The success of an organization is critically dependent on its ability to adapt to new business environments as they develop. In order to do so, a structure must be adopted to introduce new methods of thinking and innovation that would tackle both the human and the more technical aspects and still register with employees and the corporate structure. Project management and Change management are often confused.
Project and Change management while appearing similar are two sides of the same coin. They are both management principles that involve different goals and address different priorities. However, when paired together, managers for both change and project are able to unite on the basis of the overall success of the enterprise. In this article on Change Management vs Project Management, explore the key differences between these two management principles.
Introduction to Change Management and Project Management
Understanding the difference between the two practically takes us to understand the 5 metrics of success and how installation v/s implementation works. In order to deem a project successful, it must contain? metrics of success;
- The project is completed on time
- The project is on budget
- The project meets technical requirements and objectives
The successful completion of a project is based on the three factors above. However, in order to understand whether the success of this project has encouraged a change in mindset to adapt to the new prospects of success can be measured through;
- The successful completion of business objectives
- Meeting Human objectives.
Change principles are centered around discipline and understanding of fundamental principles. Sustainable growth and development are aided by marrying both schools of thought to ensure the process of success is enabled at the core of the organization. Success is as much a mindset as a process.
Change Management vs Project Management
Change Management
Change Management is applying processes and tools to manage the human resources side of change from an existing state of business processes transitioning into the desired future state of elevated prosperity with a strong return on investment.
Project Management
Project Management is introducing tools, skills, information, and techniques to new projects and business activities to meet execution requirements.
Intent
- Change Management – to validate and assess the impact of change on employees and understand the willingness to adopt new solutions.
- Project Management – to ensure active and potent solutions are designed for every project undertaken by the organization with smooth effective solutions.
Focus
- Change Management – The main factor to be understood is how the employees within the organization behave when impacted by new projects or initiatives within the organization. Understanding a willingness to adapt and adopt is crucial for change management.
- Project Management – The main focus is to understand the list of tasks or business activities that are required to create and execute technical solutions. These solutions are normally associated with change.
Scaling Factors
- Change Management – growth is determined by the fundamental characteristics of change, the statistics of the organization, and the willingness of employees and other stakeholders to change to new methods.
- Project Management – growth is determined by the ability to tackle higher degrees of complexity and technical changes. This normally follows the institution of a new project or set of business activities.
Process
- Change Management – Step One: Prepping for Change, Step Two: Managing Change, Step Three: Reinforcing Change.
- Project Management – Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, and finally Closing.
Measuring Success
- Change Management – focuses entirely on the human aspect of change within an organization including factors like;
- Speed of adoption by impacted employees
- Ultimate utilization by impacted employees
- Proficiency of impacted employees
- Achievement of results and outcomes; as they depend on individuals adopting new methods and change
- Project Management – focuses on the technical side of change within corporate elements;
- Being on time
- Working within costing budgets
- Meeting all technical requirements upon completion
- Achievement of results and outcomes; which may take a secondary role in meeting time and budgeting targets.
What is Change Management Within Project Management?
Around project initiation, stakeholders are subject to large amounts of stress with emphasis on employees who are now acclimatizing to the new task at hand. Project managers are focused on ensuring the overall project goals are met and stakeholders are well taken care of. When change managers are added to the situation, they become a necessary part of the team, integral to the success of the project.
Change management teams are able to collaborate with project managers to introduce a well-rounded approach to business strategies and address any negative impacts that have occurred as a result of taking on the new project. The objective is to tackle any bumps to ensure a smooth transition in terms of processes and acceptance/understanding during the different phases of completion.
Organizations should be encouraging the two teams to work together to ensure the stress on either management leader is shared but also, the efforts of working together are seen in positive outcomes such as a rise in employee morale and/or the improvement in product and service delivery.
Conclusion
The harsh reality is that 70% of all change initiatives within organizations fail and only 58% of organizations understand how to size up the value of project management. Alone the methodologies show little success as they work to handle different sides of the same coin.
Incorporating successful project practices allows companies to thrive from an execution perspective. If business activities are moving and income is being generated then the company must be doing well. However, if the success rate of projects is once in a while or can generally be understood as not a habit/pattern, change management could assist with the institution of enhanced thinking. Addressing frames of mind and ensuring fundamentally employees and stakeholders alike are fighting toward a common vision helps monitor business activities from the ground up.
Using both methods will encourage healthy business practices both culturally and monetarily.
Final Thoughts
Change management covers communication and strategy implementation that occurs during times of transition i.e. the undertaking of a new project or change in business culture. Project managers handle the interest of stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of business activities. Proper training of individuals and teams in widely-recognized Project management certification courses is required to incorporate both Change Management and Project Management best practices in an organization. Let us know your thoughts on Change Management vs Project Management.
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