INE3009 | International Project Management

In-class Discussion Week 7

Cost and Progress Management
Applied Research Technologies, Inc.: Global Innovation’s Challenges
(Product #: 4168, Harvard Business School, Harvard University, Boston, US)

Group Assignments:
1. Presenting group: 8, 1, 10, 6
2. Reviewing group: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11

Discussion Questions:
1. As Peter Vyas, how would you handle the expenditure request for the re-launch
of the mini water oxidation system?
2. As Cynthia Jackson, would you approve the expenditure request if Vyas sends
it up to you?
3. How effective has Vyas been as a front-line manager at ART? How effective
has Jackson been as an ART division vice president?
4. How well has Vias managed the global challenges this project involved ?
5. How has ART been able to foster innovation and an entrepreneurial
environment in the context of a large corporate entity?

Prepared by Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Ph.D.

Faculty of Economics and Management, VNU International School
INE3009 | International Project Management

Presenting and Reviewing Instructions

Important note:
- All teaching cases are copyrighted materials purchased by Dr. Nguyen
Ngoc Anh for educational purposes only. Do not distribute them in any
forms and by any means, either online or outside our class. We do not
want to become involved in any legal issues.
- Regarding academic ethics, please refrain from discussing the teaching
case materials outside our class. Engaging in academic misconduct may
result in disciplinary action.

For presenting groups:

- To prepare your answers for assigned discussion questions (in
presentation slides) based on provided data and information in each
teaching case by:
▪ (i) focusing on your key points or statements, and
▪ (ii) providing supporting reasons or arguments for your points or
statements.
- Please note that there are no absolute ‘best’ or ‘correct’ answers;
instead, aim for ‘reasonable’ or ‘well-reasoned’ responses.

For reviewing groups:

- To prepare for reviewing the results of each presentation in advance,
whether in texts or presentation slides, you should clearly indicate:
▪ Do you agree or disagree with the presenting group? Why?
▪ Do you want to add new information or insights to the presenting
group?
▪ Do you have any questions or concerns?
- All constructive comments or suggestion really help our class members
learn together. Therefore, please do not just ask a lot of questions;
instead, try to provide comments or suggestions, even counter-
arguments to the presenting group.

Prepared by Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Ph.D.

Faculty of Economics and Management, VNU International School
INE3009 | International Project Management

Group Work Etiquettes

(Two cents from Dr. Walter vom Saal, Professor of Psychology at SUNY Oneonta, USA)

Have respect for each other.

- Respect each other’s ideas
- Respect the other group members
- Don’t interrupt each other
- Everyone’s opinion should count
- Be (intellectually) honest with each other
All group members should do an equal amount of work.
- Everyone should share the responsibility for the tasks
- Don’t take over and don’t let others take over
Your group should have a common understanding of the goals that need to be
achieved.
- Help each other to understand all concepts
Be open to compromise.
- Be willing to cooperate with others on their ideas
- Keep an open mind
- Vote on disagreements
Effective communication.
- Make sure everyone is able to be vocal about their ideas and problems
- Give ideas no matter how “off” you may think they are
- Listen effectively
- Don’t be critical
Time management.
- Attend and arrive on time to all group meetings
- Be flexible about meeting times
- Keep on task (limit talk about non-related events)
Be happy in the group you are in.

Prepared by Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Ph.D.

Faculty of Economics and Management, VNU International School