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Tools for identifying complex elements in projects

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David Maynard Fort Wayne, In, United States
In PMBOK V6, Chapter 4, in "TRENDS AND EMERGING PRACTICES IN PROJECT INTEGRATION MANAGEMENT,"

Under Hybrid methodologies, the new guide describes "tools for identifying complex elements in projects."

Can anyone point me to what these may be?
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Kiron Bondale Retired | Mentor| Retired Welland, Ontario, Canada
David -

One example would be a complexity factor identification checklist - a list of questions to help a PM understand what contributors to complexity exist.

Kiron
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Ezara Penning Systems Administrator I| Lincoln Land Community College Springfield, Il, United States
Hi David,

This article might be insightful: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/proje...mine-rigor-9874
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2 replies by David Maynard and Vincent Guerard
Feb 26, 2018 8:14 PM
David Maynard
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Helllo Ezara, yes, that's an excellent paper dealing with the overall complexity of a project.

But the guide seems to be saying there are tools that will identify the more complex *elements* in projects. Perhaps WBS elements? Or at least it's indicating their are methods of evaluating the overall project to isolate the complex elements. My problem is that I have trouble imagining which tool could evaluate the overall project effort and isolate the complex elements.

Thank you for your well-considered answer!
Feb 27, 2018 7:44 PM
Vincent Guerard
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Ezara

Thanks for posting look very interesting, from comments by David
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Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD Senior Project Manager| Infosys Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I'm surprised they don't mention a few tools in that section.
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David Maynard Fort Wayne, In, United States
Hi Kiron, The guide wording clearly implies that there are tools (perhaps a checklist) that will help narrow down complex elements in the overall project. I just can't quite imagine how that could work across the wide range of projects we all have. From nuclear reactors to preparing to teach a class. It's hard for me to grasp.

There's a few "vague" areas that I'm coming across. I'll post them as I find them.
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David Maynard Fort Wayne, In, United States
Feb 26, 2018 4:58 PM
Replying to Ezara Penning
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Hi David,

This article might be insightful: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/proje...mine-rigor-9874
Helllo Ezara, yes, that's an excellent paper dealing with the overall complexity of a project.

But the guide seems to be saying there are tools that will identify the more complex *elements* in projects. Perhaps WBS elements? Or at least it's indicating their are methods of evaluating the overall project to isolate the complex elements. My problem is that I have trouble imagining which tool could evaluate the overall project effort and isolate the complex elements.

Thank you for your well-considered answer!
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Sergio Luis Conte Helping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based Organizations Buenos Aires, Argentina
I was part of the group of authors and reviewers. I pointed out the need to rewrite that statement but it was keep as is. All about to answer you question falls in the field of Business Analysis mainly in the process named "Needs Assessment" by using tools like PESTLE analysis or Porter Five Forces, Zachman framework, etc. No project/program/portfolio exists without business analysis activities. From those deliverables of those activities all related to project/program/portfolio is defined then the complexity of the project/program/portfolio is understood.
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Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
Feb 26, 2018 4:58 PM
Replying to Ezara Penning
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Hi David,

This article might be insightful: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/proje...mine-rigor-9874
Ezara

Thanks for posting look very interesting, from comments by David
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Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
David,

Could one method work with all kind of project? Should various tools be develop adapted to Construction, capital project, financial, IT,....

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