Question 3 (Marks: 20)

Question

Global project management requires a set of competencies that a project manager and team must
have .
Q.3.1
Q.3.1.1 Discuss how the following competencies provide value for the
project manager and project team:
• Foreign language skills
• Awareness and understanding of cultures and customs.
• Understanding of Technology
• Cultural awareness
• Collaborative communication
(10)
Q.3.1.2 Discuss the concept of globalisation and how it affects project
management. Include five influencing factors that affect project
success in a global environment.

Answer 1

Q.3.1.1

Having foreign language skills is beneficial for project managers and teams in global project management as it allows them to effectively communicate with stakeholders from different countries and cultures. It helps in building trust, understanding requirements, resolving conflicts, and establishing strong relationships. Foreign language skills also enable the project manager and team to navigate through any language barriers or misunderstandings, thereby enhancing project success.

Awareness and understanding of cultures and customs is crucial in global project management as it helps project managers and teams adapt to cultural differences. It allows them to understand and respect the values, beliefs, and practices of different cultures, enabling effective collaboration and building effective relationships. By being aware of cultural nuances, project managers and teams can avoid cultural misunderstandings and conflicts, leading to smoother project execution.

Understanding of technology is essential for project managers and teams in global project management, as technology enables seamless communication, collaboration, and coordination across different time zones and geographical locations. It helps in overcoming physical barriers, facilitates virtual meetings, and enables real-time sharing of information and resources. Having a good understanding of technology also helps in selecting appropriate project management tools and software, enhancing project productivity and efficiency.

Cultural awareness is important in global project management as it helps project managers and teams to adapt their communication and management styles to suit different cultural contexts. It allows them to understand how cultural differences impact behavior, decision-making, and communication styles, thereby enabling effective engagement with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Cultural awareness also fosters empathy, respect, and inclusiveness, leading to improved teamwork, collaboration, and project outcomes.

Collaborative communication is a key competency for global project management as it promotes effective communication and collaboration among project team members, stakeholders, and partners across different countries and cultures. It involves active listening, effective speaking, and open-mindedness. Collaborative communication fosters understanding, trust, and mutual respect, leading to improved teamwork, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving. It helps project managers and teams overcome communication barriers and build strong relationships with stakeholders, ultimately contributing to project success.

Q.3.1.2

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of economies, societies, and cultures around the world. It has profoundly impacted project management and necessitated a shift in how projects are planned, executed, and managed across borders.

Five influencing factors that affect project success in a global environment are:

1. Cultural differences: In a global environment, project teams often consist of members from diverse cultural backgrounds. These differences in values, beliefs, communication styles, and decision-making processes can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and challenges in project execution. Project managers need to be sensitive to these cultural differences and adapt their management approach accordingly to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and team cohesion.

2. Time zone and geographical differences: Global projects often involve team members and stakeholders located in different time zones and geographical locations. This can pose challenges in terms of scheduling meetings, coordinating tasks, and ensuring timely communication and decision-making. Project managers need to effectively manage these differences by implementing flexible working arrangements, leveraging technology for virtual collaboration, and establishing clear communication protocols.

3. Language barriers: In global projects, language differences can hinder effective communication and understanding among project team members and stakeholders. This can result in misinterpretation, delays, and conflicts. Project managers need to address these language barriers by encouraging the use of common languages, providing language support and translation services, and promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity.

4. Legal and regulatory requirements: Global projects often involve compliance with varying legal and regulatory frameworks in different countries. Project managers need to have a good understanding of these requirements, ensure project compliance, and navigate through any legal or regulatory challenges. This may involve partnering with local experts or consultants and establishing strong relationships with relevant authorities.

5. Stakeholder management: In a global environment, project stakeholders can include individuals, organizations, and governmental bodies from different countries and cultures. Effective stakeholder management becomes crucial to ensure understanding and alignment of project goals, expectations, and priorities. Project managers need to identify and engage with key stakeholders, establish strong relationships, and develop strategies to address their specific needs and concerns.

Overall, globalization has expanded the scope and complexity of project management by introducing new challenges and opportunities. Project managers need to develop the necessary skills, competencies, and strategies to navigate these influences and ensure project success in a global environment.