Project Management Case Study

INTRODUCTION

In the previous 10 to 15 years, the notion of sustainability has grown in recognition and importance. It is known as one of the most important challenges of our time and thus has been linked to project management (Silvius et al).The relationship between project management and sustainable development is quickly gaining interest from both practitioners and academics (Silvius et al, 2012).

There has been an increase in pressure for companies to broaden its reporting and accountability from economic performance for shareholders, to sustainability performance for all stakeholders (Visser, 2002; Silvius et al,2011). Proactively or reactively, companies are looking for ways to incorporate ideas of sustainability into their marketing, corporate communications, annual reports and in their actions in general (Hedstrom et al. 1998; Holliday 2001; Silvius et al,2011 ).That is why the advance development of project management profession requires project managers to take responsibility for sustainability (Mckinlay, 2008; Silvius et al).

1. SUSTAINABILITY AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

1.1 What is a project?

PMBOK defines a project as “a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.” The temporary nature of projects shows that a project has a beginning and end. Every project creates a sole product, service, or result (PMBOK, 2013). A project is usually considered successful if it achieves the objectives according to their acceptance criteria, within an agreed period and budget (apm,2014).

1.2 Project management

Project management is the use of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements (ITC Infotech).It is accomplished through the use of the fol...

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...nd also building a knowledge base for professionals (FIDIC, 2004).

2.6 Advantages and disadvantages of sustainable project management

Like many things, sustainability has both advantages and disadvantages that do have an impact on the project itself.

 Advantages

• Sustainability is viewed as the prolongation of benefits during a period of time.

• Sustainability indicators are easy to measure.

• Includes local people and provides them with rewarding, immediate work, revenue, and education.

• Preserves functionality and diversity of system while providing a wide range of economic benefits(Mongabay,2014)

 Disadvantages

• It limits project managers’ decision-making during the course of the project.

• The survival of a project does not guarantee that the services delivered are appropriate and of quality.

• Requires intensive research and planning (Mongabay,2014)