VIEWPOINTS

Project Management in an Ailing Economy

By Robert Judd

Program Director, Project Management
UC Berkeley Extension

USA

Whether working in the field or looking to break in, project managers’ targeted habits make all the difference in success

In today’s economy, project managers are facing the same issues as any other professionals: layoffs, staff reductions, operation cuts, budget losses, furloughs, and company closures. For those project managers currently employed, the order of the day is doing more with less whereas those on the outside must strive to distinguish themselves in a crowded market. UC Berkeley Extension’s project management program sees people on both sides of this conundrum every day, from instructors dishing out real-world insight to students sharing experiences from the job-search trenches. And for each, a specific set of methods and practices dictates success in navigating these uncertain, often-changing business times.

The current work environment for professionals in project management revolves around the need to be prepared for constant change. As funds get tighter and company leadership enacts changes, project managers must cope with everything from losing a critical team member to managing a sudden shift in strategic goals. To deal with these obstacles, project managers must focus on four priorities: getting the job done, using a structured approach, managing project risk and quality, and motivating the team.

With so many distractions, it is important to keep project teams focused on the end goal…

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About the Author Robert Judd Author Robert L. Judd, M.S., PMP, PE, is the program director for project management, Agile management, and conflict management at UC Berkeley Extension. He has more than 25 years in project management and is committed to making learning relevant and inspiring. He has experience at all levels of project management as a project manager, program manager, portfolio manager, adjunct professor, and consultant within multiple industries, including education, biopharm, medical, finance, high-tech, insurance, and government. Prior to joining UC Berkeley Extension, Judd operated a management consulting and training firm that included clients from start-ups to companies in the Fortune 500. He has presented at multiple project management conferences. To contact Mr. Judd or to learn more about project management education at UC Berkeley, visit http://extension.berkeley.edu/subject/project.html.