the importance and role played by communication in the performance of transnational projects
In the world all over, communication has been lauded as the fabric that holds together the operations. This is particularly applicable in the execution of tasks that involve more than one individual. It is by communicating that individuals are in a position to harmonize their thoughts, desires, and execution strategies. Communication has been defined as the art or skill of communicating ideas, thoughts, and plans from one individual or entity to another one through a medium. Essentially, communication is the elaborative aspect of life. In the execution of tasks and project management, communication occupies a central role. The clarity of thought, concision of ideas, and precision of concepts are to be integrated into the performance of projects. In this regard, the aspect of communication must be adhered to and well-incorporated to ensure the success of projects, especially multinational projects with different actors. This paper seeks to analyze the importance and role played by communication in the performance of transnational projects.
In the performance of Thomas Pharmaceutical International Development, France has a critical role to play. The success or failure of the project is pegged on how effective communication is done. All other aspects of the project, like procurement, decision making, the legal element, and the operation of the facility, are all dependent on the efficacy of the communication channels chosen and clarity of the message passed. Disseminating information from one person to the other are the wheels on which the project rides. There is an undeniable connection between the performance of the project and the clarity of the messages put across. This is as shown in the figure below, where poor communication leads to exponential use of resources, and increased time is taken to accomplish the task. Be that as it may, France must remain in control of the communication channels, develop one point of command and develop an effective medium of communication to all other stakeholders.
According to an article, “The art of communication” by the Project management Institute, communication in the execution of any project cannot be gainsaid. The author posits that the averment that the success or failure of any project is not to be overlooked and ought to be keenly investigated by the key players and dogmatic adherence is plausible. The gravity of this statement can be deduced in the Thomas Pharmaceutical International Development project being a multinational project with international players. One of the critical aspects that must be adopted is the integration of optical communicating channels among the players. As it is the case, the players of this particular project are sovereign nations with particular nationals in charge of the designated tasks. The difficulty paused in this scenario may be harmonizing the various communication channels among the people. As a measure to align the divergent views, the stakeholders are expected to come up with easy to use and cost-effective plan to streamline the communications among the parties.
One of the possible ways of overcoming the communication challenges in the execution of the project is the adoption of global virtual teams. Though different countries have specific roles in the project execution, it is mostly agreed that they cannot operate in the exclusion of other stakeholders. They all must play their respective roles in the project. Case incite, Greece is in charge of staffing and training. In doing so, there is a recruitment process. This can only be made possible if Greece works with France to put up notices for recruitment. Additionally, Japan, which is in charge of procurement, must have a hand in the formulation of the contracts to be employed. The net effect is that the countries must work together to leverage their skillset and resources for the success of the project.
Adopting a global virtual team will considerably reduce the expenses that may be incurred. Some of the fees may include travel costs to the particular country, the time is taken to convene a meeting, and it will serve as a prompt arena of communicating the ideas that have to be accomplished by the team members. To this end, the project being executed in Guyana will undoubtedly take a progressive trajectory. Additionally, working together creates a single point of command, a desirable component in accomplishing the task. The harmonization of project execution has a ripple effect on all phases of the project. In controlling and monitoring, all stakeholders are expected to have timely updates and communication of the activities being undertaken by each player. The constant updates create a conducive environment for the execution of the project in the area.
As stated earlier on, one of the critical challenges in implementing a multinational project is social variations. With stakeholders drawn from all parts of the world, there is an increased likelihood of perceived and weak tolerance of each other. The differences in language proficiency may also rock the project, presenting various hurdles to the implementation of the project. In this case, the stakeholders are from different nations with undoubtedly different cultures and perceptions. Greater still, is the place of execution; Guyana. Guyana is a third world country while the rest may be categorized as first world countries. The resultant effect is that the stakeholders may have different perceptions of the implementation. It is for this reason that communication among the members must be followed to the latter to ensure that there is no miscommunication, and the execution of this project is flawlessly done.
The cost of communication in multinational projects.
In the implementation of multinational projects, communication is a double-edged sword. It holds power to lead to the uttermost failure of the project, and the potential to cause the success s of the project. Amazingly, like a wedge, the power to control the inclination of the project lies within reach of the stakeholders. Appropriating resources and power to building a proper channel of communication undoubtedly leads to the success of the project. Inversely, mediocre and haphazard organization of the communication aspect of the project will yield corresponding results, a failed project. Below is an analysis of the place and cost of communication in a multinational project.
In a multinational project, communication has proved to be beneficial to both the stakeholders and the beneficiaries of the project. Some of the benefits can be outlined as:
- Fast execution of the project
- Maintenance of the budget.
- Excellent post-project factors
- Fast execution of projects.
There is an undeniable connection between communication and the execution of a project. One of the critical theories of project management, planning-as-management, posits that the completion of a phase of the project marks the beginning of the next phase. This is enabled by communication. In this case, procurement to be done by Japan can only be done once China approves project management details. The connecting link between these two activities is communication that has to be done by France. In a nutshell, the pace of execution of the projects is highly dependent on the efficiency of communication between the stakeholders.
Operation with the budget
The relationship between communication and maintenance of the estimated budget for an operation is indicated by the time taken to accomplish a task. It is agreeable that project management is largely the coordination of tasks and leveraging the strengths. The more effective the communication, the faster the execution of the plan, and consequently, the more the stakeholders are able to adhere to the budget stipulated. Additionally, effective communication among the stakeholders reduces the chances of redoing the work that may arise as a result of a misunderstanding.
Excellent post-project performance
Guyana and its citizenry are not stakeholders in the execution of the Thomas Pharmaceutical International Development project. Their participation in the project is that they are beneficiaries of the project. The anti-retroviral drugs to be manufactured will undoubtedly befit the population. In addition to the social benefits that they will derive from the projects, they stand to economically benefit too. As a result, it is critical to communicate the subsequent responsibilities that they bear upon the completion of the project. This will largely determine the continuation of the project once the main stakeholders have played their part. In this regard, it is important that they are included in the continuation of the plan. Communicating these duties, training the staff, and equipping them with knowledge will play a critical role in the continuation of the project. Proper communication with the people will, therefore, be an anchor for the continuation of the project.
Poor communication adversely affects the execution of projects. Some of the major challenges posed by ineffective communication during project execution include:
- Delayed project execution
- Disputes among the stakeholders.
- Delayed project execution/completion
The stalling of projects is brought about by several factors that form part of the larger system. The most ostensible of such challenges is poor communication. Project management is an integrated chain of operations. The life cycle is dependent on the successful execution of each of the parts. Where communication is lacking, the project will stall since the processes are put on hold. The disjointing of one aspect leads to the stalling of the entire project. To this end, al the stakeholders should endeavour to communicate on time of the undertakings. France has an immense task to ensure that all updates on the process and update reports are sent to other stakeholders on time. In doing so, the other stakeholders will skillfully avoid the trap of indolence, thus ensuring the success of the project.
Disputes among the stakeholders.
Disputes arise as a result of a misunderstanding. The root cause of this dispute is on the communication medium chosen or the choice of words. In cases where communication among the project managers is not effectively done, it breeds disputes among the people. The net effect of having disputes among the people is that the project is halted for a moment before the dispute is resolved. Clear and timely communications must be made to the team members to ensure that the process is not stopped unnecessarily.
Possible threats to effective communication in multinational project execution.
Ambiguity.
In any form of communication, the persons involved must endeavour to communicate clear and concise ideas to the other members. This will help them overcome the challenges brought about by ambiguities and have a clear path chart for the project. Role clarity, norm alignment and precision of task come in handy, ensuring that the task is accomplished seamlessly. The success of the project in Guyana largely dependent on the clarity of instructions and ideas from all the stakeholders. As evidenced, the stakeholders are of different descent and therefore run a higher risk of ambiguity in the communication model. Appropriate communication mechanisms may be adopted to ensure the success of the project.
Culture variations
Communication is an art learnt and greatly affected by the environment. Culture affects how individuals communicate. In multinational projects, differences in social and cultural backgrounds may posit a threat to the stakeholders. Empathizing and understanding the differences in cultural orientation has problem effective in maintaining clear and unequivocal communication among the stakeholders. In this project, the stakeholders have divergent cultures, and therefore more effort should be put in considering and understanding one another so as to communicate effectively and accomplish the task at hand.
Recommendation
The execution of Thomas Pharmaceutical International Development has adopted a plausible trajectory. The allocation of a specific task to the stakeholders creates clarity and encourages perfect performance for the task. It is, therefore, a model project that has increased the chances of success. However, the probability may be raised by calling for dogmatic adherence to the set policies and guidelines for the execution of the tasks. Strict observance of the guidelines set will improve project execution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that the centrality of communication in multinational projects cannot be gainsaid. It is a vital factor that should be considered at all times during the execution of the project. In doing so, the stakeholders are able to maintain the grip of activities and the pace at which they are conducted. Effective communication will prompt the flawless performance of the project.