Chapter 13 - Managing the Human Resources Aspects of the Project

Question 1

Why is it important for Project Managers to focus on Human Resources (HR) aspects of projects?

Answer 1

• Projects are performed by people for people (unless there are robots -> but when they’re sentient aren’t they people anyways?)
  
  • The interaction of people hugely impacts the project.
• Project managers don’t normally do the work themselves (lazy), they usually rely on the work of others
• Project Managers often lack “Positional Power”, therefore, the use of influence is important

Question 2

What is power and what is it based on?

Answer 2

Power is the capacity to influence others to change their attitude or behavior.
Based on:
- Expertise
- Referent
- Legitimate
- Reward
- Coercive

Question 3

Which power is usually limited for Project Managers?

Answer 3

Legitimate Power

Question 4

What is influence?

Answer 4

The exercise of power to bring about change

Question 5

Why should Project Managers continually develop their sources of power?

Answer 5

To increase their ability to influence others

Question 6

What is an important aspect of the Project Manager role?

Answer 6

Manage performance of team members

Question 7

What is an effective approach to managing team members?

Answer 7

Varying the management style based on the expertise of each team member

Question 8

From low, medium, medium/high and high expertise, how should you manage each level?

Answer 8

Low-Level Expertise: Directive management style

Medium-Level Expertise: Coaching Management Style

Medium/High-Level Expertise: Supportive Management Style

High-Level Expertise: Delegating Management Style

Question 9

What should the Project Manager do in addition to managing the team’s activities?

Answer 9

Build the team’s capabilities (develop the team)

Question 10

Who does the Project Manager interact with frequently?

Answer 10

Project Stakeholders

Question 11

What document can the Project Manager use to manage Stakeholder Relationships?

Answer 11

The Stakeholder Management Plan

Question 12

The goal of creating something unique in a finite period of time with limited budget can lead to [blank].

Answer 12

conflict

Question 13

Is no conflict a good thing?

Answer 13

Maybe, it is a problem if people are not engaging / expressing their opinions

Excessive conflict is bad

Question 14

What two characteristics of conflict are important for managing conflict?

Answer 14

1 - The importance of the situation

2 - The importance of maintaining the relationship with the other person involved

Question 15

What is used to help manage conflict?

Answer 15

A Conflict Management Approach Document

Question 16

How should conflicts be documented?

Answer 16

Columns with:
Column 1: Importance of the situation
Column 2: Importance of the relationship
Column 3: Conflict management approach

Question 17

What are the 5 types of conflict management?

Answer 17

1 - Collaborating
2 - Accommodating
3 - Directing
4 - Avoiding
5 - Compromising