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, awareness of wider political environment, 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, as 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.
	


Soft Skill	Importance	Examples
Communication	Ensures clear and concise messaging, active listening, and cultural awareness in a diverse and global team setting	Clear and concise messaging 
Active listening
Cultural awareness 
Emotional Intelligence	Fosters self-awareness, awareness of wider political environment, empathy, and strong interpersonal relationships within the team	Understanding and managing own emotions
Identifying and responding to others’ emotions
Building empathy
Problem Solving	Encourages creative thinking, analytical reasoning, and flexibility in addressing project challenges and complexities	Creative thinking
Analytical reasoning
Brainstorming techniques, e.g., Mind Mapping, Reverse Brainstorming 

Table 1: Showing the importance and examples of soft skills






PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

Behavioural Competencies
An important aspect of our presentation was the discussion of behavioural competencies required in the AI in Action project. We emphasized the need for project managers and team members to have a strong sense of ownership and buy-in to the project’s mission to ensure commitment and accountability (Jiang et al., 2019). Additionally, we highlighted the importance of political awareness, relationship development, and strategic influence to navigate potential conflicts and build strong partnerships both within and outside the project team. We discussed the need for team members to be self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses ,taking proactive measures to develop themselves and support others.

The competencies mentioned above, upon reflection, are vital in ensuring team members are aligned with the project’s mission and navigating potential roadblocks effectively (Meredith & Mantel, 2017). Additionally, interpersonal assessment and action orientation are critical in driving collaboration and delivering results. 


Contextual Competencies
During our group presentation, we emphasized the crucial role of project sponsorship in providing support for the project and ensuring its alignment with the organization’s strategic goals (Burnes & Cooke, 2013). We also discussed the importance of understanding different project life cycles and choosing an appropriate one that suits the project’s needs (Kloppenborg et al., 2019). Furthermore, we stressed the importance of legal awareness to ensure compliance with the legal and regulatory framework that governs the project (Kerzner, 2017). Understanding organizational roles and structure is also crucial to identify responsibilities, priorities, and communication channels within the project team (Meredith & Mantel, 2017). We discussed the effective governance of project management as an essential factor in ensuring project success.

Reflecting on the discussion of contextual competencies, we find that having project sponsorship ensures support and alignment with organizational goals, while understanding legal requirements ensures compliance and protects against potential risks. Understanding organizational roles and governance fosters collaboration and accountability, which is critical to achieving success.


Technical Skills

In our group presentation, we discussed the essential role of data analysis in identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making (Helfert, 2018). Furthermore, we discussed the importance of software development and collaborative tools in developing robust and scalable AI solutions (Alimardani et al., 2019). Statistics plays a crucial role in providing insights and validating algorithms used in AI (Babakus et al., 2019). We also highlighted the importance of effective project management, configuration management, and online communication platforms in maintaining project timelines, resources, and deliverables (PMI, 2017). Also, the significance of stakeholder management and ensuring their needs are met throughout the project’s lifecycle (Meredith & Mantel, 2017). Finally, the importance of modelling and testing, and technology management in ensuring the quality of AI solutions delivered to stakeholders (Kshetri, 2018).

Reflecting on the discussion of technical skills, I find that the technical competencies mentioned above require an in-depth understanding of tools and techniques, as well as the ability to apply them effectively. Possessing these skills leads to the efficient and effective development and deployment of AI solutions, leading to positive impacts for stakeholders. Therefore, having technical competencies alongside behavioural and contextual competencies is essential to project management success.


TEAM DYNAMICS


Figure 1:  Diagram illustrating 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, behavioural and contextual competencies, plus technical skills 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.







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