System thinking delivers better outcomes

System thinking is a discipline for seeing holes. It is a framework for seeing the interrelationships between things rather than just the things themselves. It is about having an eye for seeing patterns rather than static ‘snapshots’. For managing complex projects managerial leaders are needed who can understand systems and the benefits that systems thinking can bring.

Project Management Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing the structures’ that underlie complex situations. It is widely held that a systems project approach adds value to any project management situation. It can do this by reducing the need for re-planning and reworking. It optimises the risk margins and allowing projects to fulfil their objectives both on time and on budget.

System thinking improves project management by adding greater stakeholder engagement throughout the life of a project. This, in turn, leads to a better understanding of the problem for which the real requirements and the right solution can be found the first time.

It can also offer more comprehensive risk planning and mitigation activities leading to higher confidence in final cost and schedule commitments. System thinking ensures coverage of all activities; meaning features and requirement are not missed. This not only ensures the smooth running of a project but enabling more successful acceptance and handover too.

The idea of a system as ‘a set of parts which, when combined, have qualities that are not present in any of the parts themselves’ is a very productive way of looking at projects, programmes and portfolios. There are many ‘elements’ or ‘parts’ to a system which may include, for example, people, processes, information, organisations, transformation and services, as well as software, hardware and complex products.

Systems thinking really can deliver better outcomes for projects. It is all about understanding what the project or programme is trying to achieve and ensuring that activities and dependencies don’t fall between the cracks. The Association of Project Management is a great source of information when it comes to strategic thinking.

https://www.apm.org.uk/blog/can-systems-thinking-deliver-better-project-outcomes/

HPS

HPS puts you in control

Hyde Park Solutions, Oracle Primavera partner, at the forefront of Portfolio & Project Management, having the largest number of certified professionals delivering solutions using P6, Unifier, Primavera Cloud, OPPM, Aconex, Primavera Analytics and Integration Cloud Service with global delivery teams.

HPS

Clients in control

HPS

UK Power Supplier Gets Regulatory Control

This client produces and supplies electricity and gas and is one of the largest investor-owned utili…

Discover More
HPS

Oil Company In Control of Investment Capital Planning

This client is a large Oil company based in Finland. It produces, refines and markets oil and renewa…

Discover More
HPS

Civil Aviation In Control of Capital Planning

Our client is a leading Civil Aviation organisation that designs, builds and maintains systems that …

Discover More

Recommended for you