Question

Q1 In this unit, you had the opportunity to talk about the important steps that leaders take to manage project teams and to ensure that their work is commensurate with project vision and ultimate aspirations. Synthesize some of the thoughts shared by the authors regarding this important aspect of managing teams.

Q2 Clearly, inter-organizational relations are important. In fact, the authors make the case that managing these relationships can have significant impacts on project outcomes. In the readings this week, some thoughts were shared regarding the importance of this dynamic.

Answer 1

Question 1

A project manager is one of the leaders who are involved in the process of carrying out a project in an organization. Many stakeholders are involved in the day to day running of a project, and therefore different leaders are in charge of various departments. If a productive conversation is not carried out among these leaders, the project is bound to fail as there will exist different opinions on how it should be carried out. For a project team to be one of high performance, the members need to work well with each other, and the one who is assigned as the project manager needs to ensure that they can efficiently work with other leaders.

 

A highly efficient project needs a competent project manager. Such a leader takes several steps to ensure that their team is managed correctly, and the project is successful. The first step is recruiting team members, where the project manager can be assigned members or given the freedom to choose the individuals that they feel are qualified. In this step, factors like availability, technological knowledge, innovativeness, ambition, problem-solving skills, and business connections are considered. Such qualities will put the team in a better position to ensure that the project runs smoothly at all stages.

 

The second step involves holding project meetings, which will set the tone and pace of how the project will proceed. Rules are established, and expectations are placed on how the group is supposed to work. The third is the creation of a team identity that the members will identify with to and the fourth is the creation of a group vision. Fifth, reward systems are put in place to ensure that members are always motivated to work harder for the project's success.

 

Sixth and seventh is the discussion of the decision-making process and conflict resolution. At the same time, eighth is the realignment of the team towards the objectives of the project in case of any dips in energy levels. Lastly is the tracking of the performance to look at how the team will work together when the project begins. I believe that this process is essential in ensuring that the members of a project team can work together cohesively. It helps the project manager gauge how each of the members can handle different tasks and how conflict resolution tactics should be carried out when conflict arises.

 

Question 2

Inter-organizational relationships are created when an organization outsources some services to other companies. Contracting projects in construction is an everyday activity that ensures that projects are completed professionally in a short period. The idea surfaced in the industry in the 1980s and has been a commonplace activity since then (Larson, 2017). It has made it possible for companies to contract their services to projects in far-off countries through the help of technological advancements that have been created.

 

When organizations decide to work together, many advantages can be achieved. First is the spreading of risks to all the organizations involved. Second is the sharing of the costs that are incurred in carrying out the project to completion. The third advantage that is seen is on the better performance on the project as the members of the team are not overworked. Better performance guarantees that the project is a success when it is completed.

 

Inter-organizational relations additionally encourage better communication as it is vital for the project manager to communicate with all stakeholders concerned. This guarantees them that they are always updated on every step of the project to ensure that it runs smoothly. Lastly, the relations provide that the organization that is looking to outsource has access to innovation and other resources. Through these relations, common goals between organizations can be achieved faster, and the rewards that are received from a project can be shared.

 

Inter-organizational relations should, however, be carried out in an environment that is full of trust. If there is mistrust, mistakes and problems are hidden, which brings about conflict in their organizations. It is, therefore, prudent for all stakeholders to ensure that they participate fully in all parts of the projects. I believe that long term partnerships between organizations should be fostered to ensure that they work together hence canceling out the competition. Consequently, the organizations continuously improve themselves, which helps them stand out in the construction industry.