Project management entails the application of tools, knowledge, processes, techniques, experience and skills in achieving a particular project activity to meet the intended goal. A project is usually a unique endeavor that is undertaken to attain a specific objective whose success is defined in terms of the overall benefit or output. Thus, project management process helps in the attainment of the desired outcome according to the agreed budget, criteria, and timescale (Hyväri, 2006). According to Mir & Pinnington (2014), projects are different to business activities as they require the particular stakeholders involved to come together and focus on the specific program objectivities. Project management is, therefore, concerned with managing and integrating the different work packages to achieve the standard set objective fostering teamwork that is a key factor in ensuring project success. In this regards, the paper discusses how CDM Smith Company has used project management process even in its future endeavors.
CDM Smith Incorporation provides integrated and sustainable solutions in transport, water, energy, and environment as well as to private and public clients worldwide with the help of project management in its programs. The company is a construction and engineering firm that is determined to deliver exceptional quality results and customer service while enduring value across the project lifecycle. Over the years, it has been distinguished by the leadership style that has incorporated project management process in ensuring success as well as its flexibility in designs and its delivery approaches for infrastructure and environmental projects. Project management has helped the employees work together as a team in partnership with the clients to solve complex infrastructural and ecological challenges. This has helped the company create a learning culture that is always dedicated to finding better solutions for the customers and the planet (Danneels, 2011).
CDM Smith employees use project management to help them see the future when completing complex projects in the ever-developing world. The company has attracted the best talents in the industry and has supported their efforts helping them to grow further in their careers. The corporation has employed a number of project managers who are involved in planning, controlling, evaluation, implementation and reporting initiatives that support its mission and strategic plan. Project management has helped the company see the future and anticipate what will come as it is very difficult to determine the future (Danneels, 2011). Program management has been an essential component of CDM Smith Corporation has it enables the company conduct prior research, analyze the finding, draw conclusions and further make recommendations. This has made life easier as the company can predict and plan further for the expected. The company has also been able to respond to the changing concerns and priorities involving different stakeholders and departments, as they are able to anticipate the future. Through program management risk are assessed before engaging into projects to avoid loss and facilitate adequate planning. As well, the results of projects are synchronized to the intended common goal (Mir & Pinnington, 2014). By investing in project management, the company and stakeholders involved have benefited greatly. The company has been able to achieve its desired results ensuring effective and efficient use of resources to satisfy the different needs of the stakeholders.
Project management has helped the company to be able to lead and direct multiple complex programs simultaneously over the years and meet the anticipated operational and strategic goals of ensuring success. Project managers have also been able to prioritize and coordinate resources across different programs while overseeing the cost using project management process. The company has also been able to monitor programs progress while identifying and mitigating challenges and engaging all the stakeholders accordingly while ensuring that each project meets its stipulated schedule, budget, and scope of requirements. This is in line with the primary purpose of incorporating project management to aid in the attainment of the desired outcome according to the agreed budget, criteria, and timescale (Kwak & Anbari, 2009). Program management has helped the corporation in developing the appropriate deliverables such as workflows, plans of measurement, process analysis, implementation strategies, change management plans and test plans. These deliverables are critical in ensuring a smooth running of operations. The process has aided the company in the measurement of processes effectiveness through the provision of reports on operations conditions and progress in determining whether modifications and adjustments are necessary for the attainment of the desired objective. Thus, the process is paramount in fostering a highly collaborative atmosphere for the company by advocating for project changes and improvements in ensuring a successful end product.
CDM Smith Company plans to use project management process even in its future projects endeavors. As an employee, owned company that is committed to being the employer of choice by putting its client’s interest first, the company is not willing to bow down. The corporation will continue utilizing project management as a roadmap to enable it to achieve success. However, the corporation is faced with numerous challenges when implementing project management in its operations. Among the biggest problem is the attainment of all the set project goals and constraints developed at the beginning of the particular development plan. Other challenges include limited time, budget and resources making the allocation of the necessary inputs quite difficult. However, the benefits of project management for CDM Smith Company are tenfold.
Conclusion
Project management process helps in the attainment of the desired outcome according to the agreed budget, criteria, and timescale. CDM Smith Incorporation provides integrated and long lasting solutions in transport, water, energy, and environment as well as to private and public clients worldwide with the help of project management that it plans to use even in the future projects. Benefits that have been associated with project management include enhanced efficiency in the delivery of program services as project management provides a roadmap that is easy to follow, improved clients satisfaction as programs are completed on time and within the stipulated budget and enhanced efficacy in service delivery. Project management has helped the company be able to lead and direct multiple complex programs simultaneously over the years and meet the anticipated operational and strategic goals while also overseeing and planning for the future. Program management has been an essential component of CDM Smith Corporation enabling the company to conduct prior research, analyze the finding, draw conclusions and further make recommendations. Other benefits include enhanced growth and development for the company and stakeholders, giving the company a competitive edge over its rivals due to superior performance, enhancing better flexibility and increased risk assessment as the process provide a red flag even before the commencement of the particular project.
References
Danneels, E. (2011). Trying to become a different type of company: Dynamic capability at Smith Corona. Strategic Management Journal, 32(1), 1–31.
Hyväri, I. (2006). Project management effectiveness in project-oriented business organizations. International Journal of Project Management, 24(3), 216–225. doi:10.1016/j.ijproman.2005.09.001
Kwak, Y. H., & Anbari, F. T. (2009). Analyzing project management research: Perspectives from top management journals. International Journal of Project Management, 27(5), 435–446.
Mir, F. A., & Pinnington, A. H. (2014). Exploring the value of project management: Linking Project Management Performance and Project Success. International Journal of Project Management, 32(2), 202–217. doi:10.1016/j.ijproman.2013.05.012
