An Impossible Dream?
Synopsis
Allen Block was responsible for the technical implementation of the new customer relationship management (CRM) software in Los Angeles and Chicago. The software was badly needed to improve follow-up sales for his company, Exert Systems. Exert sold exercise equipment to high schools and colleges, as well as to small and midsized businesses for recreation centers, through a national force of 310 salespeople. The company’s low prices won a lot of sales; however, follow-up service was uneven and the new CRM system promised to resolve those problems with historical data, inquiries, reminders, and updates going to sales reps daily. The CEO of Exert ordered the CRM system installed with all possible haste. Block currently had four members in the team working on this project: two in Los Angeles and two in Chicago. On his way to Chicago from Los Angeles, Block kept on thinking about what was wrong with his team. The guys in LA seemed to be focusing tirelessly on work, alternating work with joking around. His team members in Chicago appeared to be alternating between bickering and avoiding one another. Block kept receiving persistent complaints about his team members’ productivity from his boss Zequine Mansell. All through his flight, Block kept on thinking about the reasons for this low productivity and lack of passion among his team members. Block also started fearing that this would ruin his dreams of replacing his boss Mansell, after her retirement.
Questions
1  How would you characterize Block’s leadership approach (task versus people)? What approach do you think is correct for this situation? Why?
2  What would you do now if you were Block? How might you awaken more enthusiasm in your team for completing this project on time? Specify the steps you would take.
3  How would you suggest that Block modify his leadership style if he wants to succeed Mansell in two years? Be specific.
Environmental Designs International
Synopsis
Carver was a highly skilled architect responsible for managing a team of designers in Environmental Designs International’s (EDI) Chicago office. Although his abrupt personality had helped him climb the corporate ladder, his intimidating communication style was beginning to create problems and hamper his ability to get results. Carver learned in his performance review that his work relationships were suffering and the complaints about him were increasing. Even his longtime peers were avoiding him as much as possible and finding ways to work around him. Sensitive to the growing animosity toward him, Carver began to reconsider how he interacted with his staff and peers. He felt motivated to begin using some of the tools he learned in the executive education course he recently completed.
Questions:
1  “At the senior management level, you get hired for competence. You get fired for personality.” In your opinion, is this statement true or false? 2  How does it relate to Barry Carver and his current leadership style?
Identify the behaviors described in this case that were damaging to Barry Carver’s work relationships. Why would a manager behave this way? What negative consequences did these behaviors have on his peers and subordinates?
3  How realistic is it that Carver (or anyone) can change his own leadership skills? What kind of help might he need?

The post An Impossible Dream?
Synopsis
Allen Block was responsible for the technical impl appeared first on homework handlers.

Please prepare as per the requirements
Reflection and Discussion Forum Week 2
Also, provide a graduate-level response to each of the following questions:
What are some of the key difficulties in successfully implementing portfolio management practices?
Discuss the concept of emotional intelligence as it relates to the duties of project managers.  Why are the five elements of emotional intelligence so critical to successful project management?
Consider the profile examples on project leaders Sir John Armitt and Jim Watzin from the chapter. If you were to summarize the leadership keys to their success in running projects, what actions or characteristics would you identify as being critical? Why? What are the implications for you when you are given responsibility to run your own projects?
[Your initial post should be at least 450+ words and in APA format (including Times New Roman with font size 12 and double spaced). Post the actual body of your paper in the discussion thread then attach a Word version of the paper for APA review]
Activity 2
Case Study 3.1 Keflavik Paper Company
Keflavik Paper is an organization that has lately been facing serious problems with the results of its projects.  Specifically, the company’s project development record has been spotty: While some projects have been delivered on time, others have been late. Budgets are routinely overrun, and product performance has been inconsistent, with the results of some projects yielding good returns and others losing money.  They have hired a consultant to investigate some of the principal causes that are underlying these problems, and he believes that the primary problem is not how project are run but how they are selected in the first place.  Specifically, there is little attention paid to the need to consider strategic fit and portfolio management in selecting new projects.  This case is intended to get students thinking of alternative screening measures that could potentially be used when deciding whether or not to invest in a new project.
Questions
Keflavik Paper presents a good example of the dangers of excessive reliance on one screening technique (in this case, discounted cash flow). How might
Assume that you are responsible for maintaining Keflavik’s project portfolio. Name some key criteria that should be used in evaluating all new projects before they are added to the current portfolio.
What does this case demonstrate about the effect of poor project screening methods on a firm’s ability to manage its projects effectively?
Case Study 4.1—In Search of Effective Project Managers
This case involves Pureswing Golf, and illustrates the problems when organizations attempt to locate competent project managers without any systematic plan for identifying and training good potential candidates.  They are discovering that the “voluntary approach,” whereby new project managers are solicited seemingly at random from around the company, simply does not work.  Many of these individuals likely do not have the skills or a reasonable understanding of what it takes to manage projects effectively.
Questions
Imagine you are a human resources professional at Pureswing who has been assigned to develop a program for recruiting new project managers.  Design a job description for the position.
What qualities and personal characteristics support a higher likelihood of success as a project manager?
What qualities and personal characteristics would make it difficult to be a successful project manager?

The post Please prepare as per the requirements
Reflection and Discussion Forum Week 2
Al appeared first on homework handlers.