During recent years the number of project management offices appearing in different types of companies has increased dramatically. The different methodologies developed, such as PRINCE 2, PMBOK and more recently ISO 21500, have shown us new and more efficient ways to manage projects. Not only that, they also allow us to use a common language to define the processes of a project across different organisations. So, the question is then, how do these methodologies really help us? Or are they really adaptable to any type of company, or on what should you focus on when applying them?
The current trend towards international business is making it more and more necessary to speak the same language, share the same best practices and document all the different lessons we learn, so that our organisations can make the most of all new synergies created. Using these management methodologies optimises communication and simplifies the way projects are managed, therefore improving the overall level of competitiveness of the company.
If it is true that due to the increasing volume of projects undertaken, large companies are starting to depend more and more on a PMO, then this could mean that project management using different methodologies can be applied to any organisation. The extensive amount of work already carried out in this field has shown us that the application of these different methodologies is the first step towards understanding the complexity of a project. We must unify the different management criteria and open ourselves up to the globalised world in which we are operating.
Investment in project management improves the overall competitiveness of the company
Given that each project is temporary and also unique, we should adapt our theoretical knowledge to the specifics of each one, with more emphasis being placed on those areas that we consider more important for the overall success of the project. Of course, the restrictions of scope, time and cost must be applied to all projects; however other less developed areas such as risk management or communications management can also play a key part in a project. It is this capacity to determine which part of the project to focus on that an experienced and well-trained project manager must be able to offer.
In summary, investment in project management will help us to continuously improve and also keep us in line with the requirements of the market, improving the overall competitiveness of the company. I personally believe that this can be applied to any type of company, and that with the right knowledge and experience, along with the ability to adapt to the specific requirements of each project, the company will be able to evolve positively, achieving its goals faster and noticeably more effectively.
