.png)
The modern competitive supply chain is addressing some very big issues. Supply chains are setting their business goals and objectives accordingly. If you’re interested, a brief review of the current strategic environment for the Supply Chain industry is shared at the end of this post. Often the focus is on making supply chain operations more sustainable, secure, efficient, and resilient.
When considering a supply chain improvement program, it is always important to carefully understand the key challenges and benefits involved. With careful planning, execution, and assured project delivery, the range of supply chain improvement projects can provide significant benefits to the business. But without the right project delivery performance, success is not assured. Improvement plans require quality programs-of-work to successfully deliver the necessary systems integration, transformation, and continuous improvement.
For example a Supply Chain program for “Visibility Improvement” might typically include projects to:
Implement (or expand) a supply chain management (SCM) system: An SCM system can help to collect and organise data from across the supply chain, making it easier to track inventory levels, shipments, and other key metrics.
Use radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags: RFID tags can be attached to products or containers to track their movement throughout the supply chain.
Deploy remote sensors: Sensors can be used to collect data on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, which can help to prevent spoilage or damage to products.
Use big data analytics for digital intelligence: Big data analytics can be used to analyse large amounts of data to identify trends and patterns, which can help to improve decision-making.
Improve partnering with suppliers: Working closely with suppliers can help to improve communication and coordination, which can lead to improved visibility and efficiency.
These projects can help an enterprise gain a better understanding of the supply chain through improved visibility. The outcomes will be improved efficiency, reduced costs, and better meeting customer demands.
When delivering this “Visibility Improvement” program the key project management challenges would typically include:
Data Standardisation: One of the biggest challenges to improving visibility is the lack of standardisation of data. Different organisations use different systems and formats to collect and store data, which can make it difficult to integrate and analyse data from multiple sources. By standardising data, organisations can make it easier to collect, store, and analyse data from across the supply chain.
Technology Investment: Technology can play a major role in improving visibility into the supply chain. By investing in the right technology, organisations can collect and analyse data more efficiently and effectively.
Collaborative Culture Improvements: Improving visibility requires collaboration between different departments and organisations within the supply chain. By creating a culture of collaboration, organisations can share information and work together to improve visibility and efficiency.
PMs who are delivering Supply Chain improvement projects and helping realise the company business plans can expect to have some key problems to solve. For example PMs implementing or upgrading a SCM system must address:
Resistance to change: People are often resistant to change, and implementing a new SCM system can be a major change for an organisation. This can lead to resistance from employees, who may be reluctant to learn new systems and processes.
Cost: SCM systems can be expensive to implement and maintain. This can be a major barrier for organisations that are on a tight budget.
Complexity: SCM systems are complex and can be difficult to implement and use. This can lead to problems, such as errors and delays.
Data quality: The quality of data is essential for the success of any SCM system. However, data quality can be a problem, as data can be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.
Integration: SCM systems need to be integrated with other systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Successful Projects Need High Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a key requirement to help Project Managers solve these problems by:
Understanding the emotions of stakeholders: By understanding the emotions of stakeholders, Project Managers can better understand their concerns and needs. This can help to build trust and support for the project.
Building relationships: EQ can help Project Managers to build strong relationships with stakeholders. This is important, as stakeholders can provide valuable input and support for the project.
Managing conflict: EQ can help Project Managers to manage conflict effectively. This is important, as conflict can derail a project if it is not handled properly.
Motivating team members: EQ can help Project Managers to motivate team members and keep them engaged in the project. This is important, as team members are essential to the success of any project.
Adapting to change: EQ can help Project Managers to adapt to change effectively. This is important, as projects are often subject to change.
By developing their EQ, Project Managers can improve their chances of success. For example a PM implementing a SCM system needs EQ to solve problems:
When dealing with resistance to change: Project Managers can use EQ to understand the concerns of stakeholders and to develop a plan to address those concerns. For example, they can provide training and support to help employees learn the new system.
When dealing with cost control: Project Managers can use EQ to build support for the project from stakeholders. They can explain the benefits of the project and how it will save the organisation money in the long run.
When dealing with complexity: Project Managers can use EQ to break down the project into smaller, more manageable tasks. They can also provide training and support to help employees understand the system.
When dealing with data quality: Project Managers can use EQ to build relationships with data stewards. They can work together to improve the quality of data and to resolve any issues that arise.
When dealing with integration: Project Managers can use EQ to build relationships with IT staff. They can work together to ensure that the SCM system is integrated with other systems in the organisation.
By using EQ, Project Managers can improve their chances of success in implementing a SCM system.
Another typical project where PMs can expect to have some challenging problems to solve would be the deployment and transition of a global RFID tagging system. Including:
Cost: RFID tagging systems can be very expensive to implement, especially for large organisations.
Complexity: RFID tagging systems are complex to design, install, and maintain.
Security: RFID tags can be vulnerable to hacking and theft.
Privacy: RFID tags can track the movement of goods and people, which raises privacy concerns.
Acceptance: RFID tagging systems may not be accepted by employees, customers, or regulators.
Again emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to solve these problems by:
Building relationships: Emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to build relationships with stakeholders, which can help to gain support for the project.
Managing conflict: Emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to manage conflict, which can help to avoid delays and cost overruns.
Communicating effectively: Emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to communicate effectively with stakeholders, which can help to build trust and understanding.
Managing change: Emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to manage change, which can help to ensure that the project is successful.
In addition to helping with these specific problems, EQ can also help Project Managers to be more effective in general by:
Making better decisions: Emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to be more aware of their own emotions, which can help them to make better decisions.
Building stronger professional relationships: Emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to be more aware of the emotions of others, which can help them to build better relationships.
Keeping controlled and effective: Emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to manage their own emotions, which can help them to stay calm under pressure.
Strengthening collaboration: Emotional intelligence can help Project Managers to influence others, which can help them to get things done.
Overall, Emotional Intelligence can be a valuable asset for Project Managers who are implementing a global RFID tagging system. By using their emotional intelligence, Project Managers can build relationships, manage conflict, communicate effectively, manage change, and be more effective in general.
Project Management Coaching for Professional Service Quality
PM Coaching helps PMs develop the EQ they need for success in a number of effective and practical ways. Coaching helps PMs:
Identify and overcome challenges. When faced with a complex project problem, it can be easy for PMs to feel overwhelmed. Coaching can help them to identify the root cause of the problem, and to develop a plan for overcoming it.
Make better decisions. When faced with a lot of information, it can be difficult for PMs to make the best decision. Coaching can help them to weigh the pros and cons of different options, and to make a decision that is in the best interests of their stakeholders.
Be more effective leaders. Coaching can help PMs to develop the skills they need to be effective leaders. This includes the ability to motivate and inspire their team, to delegate effectively, and to create a positive work environment.
All of these skills are essential for PMs who are responsible for solving complex, critical and time-consuming project delivery problems. By developing their EQ, PMs can better understand the challenges that their stakeholders face, and they can develop more effective solutions.
In addition, coaching can also help PMs to:
Understand their own emotions and how they impact decision-making. This can be done by helping them to identify their triggers, understand the root causes, and develop strategies for managing emotions in a positive way.
Develop empathy for others. This can be done by helping them to understand the perspectives of others, and to see things from their point of view.
Build strong relationships with stakeholders. This can be done by helping them to communicate effectively, to build trust, and to resolve conflict in a constructive way.
Overall, coaching is valuable for PMs who are looking to develop their EQ and improve their ability to solve complex and critical project delivery problems.
Need Help with your Project Management performance? Engage Applied EQ Services for bespoke online coaching, mentoring and consultancy services.
Today’s Supply Chain Environment - A Brief Review
Across the modern competitive supply chain industry today’s big issues are significant and critical:
Sustainability: Supply chains have a significant impact on the environment, and businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact. This is leading to a focus on sustainable sourcing, packaging, and transportation.
Cybersecurity: Supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Businesses are investing in new technologies and security measures to protect their data and operations.
Visibility: Businesses need to be able to see what is happening throughout their supply chains in real time. This is essential for making informed decisions and responding to disruptions quickly.
Complexity: Supply chains have become increasingly complex, with more suppliers, partners, and customers involved. This makes it difficult to manage and control costs and risks.
Talent: There is a shortage of skilled supply chain professionals. Businesses are struggling to find people with the right skills and experience to manage their complex supply chains.
Supply chains are setting their business goals and objectives accordingly:
Sustainable supply chains: New ways to make supply chains more sustainable. This includes using renewable energy, reducing waste, and improving efficiency.
Assured cybersecurity: New technologies and security measures to protect supply chains from cyberattacks. This includes using blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Supply chain visibility: New ways to give businesses real-time visibility into their supply chains. This includes using sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
Eliminating unnecessary complexity: New ways to simplify supply chains and make them easier to manage. This includes using cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence.
Quality talent: New training programs and educational initiatives to address the shortage of skilled supply chain professionals.
The focus is on helping the supply chains business make their operation more sustainable, secure, efficient, and resilient.
To achieve these goals it is necessary to define improvement plans that address the “plan, build and run” challenges:
Visibility: The lack of visibility into the supply chain often makes it difficult to identify and address problems.
Cost: Supply chain improvement projects can be expensive, and it can be difficult to justify the cost of improvement.
Complexity: Supply chains are complex, and it can be difficult to implement and manage change effectively, especially across the globe.
Culture: Supply chain improvement projects often require changes to the way businesses operate, and this can be difficult to achieve, especially in mature operations.
Technology: Supply chain improvement projects often require new technology, and this can be a challenge to implement and manage.
These plans define the supply chain improvement program-of-work.
Comments