For the last couple of weeks, I have been working in a team of six to
deliver a real life project; akin to one which I could be tasked with as a
project manager in the future. This project involves an external client and the
project mandate requires that an event is designed which has 150 medium and
large businesses in attendance. Our responsibility lies in assembling a Project
Initiation document (PiD) which speaks to the business case, and within that
identify quality, risks, stakeholders, work breakdown structure, and all that
good stuff associated with delivering a project. Thereafter, deliver the
project.
It has been an eye opening experience working in a diverse team of
people with varied expectations and skills set. Add the pressure of dealing
with a demanding client, and the complications of working sometimes in a
virtual team, and what you have is an excellent preparation for working on
project teams. In executing this project, we are utilising the PRINCE2
methodology and it feels good to use something which I only recently studied
and wrote the qualification examinations for. This is the first time that I
have developed a quality management strategy, a risk management strategy, and a
stakeholder communication and management plan for a real life project, and it
feels very fulfilling. This is the best part of my time here I think; the
business school’s attempt to link students to actual practice.
One can feel far removed from the business world when buried in theories
and research, this project serves to bridge the gap between academia and
practice. It is an opportunity to try out the many methodologies which we have
worked through. In addition, we are engaging with senior managers and CEOs of
companies who have offered great advise and suggestions on how to take our
career forward after the master’s, and what the market is like at the moment.
In the coming weeks, I shall post updates on the milestones we have set and
how/if we have met deadlines or not.
In the interim, keep well.
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