Introduction
Two skills sets, Human Resources and Project Management have never been as essential to the world of work than in today’s workforce. This Strategic Project Management for Human Resources text is designed to learn about Project Management from a Human Resources perspective. First, it is designed for college students enrolled in Human Resources Management Programs at two-year, three-year, one-year grad level diploma level of learning, or students who are completing university level Human Resources programs. Second, it may be of interest to Human Resources Specialists who are full time and part time students looking to upgrade their Human Resources credentials in continuing education. It will help them understand Project Management’s influence in the jobs. Third, other academic fields may benefit from this integrated Project Management and Human Resources course who are in a wide variety of business programs, business administration, and leadership and management. Finally, since all industries have moved toward a more Project Management focus, with emphasis on people as the greatest assets, students in most academic programs can increase their knowledge and skills in two important areas of study and work-Project Management and Human Resources.
It describes the Project Management and Human Resources processes and applications, and the role the Project Manager and team in implementing these processes. The text is designed to help students understand and apply the knowledge and skills learned about projects and people.
An increase in Project Management and Human Resources functions in businesses in all industries and professions has led to project managers and teams having a wide variety of skills including how to complete a project, business acumen, leadership, technical knowledge, and human resources skills. Both at a domestic and international level employees require diverse and broad competencies. Most Project Management texts teach students the technical systems of projects. Yet, many of the Project Management problems such as conflicting priorities, inadequate client satisfaction, poor communication and scheduling delays are behavioural, not technical issues. Most Project Managers in today’s world of work understand that a clear understanding of human behaviour are keys to success on projects. The types of employees and expertise required for various phases of the project cycle depend on the tasks to be completed, competencies of the team members, and the team dynamics.
Human Resources Specialists are experts with “people” as a resource. By including Human Resources in projects to identify roles to fulfill goals, assist in acquiring project teams for the project, training and developing team members, and helping to manage the team improves the efficiency over the life cycle of the project. The role Human Resources plays in projects increases the quality and timelines of project deliverables. Human Resources involvement in project management is key to turning a group of employees into high-performing teams who are prepared to deliver a successful project.
