PP MGT 4301 Unit VII PPP

MGT 4301, Project Planning 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VII Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

3. Discuss guidelines for creating a work breakdown structure (WBS).

4. Develop a process for determining the critical path method (CPM).

5. Examine the challenges associated with international project management. 5.1 Identify the six primary environmental factors affecting international projects. 5.2 Describe culture shock and strategies for coping with it.

6. Explain the risk management process, including risk identification, analysis, and response.

8. Formulate a project plan to present to stakeholders.

8.1 Develop a PowerPoint presentation for stakeholders. Required Unit Resources Chapter 16: International Projects—Read the following sections:

• Introduction • 16.1–16.5 • Summary

Unit Lesson For most project managers, the biggest difference in managing an international project is operating in a national culture where things are done differently (Larson & Gray, 2021). For example, most developed nations use the same project management techniques (e.g., critical path method [CPM], risk analysis, trade- off analysis). However, how activity work is performed can be very different in the host country. Project managers typically face a difficult set of problems: absence from home, friends, and sometimes family; personal risks; missed career opportunities; adjusting to a foreign language, culture, and laws; and adverse conditions that they are not used to dealing with. Working with virtual teams is a common occurrence, regardless of whether the project manager is traveling. Communication problems because of language differences often become a major problem in carrying out even simple tasks. Although the use of translators can help tremendously, their use does not solve the communication problems completely because something is often lost in translation. Projects are classified differently depending on the location of the project and whether the customer is foreign or native (Larson & Gray, 2021). Domestic projects are performed in a firm’s native country, while foreign projects for a firm are performed in a country other than its own. Global projects are executed by and for several cultures in several different countries. According to Larson and Gray (2021), there are six primary environmental factors affecting international projects, which are listed below.

UNIT VII STUDY GUIDE International Projects

MGT 4301, Project Planning 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

Project managers should operate within the laws and regulations of the host country. Political stability and local laws strongly influence how projects will be implemented. Government corruption is also a very real part of international business. To access the following resource, click the link below. Meridian Education (Producer). (1995). Business culture: Contracts (Segment 10 of 11) [Video]. In your

culture passport to international business. Films on Demand. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPla ylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=10899&loid=30897

The transcript for this video can be found by clicking on “Transcript” in the gray bar to the right of the video in the Films on Demand database. Before embarking on international business travel, it is essential that you have at least a minimal understanding of the country and the culture you are entering. A few of the key aspects of a country’s culture include religion, dress codes, education system, holidays, daily eating patterns, family life, business protocols, social etiquette, and questions of equal opportunity. Two of the biggest adjustments Americans typically have to make when working abroad are adapting to the general pace of life and understanding the punctuality of people. To access the following resource, click the link below. Meridian Education (Producer). (1995). International business culture: Time (Segment 9 of 11) [Video]. In

your culture passport to international business. Films on Demand. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPla ylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=10899&loid=30896

The transcript for this video can be found by clicking on “Transcript” in the gray bar to the right of the video in the Films on Demand database. Culture is defined as a system of shared beliefs, values, and customs that bind people together, creating shared meaning and a unique identity (Merriam-Webster, n.d.-a). Culture shock is a natural psychological

MGT 4301, Project Planning 3

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

disorientation that most people suffer when they move into a culture different from their own (Merriam- Webster, n.d.-b) The culture shock cycle has four stages, which are listed below.

• Honeymoon: Begins with excitement and welcomes new and unusual experiences • Irritability and hostility: Begins to notice greater differences and frustration sets in • Gradual adjustment: Overcomes sense of isolation and figures out how to get things done • Adaption: Recovers from psychological disorientation and begins to function and communicate in new

culture (Larson & Gray, 2021) Culture shock is generally considered a positive sign that the professional is becoming involved in the new culture instead of remaining isolated in an expatriate ghetto. The significant question is how best to manage culture shock—not how to avoid it. To access the following resources, click the links below. Meridian Education (Producer). (1995). Global business: Cultural sensitivities (Segment 5 of 11) [Video]. In

your culture passport to international business. Films on Demand. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPla ylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=10899&loid=30892

Meridian Education (Producer). (1995). Global business: Negotiating style (Segment 8 of 11) [Video]. In your

culture passport to international business. Films on Demand. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPla ylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=10899&loid=30895

The transcripts for these videos can be found by clicking on “Transcript” in the gray bar to the right of the videos in the Films on Demand database. Stress-related culture shock takes many forms: disappointment, frustration, withdrawal, anxiety, and physiological responses such as fatigue, sleeplessness, and headaches. Stress is induced by the senses being overwhelmed by foreign stimuli and the inability to function effectively in a strange land. People have various methods for coping with culture shock. Some people engage in regular exercise, some practice meditation and relaxation exercises, and others keep a journal. It is also important to redefine priorities and develop realistic expectations as to what is possible. Creating stability zones is also an effective way to cope with culture shock (Larson & Gray, 2021). While working on the project, managers can reduce stress caused by culture shock by recognizing it and modifying their expectations and behavior accordingly. They can redefine priorities and develop more realistic expectations as to what is possible. They can focus their limited energy on only the most important tasks and relish small accomplishments.

A Closer Look The textbook addresses the two biggest adjustments Americans face when working with people of differing cultures: the general pace of life and understanding the punctuality of people. A college softball coach got a taste of this without leaving the country on a beautiful, sunny March day in the late 1990s. Coach Weber spent 20 years coaching college softball in the upper Midwest. Early in her career, her team was scheduled to play a double-header at a university several hours away. This was a small private institution with a softball team made up entirely of athletes from a culture that traditionally does not place a priority on punctuality. As Weber’s team arrived at the softball field that day, she spoke to the team before leaving the bus as she normally would. In addition to the softball preparation details, she also talked about the cultural differences the team may experience in their opponent that afternoon. Even though Coach Weber had addressed the respect, accept, and appreciate your opponent issue before leaving the bus, the team was not prepared for what came next. Weber’s team arrived at around 12 p.m. for a 2 p.m. start time. The team was drilled to always be fully dressed and game ready before leaving the bus. The squad went through its normal pre-game routine that always included jogging, stretching, throwing and hitting drills, bunting, and defensive work. As game time

MGT 4301, Project Planning 4

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

approached, it became increasingly intriguing that the home team had not yet arrived. As Weber’s team was nearing completion of their pre-game activities at approximately 1:40 p.m., she looked down the street and saw the members of the home team casually strolling down toward the field with their uniforms in hand. There was absolutely no sense of urgency whatsoever. Their coach arrived at about the same time. Weber’s team looked on in disbelief as team members arrived at the field, threw the ball around a little bit, and then were seemingly ready to play! Granted, the game started a few minutes after the scheduled start time, but once their players stepped inside the white lines and the first pitch was thrown, the home team was in full-game mode. The games that day were very competitive and fiercely contested. Following the games, Weber spoke with the opposing head coach. His words confirmed the fact that this was their normal game preparation and largely associated with their culture. Needless to say, valuable lessons regarding cultural differences were certainly learned that day.

References Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2021). Project management: The managerial process (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill

Education. https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260736205 Merriam-Webster. (n.d.-a). Culture. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. May 24, 2021, https://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/culture Merriam-Webster. (n.d.-b). Culture shock. In Merriam-webster.com dictionary. May 24, 2021,

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

Printed by: [email protected]. Printing is for personal, private use only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without publisher's prior permission. Violators will be prosecuted.

MGT 4301, Project Planning 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VII Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

3. Discuss guidelines for creating a work breakdown structure (WBS).

4. Develop a process for determining the critical path method (CPM).

5. Examine the challenges associated with international project management. 5.1 Identify the six primary environmental factors affecting international projects. 5.2 Describe culture shock and strategies for coping with it.

6. Explain the risk management process, including risk identification, analysis, and response.

8. Formulate a project plan to present to stakeholders.

8.1 Develop a PowerPoint presentation for stakeholders. Required Unit Resources Chapter 16: International Projects—Read the following sections:

• Introduction • 16.1–16.5 • Summary

Unit Lesson For most project managers, the biggest difference in managing an international project is operating in a national culture where things are done differently (Larson & Gray, 2021). For example, most developed nations use the same project management techniques (e.g., critical path method [CPM], risk analysis, trade- off analysis). However, how activity work is performed can be very different in the host country. Project managers typically face a difficult set of problems: absence from home, friends, and sometimes family; personal risks; missed career opportunities; adjusting to a foreign language, culture, and laws; and adverse conditions that they are not used to dealing with. Working with virtual teams is a common occurrence, regardless of whether the project manager is traveling. Communication problems because of language differences often become a major problem in carrying out even simple tasks. Although the use of translators can help tremendously, their use does not solve the communication problems completely because something is often lost in translation. Projects are classified differently depending on the location of the project and whether the customer is foreign or native (Larson & Gray, 2021). Domestic projects are performed in a firm’s native country, while foreign projects for a firm are performed in a country other than its own. Global projects are executed by and for several cultures in several different countries. According to Larson and Gray (2021), there are six primary environmental factors affecting international projects, which are listed below.

UNIT VII STUDY GUIDE International Projects

MGT 4301, Project Planning 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

Project managers should operate within the laws and regulations of the host country. Political stability and local laws strongly influence how projects will be implemented. Government corruption is also a very real part of international business. To access the following resource, click the link below. Meridian Education (Producer). (1995). Business culture: Contracts (Segment 10 of 11) [Video]. In your

culture passport to international business. Films on Demand. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPla ylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=10899&loid=30897

The transcript for this video can be found by clicking on “Transcript” in the gray bar to the right of the video in the Films on Demand database. Before embarking on international business travel, it is essential that you have at least a minimal understanding of the country and the culture you are entering. A few of the key aspects of a country’s culture include religion, dress codes, education system, holidays, daily eating patterns, family life, business protocols, social etiquette, and questions of equal opportunity. Two of the biggest adjustments Americans typically have to make when working abroad are adapting to the general pace of life and understanding the punctuality of people. To access the following resource, click the link below. Meridian Education (Producer). (1995). International business culture: Time (Segment 9 of 11) [Video]. In

your culture passport to international business. Films on Demand. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPla ylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=10899&loid=30896

The transcript for this video can be found by clicking on “Transcript” in the gray bar to the right of the video in the Films on Demand database. Culture is defined as a system of shared beliefs, values, and customs that bind people together, creating shared meaning and a unique identity (Merriam-Webster, n.d.-a). Culture shock is a natural psychological

MGT 4301, Project Planning 3

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

disorientation that most people suffer when they move into a culture different from their own (Merriam- Webster, n.d.-b) The culture shock cycle has four stages, which are listed below.

• Honeymoon: Begins with excitement and welcomes new and unusual experiences • Irritability and hostility: Begins to notice greater differences and frustration sets in • Gradual adjustment: Overcomes sense of isolation and figures out how to get things done • Adaption: Recovers from psychological disorientation and begins to function and communicate in new

culture (Larson & Gray, 2021) Culture shock is generally considered a positive sign that the professional is becoming involved in the new culture instead of remaining isolated in an expatriate ghetto. The significant question is how best to manage culture shock—not how to avoid it. To access the following resources, click the links below. Meridian Education (Producer). (1995). Global business: Cultural sensitivities (Segment 5 of 11) [Video]. In

your culture passport to international business. Films on Demand. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPla ylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=10899&loid=30892

Meridian Education (Producer). (1995). Global business: Negotiating style (Segment 8 of 11) [Video]. In your

culture passport to international business. Films on Demand. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPla ylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=10899&loid=30895

The transcripts for these videos can be found by clicking on “Transcript” in the gray bar to the right of the videos in the Films on Demand database. Stress-related culture shock takes many forms: disappointment, frustration, withdrawal, anxiety, and physiological responses such as fatigue, sleeplessness, and headaches. Stress is induced by the senses being overwhelmed by foreign stimuli and the inability to function effectively in a strange land. People have various methods for coping with culture shock. Some people engage in regular exercise, some practice meditation and relaxation exercises, and others keep a journal. It is also important to redefine priorities and develop realistic expectations as to what is possible. Creating stability zones is also an effective way to cope with culture shock (Larson & Gray, 2021). While working on the project, managers can reduce stress caused by culture shock by recognizing it and modifying their expectations and behavior accordingly. They can redefine priorities and develop more realistic expectations as to what is possible. They can focus their limited energy on only the most important tasks and relish small accomplishments.

A Closer Look The textbook addresses the two biggest adjustments Americans face when working with people of differing cultures: the general pace of life and understanding the punctuality of people. A college softball coach got a taste of this without leaving the country on a beautiful, sunny March day in the late 1990s. Coach Weber spent 20 years coaching college softball in the upper Midwest. Early in her career, her team was scheduled to play a double-header at a university several hours away. This was a small private institution with a softball team made up entirely of athletes from a culture that traditionally does not place a priority on punctuality. As Weber’s team arrived at the softball field that day, she spoke to the team before leaving the bus as she normally would. In addition to the softball preparation details, she also talked about the cultural differences the team may experience in their opponent that afternoon. Even though Coach Weber had addressed the respect, accept, and appreciate your opponent issue before leaving the bus, the team was not prepared for what came next. Weber’s team arrived at around 12 p.m. for a 2 p.m. start time. The team was drilled to always be fully dressed and game ready before leaving the bus. The squad went through its normal pre-game routine that always included jogging, stretching, throwing and hitting drills, bunting, and defensive work. As game time

MGT 4301, Project Planning 4

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

approached, it became increasingly intriguing that the home team had not yet arrived. As Weber’s team was nearing completion of their pre-game activities at approximately 1:40 p.m., she looked down the street and saw the members of the home team casually strolling down toward the field with their uniforms in hand. There was absolutely no sense of urgency whatsoever. Their coach arrived at about the same time. Weber’s team looked on in disbelief as team members arrived at the field, threw the ball around a little bit, and then were seemingly ready to play! Granted, the game started a few minutes after the scheduled start time, but once their players stepped inside the white lines and the first pitch was thrown, the home team was in full-game mode. The games that day were very competitive and fiercely contested. Following the games, Weber spoke with the opposing head coach. His words confirmed the fact that this was their normal game preparation and largely associated with their culture. Needless to say, valuable lessons regarding cultural differences were certainly learned that day.

References Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2021). Project management: The managerial process (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill

Education. https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260736205 Merriam-Webster. (n.d.-a). Culture. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. May 24, 2021, https://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/culture Merriam-Webster. (n.d.-b). Culture shock. In Merriam-webster.com dictionary. May 24, 2021,

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture