Project management can be very fast-paced. Sometimes things can get out of control. It’s easy to forget about the strategic alignment we’ve heard so much about in project management publications over the past year.
The tools and techniques that are available will make it easier to stay on top of everything and align with organizational goals.
TaskQue’s project management software, models, techniques, and project management software are all useful. They simplify your tasks and keep it on track to success.
The 7-S Framework
7-S for Project Management
Hard Elements1. Strategy
2. Structure
3. Systems
Soft Elements4. Shared Values
5. Style
6. Staff
7. Skills
Only theory is useful if it is implemented
Make it work for your benefit
The 7-S Framework
One of these models is the 7S framework. This tool helps you understand the complexity of your organization.
It was introduced by McKinsey thinkers in the 1970s and was revolutionary in how organizations work. Prior to this, the emphasis was on hierarchy and the firm’s physical structure. The 7-S model focuses more on coordination through a connected web that influences how an organization can work and change.
7-S for Project Management
Although the 7-S framework was not designed for project management, it can be used to determine how aligned your project goals with your organizational goals. It also helps you to identify what needs to change to improve this correlation.
The framework is broken down into – surprise! – 7 categories that are divided into hard and soft elements. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that have a special focus on project management.
Hard Elements
The hard elements include Strategy, Structure, and Systems.
Because these elements have a huge impact on your projects, they are easier to identify, define, and understand for project managers. This category includes everything from formal processes, strategies and reporting to organizational charts and IT system systems.
1. Strategy
To achieve success, it is not enough to set project objectives. A plan and strategy should be developed to help you succeed and reach your goals.
All team members should be aware of the project plan and strategy. The project strategy should be focused on how to maintain and build a competitive advantage over your competitors. Strategy can change due to changes in the external environment and situation. Your project sponsor and board will likely direct your work.
2. Structure
This element determines who will report to whom. The Structure element of the 7S model includes organizational charts for your project as well as other related resource documents.
It doesn’t matter how large the project is, it’s important that your team members know who reports to whom.
3. Systems
The System element describes how tasks will be completed and the process that will be followed. It includes areas that relate to business operations and the business side of running projects.
You spend a lot time as a project manager removing bottlenecks from your team so they can fulfill their responsibilities and get better results. This is how systems work.
Soft Elements
There are four soft elements: Shared values, style, staff and skills. Soft elements are hard to quantify and heavily depend on organizational culture. This makes it difficult to put them into practice in a project environment.
4. Shared Values
The first soft element of organizational culture is shared values. It is the shared values that bind the team and foster teamwork and cohesiveness.
These characteristics run deep within the organization. Companies never forget about them.