Projects integrating Sustainable Methods

Revision as of 15:29, 16 February 2019

Abstract

Projects integrating Sustainable Methods, short PRiSM is a relatively new (2013) developed Method to make the process of project management more sustainable. As this is one of the main topics in the 21st century it is no surprise sustainability reached also the process of project management. This model was developed by an American company called GPM Global (Green Project Management). With integrating the UN Sustainable development goals (SDG) in the profession of Project Management (PM) they give companies the tool to not only develop more resourceful products, but to reduce the negative ecological and social impact of projects. Applicable is the PRiSM mainly in real estate development, construction or infrastructure projects. In the following article the evolution of the PRiSM model will be illuminated with the details about how sustainability is integrated and how this changes the way managing projects. Furthermore, the model itself will be explained to understand the methodology of the PRiSM. Even though this method improves the complex process and helps to create better products, it is necessary to be aware of the models limits and what it cannot cover, which is to be described in the last part of this article.^[1]

Evolution

The main topic when managing a project was, and in many cases still is, how to develop a high-quality product within time, scope and cost. Therefore, the Triple constraint model is still a valid basis for project managers. Nonetheless, there are different approaches to not only satisfy the customer with an “on-time, in-scope and low-cost product” but making the whole process more sustainable.

Basic idea

GPM developed the PRiSM as a holistic approach, which aims for a long-term sustainability for People, Planet, Prosperity, Product and Process (P5 Standards). With well-defined PRiSM Principles, which will be focused on later, GPM developed a tool that simplifies the process of project management by organizing and quantifying project selection in a format that is easy to store and retrieve. Therefor the American company developed a list of specific questions (Step 1: Identification), which help to overcome one of the main difficulties in Project management the customization to specific company operations. This step can be aligned with one of the seven PRINCE2 Principles of project management: Continued business justification, which suggests starting a project only on the basis of reasonable justification, which should be recorded and approved. The model provides in addition a systematic approach to choose an appropriate course of action (PRINCE2 Principle: Learn from experience), by assessing potential positive and negative risks. This way lessons and critical knowledge can be stored and easily accessed when a similar project is coming up.^[2][3]

Sustainability and Management

Bringing management and sustainability together in one concept might, at first sight, not seem the most obvious to do. Nonetheless GPM (Green Project Management) developed the so called 5P Standards, which bring together UN sustainable development goals and project management.

As the ISO 21500 Guidance on Project Management states “a project consists of a unique set of processes consisting of coordinated and controlled activities with start and end dates, performed to achieve project objectives. Achievement of the project objectives requires the provision of deliverables conforming to specific requirements.” (ISO 21500:2012). Also categorizes ISO 21500:2012 processes in projects into three major types:

- Project management processes: they are specific for project management and state how activities are selected and managed within the process - Delivery processes: they are not only applicable in project management. They result in the specification and provision of a product, service, or result. And they vary depending on the particular project deliverable. - Support processes: they are not only applicable in project management. They provide valuable support to product and project management processes (e.g. logistics, finance, accounting and safety)

With applying the PRiSM GPM Method in these project management processes, managers are able to determine and evaluate the level of sustainability in management processes. And with grouping these processes with a sequential method, into four phases the PRiSM Model ensures the best outcome. As well as from a project success pint of view, as from a social, environmental and economic one. This grouping differs from the ISO 21500.2012, which divides the process into five groups: initiating, planning, implementing, controlling and closing.^[4]

Methodology

5P Standards

Principles

Limitations

Glossary

1. ↑ Farooq U.What is the PRiSM Methodology?:Principles and Process of PRISM[Internet].2017 Sep 19 [cited 2019 Feb 15].Available from:http://www.businessstudynotes.com/finance/project-management/prism-methodology-principles-process-prism/
2. ↑ Auchey, F. L. & Auchey, G. J. (2003). Using PRISM model to improve project profitability. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2003—EMEA, The Hague, South Holland, The Netherlands. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
3. ↑ AXELOS AXELOS (2017).Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition.The Stationery Office Ltd
4. ↑ GPM Global.Standard for Sustainability in Project Management. United States of America[cited 2019 Feb 16].Available from:http://www.cmcs.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/The-GPM-P5-Standard-for-Sustainability-in-Project-Management-v1.5.pdf