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INTRODUCTION

The primary aim of this reflective report is to assess the soft skills, project management competencies, and team dynamics that are crucial for the managers and team members in the global project analyzed in Assignment A, “AI in Action: Building the PSS (Early Warning Sign System) for Public Works Projects by the Hong Kong Development Bureau.” The question to be addressed in this reflection is: Which soft skills and other competences should the project managers/team members of the project have?

To answer this question, I will reflect on the choices made in our group presentation, draw from the learning materials and sources on soft skills and competencies for both leaders and teams, and critically analyze the appropriateness of these choices based on the relevant theories. This reflective report will focus on the skills and competencies of the project team involved in implementing the AI in Action project.





SOFT SKILLS

Communication

In our group presentation for Assignment A, we emphasized the importance of effective communication skills for the project managers and team members involved in the AI in Action project. We highlighted the need for clear and concise messaging, active listening, and cultural awareness in a diverse and global team setting (De Janasz et al., 2018).

Upon reflection, I believe the choices we made regarding communication skills were appropriate and effective for the project. Given the project’s global nature, involving team members from different cultural backgrounds, it is crucial to ensure open and respectful communication to foster understanding, collaboration, and innovation. As Hall (2016) suggests, effective communication skills are essential for reducing misunderstandings and building trust within diverse teams.

Emotional Intelligence

In the group presentation, we also focused on the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) for project managers and team members in the AI in Action project. We discussed the need for self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and strong interpersonal relationships. EI is a key factor in understanding and managing one’s own emotions and those of others in the team (Goleman, 1998).

Critically analyzing our choices, I believe these aspects of emotional intelligence are vital for the success of the project. Emphasizing EI enables project managers and team members to navigate the challenges and conflicts that may arise in a multicultural and multifaceted project environment. Furthermore, Chaurasia and Shukla (2015) argue that EI is a major predictor of individual performance and team effectiveness, as it aids in building collaboration and fostering a positive team atmosphere.

Problem Solving

Our group presentation highlighted the significance of innovative problem-solving skills in the AI in Action project. We emphasized the need for creative thinking, analytical reasoning, and flexibility in addressing the project’s challenges and complexities (Fisher & Ury, 1991). We also discussed the value of brainstorming techniques such as Storyboarding, Mind Mapping, Word Banking, Brain Netting, and Reverse Brainstorming in fostering creativity and problem-solving capabilities (Osborn, 1953).

Upon reflection, I am confident that our choices on problem-solving skills are relevant and valuable for the project. Adopting creative and analytical problem-solving approaches enables the project team to identify potential issues, as well as develop and implement effective and innovative solutions. Dyer et al. (2013) support this notion, stating that problem-solving is a critical leadership and team competency, essential for navigating the ever-evolving nature of global projects.






PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

Planning and Organization

In our group presentation, we underscored the significance of planning and organizational competencies for the project managers and team members in the AI in Action project. We discussed the need for setting clear objectives, developing detailed work plans, and efficiently allocating resources to attain project goals (PMI, 2017). Furthermore, we highlighted the importance of monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed to maintain alignment with project objectives and mitigate potential risks.

On reflection, the choices we made in emphasizing planning and organizational competencies are crucial and beneficial for the project’s success. Planning and organizing are indispensable skills in any project, as they ensure a structured approach to managing resources, timelines, and budgets, leading to more predictable outcomes (Kerzner, 2017). According to Turner and Khalilzadeh (2019), effective planning and organizational skills contribute to improved project performance, potentially leading to a higher success rate.

Risk Management

During our group presentation, we also delved into the importance of risk management skills for the AI in Action project. We emphasized the need for project managers and team members to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks and uncertainties associated with the project (Project Management Institute, 2017). Additionally, we suggested employing techniques such as risk registers, risk matrices, and scenario planning to enable a comprehensive and proactive approach to risk management (Hillson and Murray-Webster, 2017).

Upon critical analysis, I assert that our choices concerning risk management skills are vital and relevant for the AI in Action project. Given the project’s innovative nature and the use of cutting-edge technology, unforeseen challenges and uncertainties are likely to arise. Thus, effective risk management practices facilitate more accurate predictions and allow the project team to address potential issues before they escalate (De Bakker et al., 2010). As supported by Leach (2014), effective risk management processes increase the likelihood of achieving project objectives and contribute to the project’s overall success.

Time Management

In the group presentation, we emphasized the importance of time management skills for the AI in Action project managers and team members. We discussed the need for setting realistic schedules, effectively prioritizing tasks, and monitoring progress to ensure on-time project delivery and efficient utilization of resources (Lewis, 2018). Moreover, we recognized the importance of maintaining a balance between project quality, scope, and time constraints to optimize overall project outcomes (Atkinson, 1999).

Reflecting on our choices, I maintain that time management skills are crucial for the successful implementation of the AI in Action project. Effective time management helps the project team navigate complex schedules and resources, ensuring timely completion and minimizing the risk of cost overruns (Lock, 2017). As suggested by Cao and He (2020), time management capabilities have a significant positive impact on project performance and contribute to overall project success.

In summary, the project management competencies we identified in our group presentation are fundamental to the effective implementation of the AI in Action project and these competencies facilitate a well-structured and proactive approach to managing project challenges, ultimately contributing to the successful completion of the project.




TEAM DYNAMICS

Leadership

In our group presentation, we emphasized the importance of effective leadership skills for the project managers in the AI in Action project. We discussed the need for adaptable and situational leadership styles, that take into account the diverse cultural backgrounds and expertise of team members to promote collaboration, motivation, and performance (Graeff, 1997). Furthermore, we pointed out the significance of transformational leadership in inspiring and empowering the team to innovate and excel in delivering the project (Bass & Riggio, 2006).

Upon reflection, our choices regarding leadership skills are essential and impactful for the AI in Action project. Effective leadership is crucial for guiding and influencing the project team in achieving the desired outcomes, overcoming challenges, and embracing a shared vision (Müller & Turner, 2010). Huemann et al. (2016) also support this notion, suggesting that strong leadership is fundamental in fostering high-performing teams, driving innovation, and successfully delivering complex projects.

Decision-Making

In the group presentation, we addressed the importance of efficient decision-making processes within the AI in Action project team. We highlighted the need for a collaborative, transparent, and inclusive approach to decision-making, taking into account diverse perspectives and insights from different team members (Nutt, 2008). Furthermore, we emphasized the value of data-driven, evidence-based decisions in leveraging the AI-driven project environment and enhancing the effectiveness of the project’s outcomes.

Critically reflecting on our choices, I reiterate that our focus on decision-making processes is relevant and significant for the AI in Action project. Embracing a collaborative decision-making approach fosters a culture of respect, trust, and engagement, potentially leading to more informed and effective decisions (Varda et al., 2009). In the context of an AI-driven project, utilizing data-driven decision-making processes is particularly pertinent, as it ensures that choices are grounded in relevant and accurate information (Shmueli & Koppius, 2011).

Collaboration

Finally, during our group presentation, we emphasized the need for collaboration and teamwork within the AI in Action project. Considering the global scope and the diverse cultural backgrounds of team members, fostering effective collaboration is paramount for achieving project goals (Anantatmula & Shrivastav, 2012). We highlighted the importance of clear communication, establishing shared goals and objectives, and implementing supportive team structures to facilitate collaboration.

Upon reflection, I maintain that our choices related to collaboration and teamwork are essential and valuable for the AI in Action project. As Stahl et al. (2010) argue, culturally diverse teams can contribute to increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities. Consequently, promoting effective collaboration and open communication within the project team will not only enhance team performance but may also lead to the development of innovative and successful AI-driven solutions.

Therefore, the team dynamics we identified play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the AI in Action project. These dynamics contribute to creating a high-performing, motivated, and cohesive project team that can navigate the challenges and complexities of the global, AI-driven project environment.





CONCLUSION

Through this reflection process, it has become evident that effective communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for driving team collaboration, fostering understanding, and enhancing innovation within the project.

In terms of project management competencies, planning and organization, risk management, and time management were identified as fundamental to the effective implementation of the project, ensuring a structured and proactive approach to managing resources, timelines, and risks. Moreover, the team dynamics of effective leadership, efficient decision-making processes, and robust collaboration were emphasized as vital components for driving project performance and successfully navigating the challenges of a culturally diverse, global project environment.