Whether you’re a project manager or not, you’re probably wondering what the latest news in technology has to offer. The following seven secrets will help you get a handle on what’s hot and what’s not. These tips will help you stay on top of the latest trends in technology and ensure that you’re always delivering projects on time, on budget and on schedule.
Solar power has dropped in cost
During the past two decades, the cost of solar power has dropped dramatically. Now, it’s one of the cheapest sources of new power in the U.S., and it’s predicted to be the cheapest new power source in 14 other nations by 2030.
The decline in solar prices has been driven by technology advancements, economics of scale, and new manufacturing techniques. These have made the process of installing a solar panel much simpler and lighter.
As a result, solar installations have grown dramatically in the last two decades. Today, solar panels are cheaper than coal and natural gas. The average residential system costs only $4 per watt. It takes four hours to install a standard panel today.
With the decline in costs, the industry is expanding to new markets. This has led to a massive growth in solar capacity, which is now more than 93 gigawatts (GW). The industry has also grown into niche markets, such as solar-thermal power and concentrated solar-thermal power.
Virtual working is a project manager’s dream
Managing a team with dispersed employees is a daunting task. A savvy manager will employ a range of nifty tricks to keep their team on track. One of the best strategies is to make the office an enjoyable place to be. Getting everyone on the same page is the first step in the magic potion. One thing a manager will do is to establish an office culture and social bond. This will go a long way to reducing stress on the team. A good manager will even encourage team building games like office pranks.
Managing a virtual team is not for the faint of heart. The best way to tackle this challenge is to establish a set of communication protocols that ensures everyone has a voice. A good manager will use a combination of email, phone, and video to foster a collaborative atmosphere. A manager will also have to be cognizant of the need for face-to-face supervision.
Chrisney Branch Library was built for less than the typical library branch
Located in the bucolic village of Chrisney, Indiana, the Lincoln Heritage Public Library Chrisney Branch has been named the first net-positive energy library in America. This green feat of construction is the result of a unique collaboration between local residents and the town’s benefactor, the North Spencer County School Corporation.
A geothermal heat pump draws energy from the ground and is a hands-on demonstration of tapping into the flow of the earth’s resources. The library building also boasts an 8.9 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system that produces enough power to cover the needs of the building. This system is complemented by high-efficiency fluorescent light fixtures and occupancy sensors.
The building is also equipped with the most energy efficient heating and cooling systems. For instance, the library’s roof is covered in greenery and will help keep the building cool in the summer while reducing stormwater runoff.
The new library also boasts a full service computer lab. The library also offers copying and printing services. It also houses a large collection of books and other media and serves as a hub for local genealogy research. The library is open seven days a week with extended hours on Saturdays.
societal pressures on project managers
During the early stages of a project, a project manager must demonstrate increased awareness. This will help to ensure a smooth team process. He or she should also be vigilant for negative social behaviors that could disrupt team dynamics. The project manager must be able to effectively intervene and identify the root cause of the problem.
While a project manager must be well-versed in the technical aspects of project management, he or she will also need strong communication skills and an understanding of team dynamics. In addition, he or she will need to have an ability to adapt to changes. A strong corporate culture will help to ensure consistency in project management.
Project managers often work in teams that include individuals with different social skills and experiences. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the team, the project manager must identify the individuals’ skills and use them to promote team building activities.
The project manager should also match each team member with activities that will promote personal satisfaction, professional growth, and interest. This will encourage team members to develop friendships and work together as a unit.