This page provides details  the competition described in the second installment of a fictitious article, written by Migrators. The complete article was originally serialised in the June and July 2000 editions of the UK journal Project Manager Today. 

Part 1, of  the article follows the adventures of Ali during a major international assignment. This includes encountering and resolving a variety of problems that can occur in any international project. The installment ends with Ali encountering a major problem. An opportunity is then provided for the reader to reflect on the the issues surrounding the problem and consider potential solutions. A solution is provided in Part 2.  Click on the Part 1 link to review the first installment.

During Part 2 ,Ali encounters further problems, all of which can occur in international projects. Finally, the installment leads to a free to enter prize competition, run in conjunction with Project Manager Today. Details are provided here. Click on the Part 2 link to review the second installment.

Migrators have extensive experience in managing international work and projects. To support the competition, Migrators have compiled a number of hints which may help you with your answer. Click on the Competition Hint link to view these.

A wide variety of replies were received, including responses from Europe. A number of responses also provided more than one answer. The responses, ranged from the serious to the humorous, with the majority having a humorous touch. Most related to a number of the common project management issues. Although, some also touched on other, wider, issues such as gender and international culture.

The best responses have been summarised and are provided below. In addition, the complete winning responses have been provided.

A number of humorous responses were received. Some of which also provided an indication of a different approach which could also be useful

• The project has language difficulties. Try using one, maybe 'foul'

• Suggesting that Ali should date Nicole, and possibly more. Regardless of the fact that both are female.

• Buying shares in the sub-contractor. Because the penalties are likely to be substantial, Ali could then make a good profit, from allowing the delays to be incurred.

• Reflect on other disastrous projects, e.g. the Millennium Dome. Wren's original Dome was deemed a success, because he remembered to put a Cathedral underneath.

• Some suggested that Ali should be replaced by a man. Regardless of the indication that there was not enough time available to replace her.

A number of realistic and potentially suitable responses were also received, some of these included:

• The project should be allowed to take its course. This would incur delays and penalties. However the project was important for European harmony. Any additional costs, such as penalties and additional manpower, could be recovered in increased charges to the customers, or through other sources such as European Union funding.
• The project may have to incur the sub contractor penalties, and subsequent delays. If this happens, the penalties and delays should be kept to a minimum. If possible, action should be taken to recover the costs of penalties and delays.

From all the entries two winners were selected. One provided a solution, which reinforces some of the basic project management principals, such as planning and risk management. The other suggests a practical solution which could be implemented within the timescales, although may have repercussions later.

• Ali should resist the temptation to 'do something' and use the time for quiet reflection. She can learn from the past, but what is important now is the future progress of the project. Strong leadership is required at this stage. Ali needs to identify the key project personnel, arrange an uninterrupted meeting, and as a team fully revise the Project Plan. Most importantly, she needs to gain commitment to it. A major risk in international projects is communication failure and as part of the replanning a robust communication plan should be put in place. The balance between time cost and quality needs to be considered. E.g. paying subcontractor delay penalties may allow her to meet the quality requirements and avoid costly re-work in the future. Despite the problems she should not allow herself to become disillusioned, but look upon this as a challenge to both her PM and people skills.

• In the time that Ali has available she should ask Nicole to show her the preliminary data. Before looking at them Ali should distract Nicole, such as asking her to get some coffee, or check Ali’s flight arrangements. This will allow Ali to copy the key data - if Ali wishes to be conventional, she could simply ask Nicole for an informal copy.

When Ali gets back to base, she can provide the preliminary data to the subcontractor. Although the data may need to be amended once the results are formally available. Ali should also keep in mind the consequences of the action, which may cause problems later. The preliminary data may be wrong and the work of the subcontractor will have to be changed. The French partners may also find out and complain about inappropriate use of the preliminary data.

Look out for another of Ali's Adventures soon

Return to Ali's Adventures introduction

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