1. Organization Design
1. Organization DesignOrganizational design is a methodology that takes into account the various, potentially problematic, areas of projects, such as work-flow, structure, systems, roles and responsibilities and realigns them in the most appropriate way for the project.
The 3 most basic kinds of structure are; functional, project and matrix.
2. Negotiation
Negotiations happen constantly. A good negotiator knows not only what he needs, but also how to get it, both internally and externally to the organization.
That’s why negotiation is an incredibly advantageous skill to have as a project manager. However, since it belongs to the phantasmatic realm of soft skills, it is rarely mentioned.
Negotiation is the art of achieving the most benefit for yourself from a transaction, while leaving all parties to the negotiation sufficiently content that the relationship subsequently works well.
Formal negotiations usually take place with external providers typically when agreeing on contracts, while informal negotiations can arise resolving conflicts or in discussions to gain more internal resources.
3.Value Management
Value Management is defined as a way of improving business effectiveness using a combination of planning tools and methods to find the optimum balance of project benefits in relation to project costs and risks. It is done in a structured manner, and uses specific techniques:
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Value Engineering is the management philosophy that should guide the design of the project, using proven techniques during the formative stages.
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Value Analysis is the introduction of similar techniques to an already existing product, process or organization.
4. Industrial Relations
Far from being a PR concept, Industrial Relations covers a full range of functions related to work-force management. Of course, proper Industrial Relations require an in-depth knowledge and personal experience of the legal system, labor regulations, and the negotiations with the unions, for example.
This skill is a must have for a project manager that wants to create a positive and safe working culture, and solve or prevent work related incidents.
5. Variation Control
Traditionally, projects have been predictable. Differences between projects (variations) ideally are too –so they have to be managed.
To incorporate variation management, systems and processes must be established and properly documented. Once these steps are implemented, procedures and their variations can be managed in an efficient and controlled manner. This practice is also known as Change Control, and includes taking into account such variables as scope, specification, cost and schedule.
6. Conflict Management
Although it is considered a soft skill, it still has imperative importance to how successful a project manager will turn out to be.
Conflict Management is the process of identifying and addressing differences that, if left unsolved, could affect the business goals. And we all know that an unresolved conflict can be expensive! It increases uncertainty, damages morale and undermines long-term team harmony.
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