (1st ed.). San Francisco: Pfeiffer.
Tammy. (2017). How Does Teamwork Help Organizations? | Learn2. Learn2.com. Retrieved 20 April 2018, from https://www.learn2.com/team-building- organizations/
