Managing Multiple Projects: Challenges and Strategies

Describe a situation where you had to manage several projects at the same time.
Your answer should also include the following:
 Describe the size and complexity of the projects, along with any challenges involved.
 Describe how the objectives of the various projects were managed to be achieved.
 If placed in a situation involving the management of several projects again, would you do
anything differently? What could you have done better?
Answer 1
I managed and coordinated the three projects mentioned below:
Project 1:
I was responsible for project management and contract administration of the construction for
long term care consisting of fifty beds in Goose Bay, Labrador while working as an Engineer III
for Transportation and Works, NL. The project costs about $ 9M.
Challenges: For the construction of a long term care facility, the contractor was supposed to do
tie ins for structural and electrical work as per the things issued for construction drawings.
The stakeholder requested a risk analysis, taking into account the Occupational Health and
Safety Act and and asked to submit the procedures for hoarding the task. It was because there
were patients who were allergic to dust and the demolition of the existing structure for tie ins
would result in huge amount of dusts. The contractor was not cooperating and was in hurry to
finish the task in as cheap as possible and was not willing to acknowledge the stakeholder’s
request.
Objectives Achieved: Understanding the clients’ views, I decided to approach contractor,
stakeholder in positive way in order to commence work as per safety requirements. After going
through detail study following the occupational health and safety act regulations, I prepared a
detail report concerning the need of risk assessment and procedures for inspections control
plan which followed safety standards, legislation act and which would help contractor and
stakeholder in an open, transparent and inclusive discussion. I then discussed this report with
contractor explaining him the importance to do risk analysis, prepare procedures, and follow
safety requirements and their consequences if not followed. At the end of the discussion
contractor saw the other side and was ready to cooperate for stakeholder request. Thus, with
this approach, I was able to commence work on site effectively following safety requirements
and was able to satisfy stakeholder request with no delays.
Do Differently: Next time I will understand and look outside of my area to understand the role
and perspective of stakeholder in the project. I will build an open platform right from day one
with contractor and stakeholders.
Done Better: I should have spent appropriate time on the health and safety documents in
contracts to identify the necessary requirements before commencing the project activities. I
should have taken time to discuss with the stake holder before the award of project.