Contextualizing the Most Optimal Project Management Strategies

Ways of Working

Monica Shukla-Belmontes, Ph.D.

Associate Dean of Curriculum, Assurance of Learning, and Competency-Based Education

University of Massachusetts Global, School of Business & Professional Studies

About the Presentation

There are diverse types of projects and multiple methodologies to most strategically address these projects. In some cases it may be more optimal to utilize a traditional waterfall methodology, whereas in other cases the flexibility of a more agile approach will enhance output and deliverable strategies. In this session we will explore the contextualization of projects to determine the most effective and optimal project management strategies that should be implemented. This will consist of case study examples from real-world scenarios including nationwide and international organizations. In addition, through this presentation and collaborative dialogue we will explore the benefits of utilizing hybrid project management approaches.

Learning Objectives:

·         Understand frameworks for contextualizing projects that take into account adaptive and predictive approaches

·         Evaluate real-world examples of large-scale projects with different levels of risk, scope stability, regulations, and constraints

·         Engage in discussion related to project management methodology best practices to learn beneficial key takeaways around contextualization

·         Apply ways of working to a current project by learning how to expand on current practices to encompass multiple development approaches

About Monica Shukla

Dr. Shukla-Belmontes is an Associate Dean for the School of Business & Professional Studies at University of Massachusetts Global, where she has developed and taught MBA and undergraduate courses in Statistics, Managerial Economics, Entrepreneurship, and Global Business. She has served on Competency-Based Education committees and has been the Project Manager for the development of five CBE programs. In addition to her experience in higher education, she has also worked in the fields of human resources, special events management, and business operations with companies including Capital Group Companies, M S International Inc., and the Disneyland Resort. She has been published in the Journal of Business Case Studies, received Best Paper at the Association for Global Business Conference, and has a Masters in Project Management from USC.