PROJECTS: TECHNICAL PROBLEMS WITH HUMAN DIMENSIONS

Projects are technical problems with significant human dimensions. Cleland (1999) notes that many of the skills needed for project success revolve around people skills, such as the abilities to communicate, to work with others, to negotiate, and to listen. More recently, management consultant and author Peters (2004) said that “These days, it’s the people skills that matter and will increasingly determine an organization’s success.” From other professional perspectives comes the view that project management success is 80 percent art (the people skills) and 20 percent science- or technology-based. Unfortunately, many project management professionals have not had training in the people skills required for success and career advancement; instead, they are forced to develop these skills informally as they proceed through their careers.