Critical Reflection: Applying Project Management Skills to My Career Development
The knowledge I have gained in the BUS 5611 course on Managing Projects and Programs at the University of the People has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of project management and its applications across various sectors. This critical reflection outlines how I intend to leverage the project management principles learned to guide my career over the next decade. Specifically, I will focus on the project life cycle phases — initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure — as well as key knowledge areas such as stakeholder management, cultural diversity, and risk management, to develop my startup in wellness and mental health in Tokyo and expand into property management and tourism.
Project Life Cycle and Career Development
Initiation Phase
The initiation phase involves defining the project at a broad level and securing authorization. In my startup, the primary goal is to establish a robust foundation for our wellness and mental health platform. Understanding stakeholder identification and cultural diversity management, as discussed in Unit 2, is crucial in this phase (Project Management Institute, 2021). Tokyo is a culturally diverse city, and recognizing the needs and expectations of different stakeholders will be vital. This phase will involve extensive market research, developing a business case, and securing initial funding and support from key stakeholders.
Planning Phase
The planning phase is critical for defining the project’s scope, objectives, and procedures (Kerzner, 2017). During Units 3, 4, and 5, the course emphasized the importance of meticulous planning, which I will apply to outline detailed project plans, including timelines, resources, and budgets. A well-structured plan will be essential for scaling the business. Additionally, conducting a thorough risk assessment and developing mitigation strategies will help in managing potential challenges. The project simulation exercises provided practical insights into these processes, which will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of a startup environment.
Execution Phase
Executing the project involves putting the plan into action and managing the project’s deliverables (Project Management Institute, 2021). In Unit 6, we explored the constraints and challenges faced during execution. For my startup, this phase will include developing the wellness and mental health platform, establishing partnerships with healthcare providers, and launching marketing campaigns. Effective communication and team management will be crucial, as will be adapting to unforeseen challenges promptly. Utilizing project management tools and software to track progress and performance will help in maintaining control over the project.
Control Phase
The control phase focuses on monitoring and adjusting the project’s progress to ensure alignment with the plan (Kerzner, 2017). Unit 7 highlighted various methods of controlling projects, which I will apply to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and make necessary adjustments. Regular progress reports and performance reviews will be essential to ensure the project stays on track. Additionally, maintaining flexibility to pivot strategies based on real-time data and feedback will be crucial in this dynamic industry.
Closure Phase
Closing the project involves finalizing all activities and evaluating the project’s success (Project Management Institute, 2021). Unit 8 covered the steps to successfully close a project and the importance of lessons learned. This phase will involve completing project deliverables, obtaining client approvals, and documenting the project outcomes. Reflecting on the project’s successes and challenges will provide valuable insights for future projects. For my startup, this will include evaluating the platform’s performance, gathering user feedback, and identifying areas for improvement.
Long-term Career Plan
Years 1–3: Establishing the Wellness and Mental Health Platform
In the initial years, my focus will be on launching and stabilizing the wellness and mental health platform. The project management skills acquired will help in effectively managing the project from initiation through closure, ensuring a solid foundation for future expansion.
Years 4–6: Expansion into Property Management
With a stable platform, the next phase involves diversifying into property management. This will require new project plans, stakeholder engagement, and market analysis. The planning and control phases will be critical to managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring each aligns with the overall business strategy.
Years 7–10: Integrating Tourism Services
The final phase of my 10-year plan is to integrate tourism services, creating a holistic wellness experience. This will involve collaborating with tourism agencies and developing new service offerings. The initiation and planning phases will be particularly important in this stage to ensure successful integration and market penetration.
Conclusion
The project management concepts and practices learned in BUS 5611 will be instrumental in achieving my career goals. By systematically applying the project life cycle phases and knowledge areas, I aim to build and expand my startup into a multifaceted business encompassing wellness, property management, and tourism. This structured approach will help in navigating the complexities of business development and achieving sustained growth and success.
References
Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) (7th ed.). Project Management Institute.
Note:
This article is written based on University of The People Managing Project and Program (BUS 5611) written assignment by Fristy Tania Sato in May 2024
