Bob Prieto’s Post

Quantum Project Management and the Concept of Space-time Part 2 In Part 1 of this exploration of quantum project management and space-time we looked at three analogies from relativistic physics to help us understand the behaviors of Large Complex Projects (LCP): 1.      Project Phases as Space-Time Coordinates: 2.      Project Complexity as Curvature: 3.      Time Dilation and Project Delays: In this Part 2 we look at two final analogies: 4.      Wormholes and Shortcuts: a.      In theoretical physics, wormholes connect distant points in space-time, allowing shortcuts. b.      In projects, creative solutions, agile adaptations, and efficient communication act like wormholes, bridging gaps. c.      Analogy: Project managers find wormholes—innovative approaches—to navigate complexities and reach goals faster. 5.      Entropy and Project Disorder: a.      Entropy (a measure of disorder) increases over time. Systems tend toward chaos. b.      Projects face entropy too: requirements change, scope creeps, and unexpected events occur. c.      Analogy: Entropy pulls projects toward disorder. Like cosmic entropy, project entropy requires constant management. Just as space-time reveals the universe's secrets, understanding project space-time helps us navigate the intricate dance of large, complex endeavors. As a Large Complex Project manager you are a cosmic explorer, charting the contours of space-time in the realm of deliverables and deadlines! For more insight into Quantum Project Management read the paper on my ResearchGate page at: https://lnkd.in/e-fM948c

Quantum Project Management and the Concept of Spacetime   Quantum Project Management and the Concept of Spacetime is featured in the May 2024 issue of PM World Journal. This continues my series on Quantum Project Management. In my paper “Quantum Project Management I draw an analogy between relativistic and quantum theories associated with physics and what we see and experience in Large Complex Projects (LCP). Among the concepts discussed is the notion of space-time and the analogous behaviors we experience in LCP. In this paper, I delve deeper into the concept of spacetime. In physics, space-time is a conceptual model that unifies three dimensions of space (length, width, and height) with the fourth dimension of time. It's the stage upon which all events occur in the universe. Imagine a fabric that combines space and time, where massive objects create curves and warps. These curves influence how objects move and interact. Turning to Large Complex Projects (LCP), several analogies can be identified and are explored in this paper. Join me as I further develop a model for management of large complex projects that increasingly holds in dealing with other large systems with many independent actors, unseen coupling and a heavy dose of uncertainty. This current paper may be found on my ResearchGate site at: https://lnkd.in/d4viwmBV

Quantum Project Management and the Concept of Space-time Part 1 In my paper “Quantum Project Management” (https://lnkd.in/e-fM948c) I draw an analogy between relativistic and quantum theories associated with physics and what we see and experience in Large Complex Projects (LCP). Among the concepts discussed is the notion of space-time and the analogous behaviors we experience in LCP. I further expand on this concept in a draft supplementaryh work entitled, “Quantum Project Management – Execution in “Space-time”.” (https://lnkd.in/eD2ECf2s) In physics, space-time is a conceptual model that unifies three dimensions of space (length, width, and height) with the fourth dimension of time. It's the stage upon which all events occur in the universe. Imagine a fabric that combines space and time, where massive objects create curves and warps. These curves influence how objects move and interact. Turning to Large Complex Projects (LCP), several analogies can be identified: 1.      Project Phases as Space-Time Coordinates: a.      Just as space-time coordinates pinpoint an event's location, project phases (initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure) represent different points in a project's timeline. b.      Each phase has its own dynamics, challenges, and interactions, akin to how space-time regions near massive objects behave differently. c.      Analogy: Think of project phases as distinct regions in the space-time fabric, each affecting the project's trajectory. 2.      Project Complexity as Curvature: a.      Complex projects exhibit intricate interactions, dependencies, and uncertainties. Their behavior isn't linear. b.      Similar to how massive objects curve space-time, project complexity bends the straightforward path. c.      Analogy: Picture a massive project as a heavy object creating a curvature in the project space-time. The more complex the project, the deeper the curve. 3.      Time Dilation and Project Delays: a.      In Einstein's theory of relativity, time dilation occurs near massive objects. Clocks tick slower in stronger gravitational fields. b.      In projects, delays and bottlenecks cause time dilation. The closer we get to a critical milestone, the slower time seems to pass. c.      Analogy: Imagine project deadlines as gravitational wells—time slows down as we approach them. Urgency distorts our perception. Just as space-time reveals the universe's secrets, understanding project space-time helps us navigate the intricate dance of large, complex endeavors. As a Large Complex Project manager you are a cosmic explorer, charting the contours of space-time in the realm of deliverables and deadlines! For more insight into Quantum Project Management read the paper on my ResearchGate page at: https://lnkd.in/e-fM948c

Quantum Project Management (QPM) is a novel approach to managing large complex projects (LCP) that draws inspiration from the principles of quantum mechanics and relativity. Here are the principal elements of QPM: 1.       Analogous Framework: QPM creates an analogous framework between modern physics and project management, particularly for LCPs. It moves beyond metaphorical comparisons to provide a robust structure for conceiving, planning, and executing projects. 2.       Relativistic Behaviors: Influenced by Einstein's theory of relativity, QPM incorporates concepts like time dilation and length contraction, acknowledging that schedules may extend and the perception of progress can vary based on perspective. 3.       Influence of Mass: Just as objects with mass affect spacetime in relativity, key components or challenges within large projects can significantly influence their overall trajectory, creating a dynamic and interconnected environment. 4.       Uncertainty and Probabilistic Behavior: Both quantum systems and large projects exhibit unpredictability. In QPM, this is akin to the uncertainty principle in quantum physics, where outcomes are unpredictable until measured or completed. 5.       Quantum Entanglement and Interdependence: The interconnected nature of quantum entanglement is mirrored in the interdependence of tasks within complex projects, where changes in one area can impact the entire system. This interconnected nature extends into the surrounding stakeholder ecosystem that comprises the project’s space-time. 6.       Adaptability and Flexibility: Teams in QPM embrace ambiguity and the inherent unpredictability of projects, allowing for the simultaneous exploration of multiple solutions until a clearer path emerges. This encourages rapid adaptation to changing conditions. The Apollo and Polaris missile programs embodied this systems thinking which is a hallmark of Quantum Project Management. 7.       Creative Problem-Solving: QPM leverages agility and creative problem-solving to navigate complex projects with a mindset that accommodates uncertainty, similar to the behavior of particles in superposition. 8.       Departure from Classical Thinking and Project Management: QPM recognizes the limitations of classical project management theories, especially when applied to LCPs, and seeks to replace the Taylorism's Scientific Management paradigm upon which classical project management is founded. This approach to project management is particularly relevant for projects that are too complex for traditional methods, requiring a more fluid and adaptable management style that can handle the inherent uncertainties of such endeavors. For the original paper on Quantum Project Management follow the link below to my ResearchGate page. There are several subsequent papers also on my ResearchGate page. https://lnkd.in/eZeifKvY

Quantum Project Management introduces a new management paradigm to replace classical project management as applied to large complex projects. QPM draws a strong analogous framework from both relativistic theory and quantum theory, providing a robust framework for conceiving, planning, and executing large complex projects.   This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of Quantum Project Management (QPM). The content is organized into sections, covering various aspects of QPM, including its theoretical foundations, the shortcomings of classical project management in the context of large complex projects, and the sources of uncertainty in project management.   This document effectively presents the key concepts, principles, and analogies related to QPM, making it accessible for readers interested in understanding the application of quantum and relativistic theories to project management. Additionally, the inclusion of tables and appendices is intended to enhance the clarity and organization of the content, providing valuable insights into the complexities of large complex projects and the need for a more adaptive and probabilistic approach to project management. Join with the hundreds of others who have already downloaded this paper. https://lnkd.in/eZeifKvY

Central to system dynamics are causal loops, which can be either reinforcing (positive feedback) or balancing (negative feedback). Reinforcing loops amplify changes, while balancing loops counteract changes, helping to stabilise the system. - How system dynamics can be applied to project management? - What are the better strategies for project management? - How to manage the policy resistance? #SoftwareEngineering #ProjectManagement #SystemDynamics #CausalLoop

Defying Project Management: A Tale of Scientific Adventure/Nafizal H. In the annals of scientific lore, Project management held convictions, steadfast and sure. Basic amines, deemed indispensable, Non-basic compounds, dismissed as fanciful. Forbidden it was to innovate anew, None dared defy this belief, the few. But one scientist, with unyielding resolve, Dared challenge the hypothesis, bold and absolve. Transforming the amine to non-basic form, Exploring the molecule’s potential, reborn. Presenting a byproduct with finesse and grace, Hoping to elude retaliation’s embrace. Yet, his tale met little acclaim, Skepticism in management’s domain. Reluctant to assess the compound’s worth, Delaying, doubting, its value’s birth. Weeks turned to months, the wait prolonged, Until the testing throng finally belonged. To everyone’s astonishment, the compound stood tall, Defying the odds, biological activity’s call. Yet skepticism still lingered near, Repeated tests sought truth to clear. Acknowledgment, though slight, Praise for the scientist, amidst dim light. But in the corridors of performance review, Recognition denied, a bitter brew. For the discovery, deemed a byproduct’s stroke, Credit stolen, beneath management’s cloak.

This is another great course from the Project Management Institute. With Prompt Engineering for Project Managers, you can learn how to create quality prompts using specific patterns and techniques to generate relevant, accurate, and tailored responses to improve project outcomes.

One of 2023’s most popular simulations was Project Management Simulation: Scope, Resources, Schedule by Robert Austin of Ivey Business School at Western University. This best-selling simulation exposes students to realistic challenges that project managers often face. To succeed in this simulation, students must successfully execute a project plan and deliver a competitive product on time and on budget. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDDMY6kS #ProjectManagement #Simulation #OperationsManagement #HigherEducation