successful project management - Commonwealth of Learning

knowledgeable about issues may not be sensitive to the fact that what they think is
simple, will be complicated to some members of the team. The saying that familiarity
leads to myopia can be quite true in this case.
Think of the section of the institution you belong to, and say to yourself what ideas
are likely to be complicated for those who come from different departments.
Remember that a project is typically comprised of representative from departments.
As an example, in a project on course development, chances are that
representatives from procurement, estates, finance or corporate services might
experience difficulties coming to terms with words like: ‘programme regulations’,
‘credit points’, ‘vertical and lateral sequencing of subjects’, ‘learning outcomes’,
‘assessment procedures’, to name but a few. Though these might sound simple to
the expert, it is best to develop a sensitivity that will make interaction during project
meetings more comprehensible.
The project manager is, therefore, well advised to avoid jargon. Give jargon its
marching orders by substituting complex words with simpler ones, or by explaining
complex concepts in more accessible language.
?? Activity
Think of complex ideas and concepts from the area of DE you operate in. State
your area, and then list some of those.
1. The area you operate in:
2. The list of ideas and concepts:
Put across your ideas convincingly
One of the important points to bear in mind is that the project manager must sound
convincing. To sound convincing you must believe in the project, and it is only when
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