Week 7: Optimal Capacity Utilization and
Emerging Project Management Approaches
- Discussion
The UPC Model and The NCTP Model (graded)
Shenhar and Dvir discuss two frameworks used to classify projects: the UPC model and the NCTP model.
Define each model. How do these models differ? How does the knowledge of these models help/hinder an
organization?
Responses
Response
Models...
Author
Instructor Ohayia
Date/Time
8/18/2012 7:58:22 AM
Class – As you explore this week’s discussion questions I would to share some
perspectives on models. Models are used to simplify assumptions when real world
problems are too complicated to solve otherwise. Models are really an approach to
project management. In order for the project to be implemented project manager and
project teams must select appropriate model that will be used to implement the
project.
Who wants to get us started???
Enjoy the Discussion,
Professor Ohayia
RE:
Models... Tiffany Bullard
8/22/2012 9:15:06 PM
I think it's very important that the project manager knows exactly what the project plans to
accomplish (scope) before it chooses the model to use.. If it is done prematurely before all of
the variables are examined it can certainly jeopardize the success of the project. Choosing the
correct model is the first step and most important steps of the project.
RE:
Models... Kim Easter
8/22/2012 11:13:12 PM
UCP, uncertainty, complexity, and pace are identified as three
dimensions to distinguish among projects. The model for, a context-
free framework for selecting the proper management style. (Morris
179) The NCTP Model is the central framework that has evolved
from our studies for distinction among projects. It can guide project
managers in selecting their project management style during project
initiation, recruiting team members, determining structure and
processes, and choosing the right tools. This framework involves
four dimensions: novelty, complexity, technology, and pace. Each
dimension includes at least three different project types. (Morris
183)
Morris, Peter, Jeffrey K. Pinto. The Wiley Guide to Project,
Program, and Portfolio Management. John Wiley & Sons (P&T),
9/7/07. <vbk:9781118160466#outline(8.6)>.
RE:
Models... Timothy Mark Thurman
8/23/2012 9:14:03 PM
Good point, the right tool can make all the difference. With all these
different models and techniques we are exposed to in these courses,
it is good practice to make sure we choose the right approach using
the right tools to make sure the situation or project is adequately
handled.
RE:
Models... Corinne Lisefski
8/20/2012 7:04:05 PM
"
The UCP model (SHENHAR, 1996) suggests a context-free distinction based on
uncertainty, complexity and pace of projects. Uncertainty refers to the state of our
information about the project’s goal, its tasks, and its environment. Complexity is a
measure of the project scope, reflected in characteristics such as the number of tasks
and the degree of interdependency among them. Pace relates to the time dimension
and the extensive of the soft and hard deadlines that drive the work. SHENHAR &
DVIR
expanded
this
theoretical
perspective
by
using
two
types
of
uncertainty: market (or goal) uncertainty, and technological (or task)
uncertainty. Thus the NTCP (novelty, technology, complexity, and pace) diamond
emerged.
The NTCP
Diamond Model enables manager to identify project risks and
opportunities as well as the gap between the required management style and the
actual management style employed on the on-going project. The model is also useful
for selecting the right approach to the project during planning and initiation."
( http://giorgiomartorell.blogspot.com/2010/08/ntcp-model.html)
"The four bases of the diamond are defined as follows:




Novelty. This base represents the uncertainty of the project’s
goal, the uncertainty in the market, or both. It measures how
new the project’s product is to customers, users, or to the
market in general and thus how clear and well defined the
product requirements are. Novelty includes three types of
products: derivative, platform, and breakthrough.
Technology. This base represents the project’s level of
technological uncertainty. It is determined by how much new
technology is required. Technology includes four types: lowtech, medium-tech, high-tech, and super-high-tech.
Complexity. This base measures the complexity of the
product, the task, and the project organization. Complexity
includes three types: assembly, system, and array.
Pace. This base represents the urgency of the project—namely, how
much time there is to complete the job. Pace includes four types:
regular, fast (or competitive), time-critical, and blitz.
Each dimension affects project management in its own way. Novelty affects the
time it should take to freeze project requirements and theaccuracy and reliability
of marketing data. Technology affects how long it should take to get the design
right and freeze it, the intensity of the technical activities, and the technical
skills required by the project manager and team. Complexity affects the project
organization and the level of bureaucracy and formality needed to manage it.
Pace affects the planning and reviews, the autonomy of the project team, and the
involvement of top management, particularly in the most urgent projects."
( http://www.reinventingprojectmanagement.com/010_APM.html )
I have to follow a lot of regulations, but I would be interested to see
how these methods could be used in my organization. It might be a
good fit in my department and would work better in our Development
& Modernization department, but I think there are lot of good
practices we could use authority wide, in both models.
RE:
Models... Troy Brown
8/21/2012 8:34:00 PM
Modified:8/21/2012 8:34 PM
With looking at the UPC... Pace comes to mind at my workplace and
Corinne stated that there are 4 types of pace. Well I think at my
company we are always in blitz mode when it comes to
projects. And it starts with our planning process on each
project. We either sit on our butts at the start of the project or don't
allow enough time to properly complete the projects. This really
hurts our company as a whole and the projects that we work
on. With always blitzing through these project, we start to become
careless and end up add more cost to the project. I think this is
something we could really work on, maybe even develop this UPC
model as a whole to our organization.
RE:
Models... Steven Frank
8/22/2012 1:09:49 PM
We have cycles of the same issue. People start to expedite
work, and it becomes a trend. The beginning of this year, I
had 90% of my work expedited and escalated. We get to
this point about every two years - I think it's due to turnover.
We just have too many people with not enough experience
to plan ahead.
When everything is expedited, then nothing is. Pace
becomes a non-variable and you have to use the other 3
variables to evaluate projects.
RE:
Models... Corinne Lisefski
8/22/2012 8:51:21
PM
Steven, we have a similar phrase. "If everything is
a priority, then nothing is a priority" I think that
models need to be evaluated and "tweeked" to fit a
company and their culture. For example, in your
case everything is expedited, than that variable
could not be used at all or used as a
secondary evaluation criteria.
We also have another more recently developed
phrase. "Lack of proper planning on your part does
not constitute an emergency on my part." Of course
there are exceptions to this rule, but it has helped to
keep things at a reasonable/manageable
pace. Allowing us to use pace as an evaluation
criteria.
RE:
Courtney Little
8/23/2012 8:02:26
PM
Models...
Corinne, I like that "If everything is a
priority, then nothing is a priority". I often
say variations of this in my department
because of the sensitive nature of the
customers we support. They feel that
absolutely everything is an emergency and
this trickles down to urgency in various
projects but it gets to a point where you
question where to start and how to
prioritize.
RE:
Models... Troy Brown
8/23/2012 8:37:30
PM
Steve you are right the pace starts to be the norm,
which has happened at our place. Everything at my
workplace has turned into a fire drill day in and day
out. Now, that is how we react to everything. We
need this done now regardless of cost, time, where
it fits to actually get it done on a schedule. We are
lacking how to plan to be more effecient, instead we
just think we are being more effecient. In reality,
we waste more time expediting everything!!!
RE:
Models... Corinne Lisefski
8/22/2012 8:42:24 PM
Troy we had some of the same problems in the Dev/Mod
department. Since I've left that department, a lot of new
practices were put in place by the department. I think they
were mostly to prevent or decrease change orders, but
they've also helped somewhat with blitzing, albeit not a
lot. I also think that a lot of the practices that Procurement
(my current department) director put in place helped to stop
the blitzing. At least from our stand point. For example,
when we place advertisements, we need to have them to the
paper by 12 on Thursday to make the Sunday paper. To
ensure we got the ads in on time, we told the requesting
department that they needed to have the ads to us by 12
on Wednesday. This got rid of the late afternoon rushing
around to get an ad to the paper. Since the policy was given
out to all the departments it has helped get a lot and there are
fewer headaches from the rushing.
RE:
Models... Troy Brown
8/25/2012 2:26:05
PM
We also try to put some policies in place to help
with this, but actually one of the biggest problems
that we run into is too many people get there hands
in the cookie jar, where they want this done
now. We have so many projects going on at the
same time and each PM believes that their projects
are the most important that they push things just to
make sure there project doesn't get affected, but in
reality doing this starts to affect all of the
projects. It gets pretty crazy at times....
RE:
Models... Oral Bestman
8/20/2012 2:46:14 PM
The best way to determine what model your project might need, is to first
determine the purpose and reason for the model. Each project might require
different model basic on their need, like reducing risk, or project strategy.
Take the pure waterfall model, perform well for project that has a clear
requirement, or when working with familiar technology tools. The pure
waterfall model is classical system development model that consists of
discontinuous phase such as concept, requirement, architectural design,
detailed design, coding and development, and testing and implementation.
RE:
Models... Steven Frank
8/19/2012 7:20:49 PM
Both the UPC and NCTP models carry the same information - the NCTP just
has an added level of detail.
Using either model simplifies the decision making process by visualization of
the 3 or 4 dimensions used in a complex matrix. Each organization will
determine not only what qualifies as each level of each dimension, but also
what combinations require which management tools. An IT company would
have a different definition of what constitutes 'high tech' in a project when
compared to a book publisher. Once the parameters of the matrix are defined,
the entire organization can use it as a guideline for project design.
The
UPC
Darren Coleman
8/20/2012 12:30:08 PM
Model
and The
NCTP
Model
The NTCP Model is a structured framework that managers can use when making
decisions about projects and about how they should be run. These decisions may
involve such things as selecting the right projects and their managers, allocating
resources, planning, assessing risk, selecting the project management style, selecting
the project's structure, building processes and choosing tools.
The UCP model suggests a context-free distinction based on uncertainty, complexity and pace
of projects. Uncertainty refers to the state of our information about the project’s goal, its
tasks, and its environment. Complexity is a measure of the project scope, reflected in
characteristics such as the number of tasks and the degree of interdependency among
them. Pace relates to the time dimension and the extensive of the soft and hard deadlines
that drive the work.
http://hbsp.harvard.edu/he-main/resources/documents/webfiles/ReinventingProjectManagementSlides.pdf
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Instructor Ohayia
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/20/2012 3:38:09 PM
Thanks Oral, Steven, Darren!
Darren - Good information on UCP, just curious, how does NTCP handle
uncertainties?
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Elvis Niangoran
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/21/2012 1:51:11 PM
In the NTCP model the uncertainty dimension is divided in two part,
novelty is determined by goal or market uncertainty and technology
by technological uncertainty. One advantage of the NTCP models is
that the dimensions are fairly easy to identify. The new technology
required extensive time technical design, building and testing, and
the complex nature of the product required a special organization and
an extensive period of system integration and system engineer.
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Darren Coleman
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/21/2012 4:58:24 PM
Uncertainty in a project is a measure of the mix of new and mature
technology it requires, as well as the company’s existing
knowledge. Newness to the market and newness to the company
represent different kinds of uncertainty, but the way these issues
merge in any given project determines its level of technological
uncertainty. So any company can handle uncertainty but they have
to figure out what kind is it first then go from there. Then if they
don't know what to do then we get hired as PM to make it known to
the company and eliminate uncertainty.
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Venkat Yetrintala
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/20/2012 7:56:55 PM
The NTCP model enables manners to identify project risks and
opportunities as well as the gap between the required management
style and the actual management style employed on an ongoing
project. The model is also useful for selecting the right approach to
the project during planning and initiation.
RE:
The
UPC
Model Tyrone Labad
and
The
8/21/2012 5:00:48 AM
NCTP
Model
While traditional project management stresses getting the job done on
time and within budget, NCTP model focuses on the product, scope, and
strategy to strategically position a project to be successful and calibrate
the risks and mitigate the risk gap versus opportunity.Assessing the
environment and the task, a project is classified on four dimensions, and
the right project management style to fit to the project type. Shenhar
states that projects carry contingencies based on the four dimensions of
novelty, complexity, technology, and pace the NCTP ModelShenhar has
worked toward the development of a theory to address the strategic,
operational, and human issues of systems innovation and add strategic
direction to a project. He theorizes that not all projects are the same and
thus they should not be managed the same . He has proposed a typology
based on an elemental foundation in contingency theory for managing
different types of projects (e.g. systems projects), called Strategic Project
Leadership (SPL).The UCP model (SHENHAR, 1996) suggests a
context-free distinction based on uncertainty, complexity and pace of
projects.Thus the NTCP (novelty, technology, complexity, and pace)
diamond emerged to manage uncertainty and mitigate risks to ensure
effective project management.
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Instructor Ohayia
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/21/2012 5:03:05 PM
Thanks folks!
Tyrone/Class - NCTP is quite an interesting
model. If you were managing a project, would you
chose the NCTP model, the traditional project
management model (PML - Project Management
Lifecycle model) or perhaps a Hybrid model (a
combination of the two)?
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Melinda Larsh
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/21/2012 5:44:05
PM
i would use a hybrid approach. I feel that
the NCTP approach to risk management
can be very helpful as a project manager.
However in my experience most
stakeholders don't want to hear about what
if scenarios (well more than to know you
can handle them), they want to know about
if you are on task, and on budget!
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Troy Brown
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/21/2012 8:21:50
PM
I have to agree with Melinda... I
would use a hybrid approach
also. I think that both the NCTP
and PML are very useful model for
managing a proejct. I think you
could use the NCTP apporach at a
start of the proejct to help
indenifty risk along the way with
staying current the PML
approach. I think the combination
of both just gives you more tools
to utilized to help the project
successful.
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Tyrone Labad
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/22/2012
10:08:26 AM
Invariably most of the
projects tend to use a
Hybrid Model. Specific to
reducing gaps between
risk and opportunity.
Variables like budget ,
scoping of resources can
be optimized. Cognitive
behavior is demonstrated
by the NCTP approach .
Risk identification at the
beginning of the project is
maximized with the
NCTP approach. PML has
shown considerable
effectiveness in isolation
and has used in scenario's
which are industry
standards and scenario's
which are imperative
PML has demonstrated
maturity , but the ideal
approach to ensure zero or
minimal risk management
is the Hybrid Approach
,which not only ensures
practical usage and
effectiveness, but
demonstrates a sense of
agility as a framework
which will soon grow to
be adopted very fast. In
relation to Management
style which encompasses
the stakeholders appetite
for risk and risk
management thru this
proven frameworks.
Globally most of the firms
have tasted success thru
adopting such measures,
but the dynamic nature of
projects keep testing these
frameworks for
effectiveness. Project
managers have been able
to deploy and get distinct
results all oriented
towards business or
project
management goals.
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Venkat Yetrintala
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/21/2012 7:13:31
PM
I would decide project model depending on project size and
complexity, it could be NCTP or PML or combination of both.
At the start (or a stage transition, or management transition) of any
project it is worth taking the time to think "what are the major sources
of complexity and risk on this project?" and planning explicit steps or
strategies to manage those. It is also worth explicitly planning and
counting up the iterations on requirements, specs, or designs, and
comparing what is planned to what is likely needed based on the
inherent risks. The Diamond model offers a good framework for this.
Following article is a very good one that talks about NCTP model:
http://reinventingprojectmanagement.com/material/other/030_HBS.pdf
RE:
The
UPC
Model
Robert Allen
and
The
NCTP
Model
8/22/2012 10:56:13 AM
NTCP appears to manage uncertainty by first pigeon holing the
project into a certain level of technology: low, medium, high, and
super-high. The way uncertainty is handled is that from low tech to
super high tech management is with a range of flexibility, from
virtually inflexible at the low tech end, to very flexible, "yet
cautious" according to our text. Super-high tech has later feature
freeze than low tech.
RE:
The
UPC
Model Kyle Simmons
and
The
8/26/2012 11:51:13 PM
NCTP
Model
NTCP handles uncertainty throughout the entire process. Once you
have defined the Novelty, Technology, Complexity, and Pace then
you will have addressed uncertainty. The only difference is how
it broken out into more steps.
UPC
model
and the Nazar Eljack
NCTP
model
8/21/2012 10:42:08 AM
The NTCP Model (SHENHAR, A.J., DVIR, D. 2004) is a structured framework that
managers can use when making decisions about projects and about how they should
be run. These decisions may involve such things as selecting the right projects and
their managers, allocating resources, planning, assessing risk, selecting the project
management style, selecting the project's structure, building processes and choosing
tools (SHENHAR, A.J., DVIR, D. 2007)
The UCP model (SHENHAR, 1996) suggests a context-free distinction based on
uncertainty, complexity and pace of projects. Uncertainty refers to the state of our
information about the project’s goal, its tasks, and its environment. Complexity is a
measure of the project scope, reflected in characteristics such as the number of tasks
and the degree of interdependency among them. Pace relates to the time dimension
and the extensive of the soft and hard deadlines that drive the work. SHENHAR &
DVIR expanded this theoretical perspective by using two types of uncertainty: market
(or goal) uncertainty, and technological (or task) uncertainty. Thus the NTCP
(novelty, technology, complexity, and pace) diamond emerged.
http://giorgiomartorell.blogspot.com/2010/08/ntcp-model.html
NTCP -- four
Venkat Yetrintala
dimensions
8/22/2012 1:12:19 PM
Novelty – How new is the product to customers and users
– Derivative, Platform, Breakthrough
Technology – How much new technology is used
– Low-tech, Medium-tech, High-tech, Super High-tech
Complexity – How complex is the system and its subsystems
– Assembly, System, Array
Pace – How Critical is the Time frame
– Regular, Fast/Competitive, Time-Critical, Blitz
RE: NTCP
-- four
Nazar Eljack
dimensions
8/24/2012 10:29:38 AM
The NTCP -- four dimensions called the NTCP diamond. The NTCP
Diamond Model enables manager to identify project risks and opportunities
as well as the gap between the required management style and the actual
management style employed on the ongoing project. The model is also useful
for selecting the right approach to the project during planning and initiation.
http://giorgiomartorell.wordpress.com/2010/08/24/the-ntcp-model/
Model of
Choice! Instructor Ohayia
8/22/2012 3:57:04 PM
Class - In your organization or one where you have worked previously, which model
would you use? Why?
RE:
Model
Andrea Johnson
of
Choice!
8/25/2012 10:23:20 PM
In the union that I worked for, the UPC model would fit the organization
better because their values and processes were very old and very linear. I
personally would have transitioned to the NCTP model because it's more
progressive and more useful when trying to keep a competitive advantage in
your industry of choice.
RE:
Model
Elvis Niangoran
of
Choice!
8/23/2012 8:42:09 PM
My organization is using the NCTP, we're always working on a new project
before we release the new technology. Right now were testing a new light
radio cube that will Increase hotspot capacity by up to 10x more than a
traditional converged RAN type of network. In my department that our
number focus for right now.
RE:
Model
Damion Alexander
of
Choice!
8/23/2012 9:28:28 PM
When I worked for a technology based organization, I believe they used the
NCTP model. Many projects fell within the high-tech and super high-tech
spectrum, and they were also competitive and time-critical projects. The
NTCP Model would enable manager to identify project risks and
opportunities as well as the gap between the required management style and
the actual management style employed on the ongoing project. The model is
also useful for selecting the right approach to the project during planning and
initiation.
Source: http://giorgiomartorell.blogspot.com/2010/08/ntcp-model.html
RE:
Model
Timothy Mark Thurman
of
Choice!
8/22/2012 9:00:23 PM
For either of the schools that I worked at, I would say that NTCP would have
been a good tool to use. I say this because novelty is measurable in this
model. The biggest constraint is to find new and legal ways to generate
interest in the school. What happens most commonly is a cycle of coming up
with a good idea, trying it, letting it fall by the way side, and starting again
with the same idea sold as a new idea. Being able to determine if an idea is
something new or something similar to a past idea would help the marketing
department keep from doing the same thing over and over expecting different
results.
RE:
Model
Shavonda Marks
of
Choice!
8/22/2012 9:01:16 PM
I believe in my organization the model used would be NTCP. Over the past
two years, the organization is changing to be paperless and depending on
technology. It seems like every year there is a project centered around some
new technological program.
RE:
Model
Steven Frank
of
Choice!
8/23/2012 3:10:16 PM
Where I work now, I would use any model, since there seems to be no formal
organization past managers expecting things to be done..
My general preference for the work I do now would be UCP. For the most
part, my projects end up being the same work at multiple locations.
Everything is required to be proven in lower environments, then field tested
before implementation. While each project is unique work, and each site is
unique, a single project will normally be the same work at multiple locations.
Novelty and Technology are static dimensions - pace and complexity are the
only dimensions we really use.
I'm sure some projects could use NCTP, but they seem rare.
RE:
Model
Instructor Ohayia
of
Choice!
8/24/2012 2:23:15 PM
Most organizations start at level zero which often resemble
lack of consistency and a plan. In choosing a model
Steven/class, what would you consider to help with your
decision?
RE:
Model
Charlese Adams
of
Choice!
8/26/2012 11:42:59 PM
Choosing a model would depend on the organization's
objectives and goals. If you go on a more detailed level, one
can determine what model to use by the project and the work
that the project would have to entail. Also the framework
can be determined by the managerial style of the project
manager. Every project is unique. Different managerial
styles and even the people who have been assigned to the
tasks within the project determine the direction in what
framework would be beneficial.
RE:
Model
Melinda Larsh
of
Choice!
8/23/2012 3:36:09 PM
In my current organization we use the NCTP model, however I think that
sometimes it is not utilized to its fullest potential. We just introduced a new
PMO within our company within the last three months so they are still
growing and figuring out the best procedures.
RE:
Model
Corinne Lisefski
of
Choice!
8/23/2012 7:07:58 PM
Working in a government agency, I notice we don't have a specific model we
follow. But rather we follow the regulations and rules set forth by our
governing entities. (For my organization, its HUD, State
(Commonwealth) Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh). Because of the
regulations/rules, I don't really think any particular model would be a good
fit, but perhaps a hybrid model or a combination of models would work.
I did a quick google search and found that there is a model being used in the
UK government, PRINCE2, "PRINCE2 (an acronym for PRojects IN Controlled
Environments) is a de facto process-based method for effective project management.
Used extensively by the UK Government, PRINCE2 is also widely recognised and used in the
private sector, both in the UK and internationally. The PRINCE2 method is in the public
domain, and offers non-proprietorial best practice guidance on project management.
The key features of PRINCE2 are a:

focus on business justification

defined organisation structure for the project management team

product-based planning approach

emphasis on dividing the project into manageable and controllable stages

flexibility that can be applied at a level appropriate to the project."
( http://www.prince2.com/what-is-prince2.asp )
There is also software, P3M3 ( http://www.p3m3-officialsite.com/ ), that is being used to help
with project management. I believe that both would bring added benefit my organization, but
also feel that Prince2 would be better. It seems to allow more flexibility for a project. And
while our projects may seem similar in nature, they all tend to be very unique and individual. It
would be better for us to have a model that offers a lot of flexibility.
RE:
Model
Charlese Adams
of
Choice!
8/22/2012 8:47:41 PM
The NTCP Model is a process that a manager can use to make decisions
about a project and how it should be run. The breakdown involves novelty,
complexity, technology, and pace. I believe that taking this approach will
allow project managers and the team members to look at the aspects of a
project to see if achieving the perfect "diamond" is possible. If not, then the
different aspects of the project, (NTCP), can be analyzed and adjusted
accordingly.
RE:
Model
Paul Lindeke
of
Choice!
8/22/2012 9:21:21 PM
The past two organizations that I have worked for have both used an NCTP model because
they have a policy put into place on how to handle certain tasks and you have to follow that
policy. It works very well since both organizations are global and very successful so they
have to make sure everything is going according to plan and not straying from the path.
RE:
Model
Ricardo Antezana
of
Choice!
8/22/2012 9:24:11 PM
In my organization, in the manufacturing service department, the model that
would fit better would the the hybrid model agile mentioned in the lecture, as
i mentioned before at this moment we are implementing a new ERP in my
organization and we have done 18 plants and we have around 62 plants still to
go, the agile model won't have the traditional scheduling method, instead we
know that activities and tasks have interdependencies and an activity won't
start until another activity ends, for example in my work, the execution team
won't hit the plant until the design team has finished testing the software
transactions for that specific type of manufacturing process, in this model is
the team actually driving the schedule and the project manager instead of
setting the schedule have to guide the workflow and make sure the project
team has all the resources needed.
RE:
Model
Jenna Pingitore
of
Choice!
8/22/2012 9:51:52 PM
In my organization, we have used an NCTP model. There is a policy in place for everything
and there is a way that everything has to be handled and a way that the policy must be
followed. It works very well because in my organization, we have a lot of federal guidelines
that we have to follow and the NCTP model allows us to do that and ensure that everything is
going the way that it needs to go.
RE:
Model
Kyle Simmons
of
Choice!
8/26/2012 11:54:14 PM
That's a great point Jenna. My company also follows the NCTP
model due to federal regulations and the ability to mirror these
processes.
RE:
Model
Oral Bestman
of
Choice!
8/22/2012 6:53:24 PM
Since my organization is not a project company, we are more program core
base. The model that is more applicable to my organization will be novelty
and Technology. We use med-technology to drive customer service and keep
excellent record, and implement new communication process. In addition, we
used novelty to find new market and clients to get our service too, and
develop new partnership with other businesses that have similar products and
services.
RE:
Model
Courtney Little
of
Choice!
8/22/2012 7:58:02 PM
In my organization we would use NTCP; I work for a super high tech
company where the pace is usually time-critical. We release new products in
a timely manner, but are usually a little slower to market than our competitors
due to the thinking that we want to release a product that works as intended,
not just get the newest technology in the hands of people the fastest that
doesn't work properly or serve their needs.
RE:
Model
Kim Easter
of
Choice!
8/23/2012 10:04:18 PM
According to our text definition of both UCP and NCTP, I believe
that UCP, uncertainty, complexity, and pace, would be an ideal
methodology in forming a project team because its process results in
the type of project manager is needed for a project however the
NCTP, Novelty, complexity, technology, and pace, guides project
managers in selecting their project management style during project
initiation, recruiting team members, determining structure and
processes, and choosing the right tools. his framework involves four
dimensions: novelty, complexity, technology, and pace. NCTP could
be subjective in that the project manager may be bias in his or her
analysis of the framework. (Morris 179 & 183)
Morris, Peter, Jeffrey K. Pinto. The Wiley Guide to Project,
Program, and Portfolio Management. John Wiley & Sons (P&T),
9/7/07. <vbk:9781118160466#
Model
Comparision
Emilia Crespo
8/22/2012 10:37:26 PM
NTCP Model is based on four diminisions. Every project is going to be different, the
NTCP demonstrates though the projects differ the diminisions still exist and can be narrow
down to highest to lowest, depending on project resources. Looking at the photo above, I
will have to really anaylzie a project to figure out where have the greatest outcome.
The UCP model, is focus more on time and resources. I compare this to a bootcamp class;
it's going to make sure your moving and provide you with the resouces to have an increase
in project completion.
RE: The
UCP and
Andrea Johnson
NCTP
Models
8/22/2012 10:38:27 PM
The UCP and NCTP Models both assist organizations with determining what style of
management should be taken based on the type of project being implemented. The
UCP Model recognizes 3 different characteristics of projects when making these
decisions and they are a project's uncertainty, pace, complexity. The NCTP Model
takes into consideration 4 project characteristics and they are project novelty,
complexity, technology, and pace. These projects differ only in that the NCTP Model
addresses an additional project characteristic, technology. While the UCP Model is a
more basic model, it is still important to address technology and it's many advances in
the project management industry.
RE:
The
UCP
Tyrone Labad
and
NCTP
Models
8/23/2012 11:14:25 PM
Use Case Points is a project estimation method that employs a project’s use cases to produce
an accurate estimate of a project’s size and effort.Use Case Points have the potential to
produce reliable results because its estimates are produced from the actual business processes
– the use cases - of a software application.Use case modeling is an accepted and widespread
technique to capture the business processes and requirements of a software application. Since
they provide the functional scope of the application, analyzing their contents provides
valuable insight into the effort and size needed to design and implement the application.
Additionally, in many traditional estimation methods, influential technical and environmental
factors are often not adequately given enough consideration. Use Case Points includes and
abstracts these subjective factors into an equation. When tweaked, over time, Use Case Points
can provide estimates that are very reliable.
RE:
The
UCP
Oral Bestman
and
NCTP
Models
8/24/2012 7:45:31 AM
Hi Tyrone,
Great research, I look into Case Point since this my first time
hearing about it, and i must say It is a great tool to use. Just to add
on,
The equation is composed of four variables:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Technical Complexity Factor (TCF).
Environment Complexity Factor (ECF).
Unadjusted Use Case Points (UUCP).
Productivity Factor (PF).
Use Case Points (UCP) is an estimation method that provides the
ability to estimate an application’s size and effort from its use cases.
Based on work by Gustav Karner in 1993, UCP analyzes the use case
actors, scenarios and various technical and environmental factors and
abstracts them into an equation.
For more info visit
http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/9913/Project-Estimation-withUse-Case-Points
RE:
The
UCP
Emilia Crespo
and
NCTP
Models
8/25/2012 6:17:36 PM
Andrea,
This is a great summary of both models. You brought up a interesting both
that the UCP is more basic but it's still important to address technology. In
this technology world that will live in even the simplest projects are done
with some form of technology. It just brings me to wonder if the UCP, is even
used much. I can't think of a project that does not use technology.
Emilia
RE:
The
UCP
Andrea Johnson
and
NCTP
Models
8/26/2012 10:30:07 PM
That is a very good point Emilia. One area that I can think of where
the UCP model would be effective is for a small business owner who
is just starting their business. While technology is important, for a
small business, technology may be initially addressed as an
independent portion of their organization. Meaning, technology is
handled in its own particular fashion independent to any other
method and that in the beginning of starting a small business, the
UCP Model would address many start up issues that normally tend to
lead businesses to fail.
Usefulness of
framework...
Instructor Ohayia
8/24/2012 2:17:00 PM
Class - What are the frameworks useful for?
RE:
Usefulness of Timothy Mark Thurman
framework...
8/24/2012 3:24:02 PM
These are great for putting measurable values on some subjective factors.
When approaching projects or determining which projects to undertake, a
group of people can fall into certain group communication problems like
group think or the Abilene paradox. These models are great tools to look at
projects objectively. This also helps when pitching ideas to a sponsor or
upper management. These measurable factors make otherwise immense data
easier to stomach.
RE:
Usefulness
Melinda Larsh
of
framework...
8/24/2012 6:41:17 PM
Timothy, I agree. I think that framework also can make things easier
to understand for those that maybe outside of the project and not
understand the technical needs of each aspect of the project.
Framework also helps pitch a product because you can tie it to the
corporate strategy which makes stakeholder more likely to want to
pay attention to the idea!
RE:
Usefulness
Emilia Crespo
of
framework...
8/26/2012 9:42:13 PM
Frameworks are important for highlighting the tasks of the
employees. When frameworks are not properly followed
through, work project can be negatively effected. The reason
because of individuals overlapping on work are not doing as
much in the time given. As the project progress unclear
frameworks increase confusion and may increase the project
completion date.
RE:
Usefulness of Paul Lindeke
framework...
8/24/2012 6:14:26 PM
These frameworks are useful for making sure that everyone involved with the project knows
what they are supposed to do and keep them focused on the goal. These frameworks make it
possible for organizations to function, whether big or small, and also allows them to be able
to reach the goals that they have established. If an organization doesn't have a strict way of
doing something a certain way then it will make it difficult for the project to be successful.
RE:
Usefulness
Jenna Pingitore
of
framework...
8/26/2012 6:02:04 PM
Great points, Paul. These frameworks most definitely help to make
sure that everyone that is involved in the project is on the same page
and that they are working towards the same things. When they have
goals set, they like to know what they are going to do to reach that
goal and how they are going to get there and following these
frameworks allows the team to do that. If you look at a project that
may not have had a framework in place, you will be able to tell right
away. If you think back in your company or a past company, you can
almost certainly find a project that was supposed to happen and fell
apart because there was not some kind of a framework in place.
RE:
Usefulness of Tiffany Bullard
framework...
8/24/2012 7:51:22 PM
Frameworks helps everyone understand their role in attaining the goal of the project. It helps
businesses to move toward their goal by providing a map of exactly who does what and
when.
RE:
Usefulness of Charlese Adams
framework...
8/24/2012 8:30:17 PM
Frameworks are beneficial in that they provide distinction among projects and
helps the organization define what each members' roles are that are on each of
the projects. An organization can develop their own specific framework or
follow one of the specific frameworks already outlined for project
managers. One framework that I am very familiar with are the work
packages. In the shipyard, we used work packages to define the work that
needed to be completed, the materials needed, and the timeframe dictated to
us to get the work done. The organization of work packages are important to
the success of a project.
RE:
Usefulness of Damion Alexander
framework...
8/24/2012 9:56:10 PM
They are used for distinction among projects, and each framework will have
several dimensions for classifying projects. The goal is to identify specific
managerial activities, decisions, and styles that are best appropriate for each
level and each project type. Ultimately, the frameworks are used to break the
project down into manageable pieces.
Source:
Morris, Peter, Jeffrey K. Pinto. The Wiley Guide to Project, Program, and
Portfolio Management. 1. VitalSource Bookshelf. John Wiley & Sons (P&T),
9/7/07, Friday, August 24, 2012.
<http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781118160466/id/tbl8_1>
RE:
Usefulness of Robert Allen
framework...
8/25/2012 11:34:36 AM
Frameworks are useful to help find a way to manage their particular projects
or portfolios. The text notes that the field of PM is relatively new. As with
any new field the practitioners are looking for ways to categorize and identify
the similarities and differences between types of projects, and frameworks are
a tool to do that. It's probable that a few additional frameworks will be
developed over the next decade, and that at some point the field will be
winnowed down to just a few (or in an extreme case, if found not useful,
dispensed with entirely.) Frameworks sort of remind me of what is known in
the software world as design patterns.
And remember, there are two kinds of people; those who divide things up into
different categories, and those who do not ;)
Robert
RE:
Usefulness of Ricardo Antezana
framework...
8/25/2012 5:08:33 PM
Strategic business frameworks are useful for organizational planning and success, it is
important that organizations make sure their strategies, goals, and action plans intertwine and
build upon each other, so this way they can create a path to accomplish the organizational
mission and vision.
RE:
Usefulness
Shavonda Marks
of
framework...
8/25/2012 7:13:36 PM
I agree it is very important for an organization to have frameworks to
concide with strategic goals and plans. In any project, they are
always changes. I believe having the frameworks is like having a
foundation until the project is completed. It also allows the project
manager to have control of the project.
RE:
Usefulness of Elvis Niangoran
framework...
8/26/2012 10:21:07 AM
Frameworks are very inclusive when it comes to Project management. It has
templates, processes, project technique and training that get everyone
involved.
Framework
coverage
Instructor Ohayia
8/25/2012 10:54:48 AM
Class - What areas do the frameworks not cover?
RE:
Framework Ricardo Antezana
coverage
8/25/2012 5:56:39 PM
Professor I think one area that a framework does not cover could be organizational culture,
according to our textbook program management can fail if the organization when
implementing a program does not take into count the organizational culture, the organization
must adequately quantify the expected benefits or link them to project deliverables.
RE:
Framework Robert Allen
coverage
8/26/2012 10:06:20 AM
Ricardo, that's a great observation. I've seen it firsthand when a
group is unwilling, unable, or untrusting of PM techniques, there's
very little that can be done to protect the project. You can go
through the motions of following a framework, but without buy in
you can't actually use it to manage the project.
RE:
Framework Shavonda Marks
coverage
8/26/2012 11:55:02
PM
That is true. When creating a framework, I think all team
members should be involved. This way everyone will know
what the expectations are and if changes are needed they can
make them before the foundation is made. This will give the
project team a sense of understand how the outcome of the
project and how the project management controls it.
RE:
Framework Tiffany Bullard
coverage
8/25/2012 7:14:59 PM
When using frameworks the project manager must realize that they are not universal in
nature. Just because a framework worked well in one project does not mean that same
framework will work with all projects. Projects a different depending on their goal and
overall scope. You must carefully evaluate your project before selecting a framework in
order to be successful. One size does not fit all.
RE:
Framework Jenna Pingitore
coverage
8/25/2012 7:37:12 PM
That is a great point, Tiffany. You mention that one size does not fit
all and that every project may require a different type of framework
and I could not agree more on that. If you take a project like opening
a car dealership and you take a project like opening a new school,
there are many different things that could work for one and not the
other. You could look at something like having children and knowing
that what worked for one child will most likely not work for another
because they are all very different. i think that if a project manager
can keep a close eye on what their project and know what works
well, they will be much better off, in the end.
RE:
Framework Paul Lindeke
coverage
8/26/2012 11:00:17
AM
I agree as well, an example would be if a game developer was making
two different RPGs. They both would have similar characteristics and
styles but what may work for one RPG wouldn't work for the other RPG
since they are two different games. This is why planning is so important
so the game developer can find out in the beginning what framework to
use for each game to make it successful.
RE:
Framework Courtney Little
coverage
8/25/2012 1:51:27 PM
There are 3 types of Framework for different managerial levels to distinguish
projects and for different needs. Unfortunately, there is no universal
framework for all projects that would allow a more universal
language. Frameworks may not be conclusive, but they do provide a good
basis for organizations to distinguish among their project types. Otherwise,
the company may need to create their own Framework for their project.
RE:
Framework Damion Alexander
coverage
8/25/2012 3:59:27 PM
I agree with Courtney, in which there are no universal frameworks so
one particular framework doesn't work for all projects. Projects differ
in many ways so one set of techniques and tools won't apply to all
situations. Different projects have different needs, and some projects
fail because managers assumed that their current project would be
the same as their previous one. There is a need for a framework that
will help managers look at a project by first assessing the project
type and then selecting an appropriate management style.
Source:
Morris, Peter, Jeffrey K. Pinto. The Wiley Guide to Project,
Program, and Portfolio Management. 1. VitalSource Bookshelf. John
Wiley & Sons (P&T), 9/7/07, Saturday, August 25, 2012.
<http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781118160466/outline/8>
RE:
Kim Easter
8/26/2012 10:59:14
Framework
coverage
PM
There were many great points made
referencing when frameworks are not useful. The culture of
the organization is so very important in making theses types
of methodologies work efficiently in efforts to achieve the
objectives and initiatives set forth by the organization. It is
my belief that leaders that I work with shy away from these
types of techniques because in order for them to maximize
their purpose, they have to look beyond the people they
enjoy working with and consider others who are not so
popular. So I would add that frameworks will not work for
teams who have tunnel vision.
Thanks
Everyone
and
Looking
Ahead to
Week 8!!!
Instructor Ohayia
8/26/2012 6:15:21 AM
Class, congratulations! You have made it to Week 8! Remember that your
presentations slides were due in
week 7, if you have not done so, please post them in you group folder in Doc Sharing
Monday (8/27). I am looking forward to review the results of your labor. It has been a
true privilege having you as part of this class.
Good luck in all that you do,
Dr. Ohayia