An International Project Managers Day, Coursework Example

Introduction

The case study in question raises a number of questions regarding the needs of the project management team as the new project begins. It is important to identify the different challenges that the team faces as it enters a new environment with an entirely different culture and way of life. This is difficult for some persons to accept, as it limits the ability of the team to perform to the best of its ability while living in conditions that are less than accommodating on many levels. Therefore, these factors require a lengthy period of adjustment and an effective understanding of the local culture in order to accomplish the desired objectives in a successful manner. Therefore, the team must explore its options so that it is able to be successful in achieving the intended results with the project and its required level of focus.

Analysis

In many other cultures, there are significant issues related to gender-based roles that are not necessarily evident in modern North American society. Americans possess significant accommodations that are not available in the described environment, and as a result, other factors must be considered to enable the team to effectively transition to the team in the desired manner. It is important to identify these resources and to recognize the importance of developing a culture that embraces change and progress, while also considering the needs of this culture by using an effective support system to discuss fears regarding the project, the living conditions, and other factors that pose risks to the team and its level of performance. Therefore, it is important to identify the resources that are required to support this project and to make it successful for the team as a whole.

Meeting the required objectives is only one segment of the project, as its team members must demonstrate a high level of acceptance of cultural differences, but also a compromise between these objectives and their role in shaping team outcomes. A shift in cultural norms requires a period of adjustment, as this supports a greater focus on how to meet the objectives of the project without compromising values and principles in the process. In addition, this requires a high level of support for the team as it strives to be successful in its new roles. All members of the team must be able to address their specific concerns effectively, while also modifying their behaviors as needed to ensure that the team is properly focused in the new environment. Team members from both genders must be able to focus and adjust as needed and discuss common principles in order to accomplish the desired objectives in a successful manner.

Other factors to consider with the adjustment include the team’s focus and direction on supporting an environment that embraces change, while also remaining true to the individual self and refusing to compromise regarding core values. This supports a greater understanding of the needs of the team and an opportunity to produce the intended results. The team members must be careful not to overpower within its new environment and to recognize the cultural standards and behaviors of the surrounding climate. A high level of respect must be provided towards the new culture so that there is no controversy surrounding the team and its project-based efforts. This will encourage the growth of the team environment, while also demonstrating a need to be successful in achieving effective outcomes that will have a positive impact on the project as a whole, as well as its team members.

All team members must demonstrate their individual strengths within the confines of the project and the surrounding environment; however, this should not stifle their creativity and should not prohibit growth within the team that could impact long-term change and its ability to achieve success. These factors are instrumental in supporting the team dynamic and its focus on supporting creativity and innovation to the extent that they are acceptable within the new cultural environment. A number of steps must be taken that will be effective in facilitating the desired results to support greater team performance, while also recognizing the sensitive nature of the surrounding environment and its potential impact on the team and its level of success. Regardless of the differences in culture that exist, the team must remain highly focused and driven in each and every task and strive to be successful in its efforts to support a long-term strategy that will have a positive impact on the team and in meeting its objectives. The ability of the project team to be successful in an unfamiliar environment is essential to its growth and sustainability; however, compromises to meet the needs of the new culture were necessary to ensure that the project met its intended target goals and objectives. Since all members of the team were in a position to achieve professional growth, this could not be jeopardized by the team dynamic, thereby creating a situation that required long-term attention and focus in order to achieve the intended results in an effective manner.

Conclusion

A successful strategy for the team at this juncture requires an understanding of the primary differences within the new culture, in addition to an acceptance of these differences as the new normal, at least for the duration of the project. The challenge for the team was to lay the groundwork for success, while also recognizing the issues that the team might face as it attempted to be successful in a new climate. This is an ongoing process that requires a high level of need and focus in order to achieve the intended results. However, the team must remain true to its core values and its ability to focus on the tasks at hand at all times, while also considering how to balance these interests with the needs of the project and the people that would be served throughout its duration.