HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies

HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded, in sentence sentence care. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies Instructions

The purpose of this assignment is to contrast common project management methodologies that can be utilized in health care project management. Conduct your own research so you are able to contrast Lean/Six Sigma, Waterfall, PSDA, and Agile methodologies. In addition, select another project management methodology of your choice. Have a look at HQS 620 Topic 2 DQ 1.

Use the Project Management Methodologies template to complete the assignment.

This assignment requires two to three scholarly resources.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Attachments

HQS-620-RS-ProjectManagementMethodologiesTemplate

HQS 620 Topic 1 Assignment – Project Management Methodologies Example

HQS-620 Project Management Methodologies

Project Management Methodology	Description	Pros	Cons	Example of when this methodology would be appropriate	Scholarly Resource
Lean/Six Sigma	The Lean/Six Sigma project management methodology helps identify and eliminate process waste, eliminate defects and continuously improve processes. The methodology combines lean principles (identify value, map the stream, create flow, establish pull, and seek perfection) and six sigma methodology, focusing on efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction (Dursun & Goker, 2022). The methodology eliminates processes that add no value, reduces variations, and improves quality. The Six Sigma process steps are well outlined and help achieve the desired outcomes described. They include defining the problem, measuring current performance, analyzing the process that needs improvement, improving the process, implementing change interventions, and monitoring, controlling, and sustaining improvements.	The methodology has high efficiency by identifying and eliminating waste, saving costs and improving productivity. The methodology employs statistical and data analysis to identify and manage defects and errors, supporting quality improvement. The methodology strongly focuses on customer requirements and value delivery (Krishnan et al., 2020). Employs data-driven decision-making, hence quality decisions and quality outcomes The methodology employs a cyclic process, helping create and cement a culture of continuous quality improvement.	The process is vigilant and requires expertise, staff training, data collection and data analysis and is thus resource-intensive The methodology is complex, utilizing more than one consideration in the management process and application of statistical tools and techniques and expertise which can lead to resistance to change considering its complexity. Change resistance may negatively impact the methodology, which relies on organizational support for success.	An example of when the methodology would be appropriate in overseeing quality improvement projects and addressing quality and safety issues in healthcare. For example, the methodology can be used to improve the discharge processes in the hospital and ensure all discharge activities, including documentation and discharge education, are implemented. Another example is addressing medication errors by identifying the causes and evidence-based interventions to address the problem.	Dursun, M., & Goker, N. (2022). Evaluation of Project Management Methodologies Success Factors Using Fuzzy Cognitive Map Method: Waterfall, Agile, And Lean Six Sigma Cases. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering, 10(1), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.18201/ijisae.2022.265 Krishnan, S., Mathiyazhagan, K., & Sreedharan, V. R. (2020). Developing a hybrid approach for lean six sigma project management: A case application in the reamer manufacturing industry. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 69(6), 2897-2914. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2020.3013695
Waterfall	Also known as SDLC. The methodology values solid planning. The project manager is large and in charge, and the work is pre-planned and executed in sequence, and the project is implemented in a single cycle (Dursun & Goker 2021). In the beginning, the team defines all requirements before activities begin. The project is then approved, and changes after this are difficult. The workflows (waterfall) through the stages; design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. These phases are sequential.	When properly implemented, projects are completed without distortions and accurately achieve the desired outcome (needs proper documentation with a clear understanding of technology). The project’s implementation scope and timelines are clear. The methodology rids the project of changes that could delineate the project from achieving the desired outcomes, and the results are more predictable (Dursun & Goker, 2021)	There is less room for revision, reflection, adjustments, or improvements as project adjustments are difficult because all activities, including resource e allocation, are pre-planned. The client/customer has less or no input during the implementation, and they receive a complete project.	The management methodology would be appropriate in large healthcare projects, such as introducing a new unit or business line in the facility (such as creating a new mental health or physiotherapy unit) (Andrei et al., 2019). Such changes are magnitude, and the institution must consider the implications, resources needed (human and monetary), regulatory requirements, and a leadership team before implementing the change. Generally, the methodology would be useful in projects that require extensive prior planning and undisrupted implementation.	Andrei, B. A., Casu-Pop, A. C., Gheorghe, S. C., & Boiangiu, C. A. (2019). A study on using a waterfall process and agile methods in software project management. Journal of Information Systems & Operations Management, 125-135. Dursun, M., & Goker, N. (2022). Evaluation of Project Management Methodologies Success Factors Using Fuzzy Cognitive Map Method: Waterfall, Agile, And Lean Six Sigma Cases. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering, 10(1), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.18201/ijisae.2022.265
PDSA	The PDSA (Plan Do Study Act) project management methodology also oversees the quality improvement process. In the first step, Plan, the management team identifies a problem or improvement opportunity to address and sets goals and an improvement plan. In the second phase, do, the team implements the proposed plan in a pilot project/study. In the third step, Study, the managers collect data and evaluate the results to aid decision-making. The last step, the act, entails making decisions such as the termination of the project or implementation on a large scale depending on the analysis results in the previous phase.	The methodology helps minimize resource wastage through risk mitigation. The methodology allows project managers to observe the effectiveness of the project on a small scale. The methodology helps predict and address errors, helping prevent the implementation of defective projects, which could lead to magnitude losses in the company/ institution. The flexible methodology allows the team to evaluate and adjust the plan to achieve the desired goals and outcomes. The process is data-driven, allowing the managers to make informed and high-quality project decisions.	The process is resource intensive and needs resources for the pilot and main projects and resources for data collection, analysis, and project management. The methodology is time-consuming, which could be detrimental to complex projects and limited resources (Knudsen et al., 2019). The PDSA cycle design, data analysis, and reporting methods are limited, leaving institutions to design for themselves. Creating variations in results, with some institutions modifying the entire process and achieving poor results (Knudsen et al., 2019)	The methodology can be best suited to implementing new products and process improvements (Afroze et al., 2020). For example, when an institution wants to implement a barcode medication administration technology in the facility to manage medication errors. It can use the PDSA cycle to implement it in a single unit or department and monitor its effectiveness.	Afroze, S., Hossain, M. S., Sooden, A., Wahab, A., Islam, M. H., & Secretariat, Q. I. (2020). Reduction of Neonatal Hypothermia by PDSA: A Quality Improvement Initiative in Neonatal Practice. International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research, 4(03), 101-110. Knudsen, S. V., Laursen, H. V. B., Johnsen, S. P., Bartels, P. D., Ehlers, L. H., & Mainz, J. (2019). Can quality improvement improve the quality of care? A systematic review of reported effects and methodological rigor in plan-do-study-act projects. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4482-6
Agile	The agile methodology entails a set of principles that guide the project management process. The agile methodology is a set of values, and people must define a process they will use to deliver projects. Agile projects are situational and not pre-planned, and they help team members respond to unpredictable happenings and thus oscillate between planning, executing, and evaluating the project (Dursun & Goker, 2022).	The methodology emphasizes flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and promotes communication. Promotes incremental development through the multiple changes Commitment to early and frequent value delivery Efficiency in resource allocation Promotes and supports continuous improvement	Lacks an outlined process for managing projects, hence the need for outlining a process despite utilizing the methodology (Marnada et al., 2022). Requires evaluation, analysis, and update for the methodology to keep achieving the desired outcomes Agile projects lack predictability due to their priority to change adaptability. It is difficult to maintain the complex documentation given the many changes. The method is often incompatible with large complex projects.	Agile methodologies, such as software and gaming, are best implemented in dynamic environments with the potential for adjustment and adaptability (Dursun & Goker, 2022). The methodology could be applied in areas such as developing nursing educational technologies and simulations to help regularly improve the process and ensure the development of quality technologies. The methodology would also help keep up with the changes and updates in the field to ensure the technologies are up-to-date and meet their desired outcomes.	Dursun, M., & Goker, N. (2022). Evaluation of Project Management Methodologies Success Factors Using Fuzzy Cognitive Map Method: Waterfall, Agile, And Lean Six Sigma Cases. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering, 10(1), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.18201/ijisae.2022.265 Marnada, P., Raharjo, T., Hardian, B., & Prasetyo, A. (2022). Agile project management challenge in handling scope and change: A systematic literature review. Procedia Computer Science, 197, 290-300.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.12.143
(Addition project management methodology)PRINCE 2	The PRINCE2 (projects in controlled environments) project management methodology is process-oriented and divides projects into multiple stages; each stage has its own plans and processes. The method leaves nothing to chance. Components of the methodology include seven high-level processes, six aspects, and seven management principles (Shaw et al., 2019). It also has a thorough governance structure that owns the project/change and clarifies roles, implementers, and timelines. Its emphasis is on project viability.	The method is flexible and allows managers to evaluate, identify, and manage risks throughout the project implementation cycle. The methodology is complex and allows the managers to create a clear implementation plan that maps the entire project, addressing all errors and increasing the efficiency of projects. Outlines governance structures and emphasizes the creation and communication of clear member roles, improving accountability and collaboration between all professionals in the project. Emphasizes business justification and thus ensures projects align with directional organizational strategies	The project management method has many activities and is thus laborious for small projects.   Institutions often view the process as bureaucratic and rigid due to its prescriptive nature throughout the project, allowing only risk identification and management.	One of the best examples of the PRINCE 2 methodology is implementing an organization-wide electronic health system. Changing or introducing a new electronic health record system is a complex task considering the many stakeholders involved and other affected technologies, such as clinical decision support systems in the facility organization-wide (Shaw et al., 2019). It is a move that requires extensive planning due to its potential effects on the facility when poorly executed, and a process that identifies and mitigates risks is thus required. There is a need for a systematic and clearly outlined process to help achieve the desired results.	Shaw, S., Hughes, G., & Greenhalgh, T. (2019). Chapter: Standardization and its consequences in health care: a case study of PRINCE2 project management training. In The Projectification of the Public Sector (pp. 229-249). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315098586-13  Islam, S., & Evans, N. (2020). Key success factors of PRINCE2 project management method in a software development project: KSF of PRINCE2 in SDLC. International Journal of Engineering Materials and Manufacture, 5(3), 76-84. https://doi.org/10.26776/ijemm.05.03.2020.02