Explain what is meant by a project
context and explain 4 distinct factors that may influence project
context.
context and explain 4 distinct factors that may influence project
context.
A project does not exist in isolation
and there will be different external and internal influences which
will impact on how and when a project is delivered. External influences could include political, economic, sociological, technological, legal or environmental influences. Internal factors might include the organisation’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. A project
manager needs to be aware of the project context when planning and
delivering a project to maximise the chance of success and minimise risk. Examples of how four of theses factors might influence a project are explained below:
and there will be different external and internal influences which
will impact on how and when a project is delivered. External influences could include political, economic, sociological, technological, legal or environmental influences. Internal factors might include the organisation’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. A project
manager needs to be aware of the project context when planning and
delivering a project to maximise the chance of success and minimise risk. Examples of how four of theses factors might influence a project are explained below:
- Political – the political
environment such as a general election, local election, the
political agenda from central and local government and political
issues in the media could have an impact on a project. Internal
politics, such as the agenda of particular stakeholders, can also
influence decision-making. For example, an NHS Trust might delay the
start of new transformational projects at a hospital during a
general election campaign to avoid appearing aligned with the health
agenda of any particular political party. - Economic – The economic context
would include the availability of funding and resources to deliver a
project either from within the organisation or externally. It could
also include wider economic predictions and confidence in the
economy. For example, a mental health charity may decide to
prioritise a project to develop a new service supporting people with
dementia (instead of service that is most needed by their customers)
because that is more likely to be funded by grant-making
organisations at that particular time. - Sociological – This is how the
project impacts on people and communities. For example, if a water
company wanted to undertake a project to build a new sewer tunnel,
they would need to be aware of the impact the building work would
have on the people and communities where they were undertaking the
construction and act accordingly to minimise disruption and
resistance. - Legal – This is the legal
framework within which the project falls. For example, if you were
undertaking a project to convert a house into flats, it is important
that you understand the impact of planning laws and building
regulations when planning and delivering the project.
Katie yet again another good answer, you have communicated both the internal and external aspects of the project contest with good examples.