Lessons Learnt from Experience as a Project Management (Term Paper Sample)

Project Management
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Project Management
Question 1
Project managers working abroad are often faced with various challenges including cross-cultural challenges, challenges in adapting, need for additional training including fluency in foreign language and disruption of individual's life including family and social circles (Van and Rothmann, 2006; Bhuian, Al-Shammari and Jefri, 1996).
Adjustment is considered one of the most challenging aspects in working in a foreign country and encompasses the degree of comfort by the individual in the new work environment and absence of stress as a result of the new changes. Adjustment involves adapting to new conditions including a different role, working environment, cultural values and work processes; all which may be challenging for the project manager (Shaffer and Harrison, 1998). Cross-cultural adjustment is especially difficult as the manager tries to fit into the country's lifestyle, diet, practices and language; which are certainly different to what he is used to in the U.S (Van and Rothmann, 2006). This also includes settling into the new team, creating a rapport and eventually becoming part of the team. Challenges may arise where the team is not very accommodative to the foreign manager, especially where change is being introduced, such as in the introduction of new strategies. To survive in such a situation, it is important for the project manager to define a strategy that will ensure that he has backup from team members working in the foreign office. The manager could consult with the relevant team members, discuss his mission, understand the organization's operations and the issues at hand and allow them members to participate in making the decision on the way forward. Involving team members reduces resistance to change as it makes individuals feel appreciated.
At a personal level, the project manager may encounter challenges in beginning a new life in a foreign country, creating new friends and having to live away from family and friends back home. This may add to stress levels and could hinder the U.S manager from delivering efficiently (Shaffer and Harrison, 1998). To address this challenge, the U.S manager must prepare his family in advance and let them understand why he needs to work in a foreign country. He should also organize for regular visits either by himself or the family in order to maintain a good relationship. Communication should also be enhanced to ensure that he is constantly updated on what is happening at home and maintain a close relationship. Where possible, the manager could talk to the family about relocating to the new country in order to keep the family together.
Question 2
The most surprising thing I learned about project management is that a project manager is not only an executor or projects but also a role resembling that of a human resource manager in most instances. Knowing that people are the most important aspects in promoting success calls for a project manager to be be psychology savvy and be in a position to listen and be there for his team members. Separating individuals from their personal lives while at work may be difficult and the project manager must be in a position to offer the needed support to promote productivity.
Performance risk remains one of the most challenging concepts studied. A major drawback and cause for unsuccessful projects