Can Project Management Save the World?

Can the framework and procedures of project management by used to tackle the hard problems facing the humanity today?  I think so.  Many of the problems facing the world today are complex with many facets. 

The project management framework provides many tools, techniques and procedures to manage complexity.  One area that I think can be used with some success is a stakeholder matrix.  As with many projects, stakeholders are important and many stakeholders are not readily apparent during the course of planning.  A stakeholder matrix can help to identify stakeholders, their interest in the project, and how the project management team will communicate the project plan to them.

This tool is just one that can be used and if this was used for many of the hard issues, there may be less opposition to the project.

I think that people who are tackling these issues could benefit from some project management training or to have a project management mindset.

Thinking about Poverty

When I think about the many problems that face the world that good program management could solve, one area draws me in.  This area is solving the problem of poverty.  I have been thinking how I could work, using my education, training, and skill to solve the issue of poverty. 

I have a genuine interest in solving this issue.  It is such a large issue that it seems impossible to wrap your arms around it, but I know there are programs that work locally to solve such issues.  Some are more successful than others.  I believe that success can happen in this realm when people take personal responsibility.  It is just like self-directed learning in a way.  Personal responsibility is what it takes to succeed.  But beyond that, it is having a mentor to help navigate this somewhat complex subject. 

I have been thinking about this...look for more in this area in the future.