Group 4 - Case Study
.pdf
School
Laurentian University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
OPER 5001
Subject
Management
Date
Dec 17, 2024
Pages
4
Uploaded by BaronMusicGazelle37
Group 4: Case StudyProfessor: Amirmohsen Golmohammadi OPER 5102EL 12 –Project Management (2024F) Group Members Mao Yihong; Martin Joshua; Lewis Shae; Nayan Sheik Noor Mohammad; Patel Krutikkumar Bhupendrabhai; Rabbi Md Moshiul Huq; Rebeiro Shormi; Thakkar Dev Vipul; Xu Wenyu November 24, 2024
Page | 2 Case Study 2 Chapter 12:International Communication1)What are the communication errors Samuel made?Samuel made several key communication errors that undermined his professional relationships and effectiveness in a multinational project. These included:Delayed Communication: Samuel failed to return Angelique’s calls and emails promptly, showing a lack of urgency and professionalism.Disrespectful Attitude: He dismissed Angelique's concerns, stereotyping her as emotional, and made sexist remarks, undermining trust and respect.Cultural Insensitivity: Samuel showed a lack of cultural awareness, particularly toward Japanese subcontractors, assuming business practices that worked in the U.S. would apply universally without adaptation.Lack of Transparency and Two-Way Communication: He did not keep stakeholders, including Angelique and subcontractors, informed about project progress, leading to frustration and misunderstandings. He also failed to foster effective communication with stakeholders, blocking feedback and avoiding constructive dialogue.Unprofessional Behavior: Samuel yelled at Angelique and avoided professional interaction, which is unacceptable in a collaborative environment.Ineffective Problem-Solving: Instead of addressing concerns about changed specifications, Samuel rejected further discussion, exacerbating the situation.Poor Meeting Management: He scheduled meetings with minimal notice, making it difficult for the team to prepare or contribute effectively.Overall, Samuel's communication errors reflected a lack of prioritization of transparency, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration, essential in a global team setting. His actions contributed to delays, conflicts, and diminished team morale.2)What should Angelique do when she gets the phone call from Penny asking her to come to Dallas to meet with Samuel? Angelique should first clarify the purpose and goals of the meeting before committing to travel. She should document her concerns regarding the lack of communication and unresolved issues, and propose a virtual meeting to save time and resources. If necessary, she could suggest a phone call or video conference instead of traveling to Dallas, highlighting the practicality of such alternatives. Additionally, Angelique could point out that if travel is essential, Thomson Industries should cover the associated costs, as they would contribute to the overall project expenses.
Page | 3 3)Is there anything more Michael could have said or done in his conversation with Samuel about Angelique’s phone call? Should Penny do anything about Samuel’s communication style and insensitive comments? Michael should address Samuel's poor communication and cultural insensitivity by recommending training in these areas. He should also stress the importance of maintaining a professional relationship with the client and ensure Samuel responds promptly to client complaints. Michael could implement a system to check Samuel's progress and ensure tasks are completed on time. Penny, dealing with Samuel's inappropriate comments and poor leadership, should suggest creating a communication log or using project management software to improve team coordination. She should propose that Angelique only travel to Dallas if necessary and advocate for virtual meetings instead, as they are more efficient. Penny should address Samuel’s communication style directly, offering constructive feedback on meeting scheduling, clarity, and frequency. Additionally, she should confront Samuel about his insensitive remarks, explaining how they make her uncomfortable. If the behavior persists, Penny should escalate the issue to Michael or HR. In summary, Michael should ensure regular, professional communication with the client, address delays, and encourage training for Samuel, while Penny should offer feedback on Samuel’s communication style, address inappropriate comments, and escalate if needed.4)What would be the elements of a good communication plan for managing a multinational project such as this? A well-structured communication plan for a multinational project such as that outlined in the case should incorporate the following key elements: Clear Communication Protocols: Define guidelines for response times, escalation procedures, and preferred communication channels (e.g., email, video calls, project management tools like Slack or Trello). This ensures consistency and prevents misunderstandings. Cultural Sensitivity Training: Provide training to address cultural differences that may affect communication styles, fostering better collaboration and minimizing conflicts. Regular Updates and Status Meetings: Schedule consistent meetings to ensure alignment on goals, track progress, and address issues promptly. These meetings should include clear agendas and regular stakeholder involvement. Centralized Communication Tools: Utilize collaborative platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom) to streamline communication and ensure all team members have access to the same information.
Page | 4 Accountability and Feedback Mechanisms: Assign communication responsibilities and establish a system for feedback. This helps identify areas for improvement and keeps communication effective throughout the project. Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define communication roles for each team member to ensure that everyone knows their responsibilities and expectations. Issue Resolution Protocols: Set clear guidelines for reporting and addressing concerns or changes in the project. Recordkeeping and Flexibility: Keep detailed records of communications, decisions, and action items, and ensure the plan is adaptable to evolving project needs. By integrating these elements, the communication plan will promote smooth information flow, enhance collaboration, and ensure cultural understanding, ultimately contributing to the success of the multinational project.