8) Do you think it’s harder to manage an IT project or a traditional project, such as building construction? Justify your response.

Managing IT an projects require a different skill set than traditional construction projects, however they share many similarities.  IT involves teams of skilled individuals working together creatively to solve problems in the business world.  These problems are dynamic and require adaptive thinking and problem solving skills.  People with varied and specialized skill sets need to work together on complex systems in order to provide the solutions that the stakeholders require.  Issues that arise during an IT project involve team conflict, cost overruns, changing project scope and goals.

Construction projects are less subject to changes in project scope or goals, as these factors are laid out in the planning stages and are very difficult to change once work has begun.  Many of the team members have skills which, while necessary, are interchangeable and therefore individual team members are easier to replace. Construction projects require strict oversight and monitoring to ensure that the proper procedures are being followed at all times, since any defects in the final product can lead to severe consequences.

In conclusion, both types of projects present unique challenges, therefore it is impossible to make a blanket statement that one is harder to manage than the other.