Auckland International Campus: Managerial Decision Reflective Report

This reflective report details a student's experience as a project leader tasked with setting up a new business unit. The report outlines the challenges faced, including internal planning issues, inexperienced team members, budget constraints, communication barriers due to cultural differences, and pressure from senior management. The student discusses the importance of risk management, flexible budgeting, and effective communication in project success. Key takeaways include the significance of clear planning, employee development, and proactive problem-solving. The project, though completed with delays, served as a valuable learning experience, fostering confidence for future managerial roles.

Running head: MANAGERIAL DECISIONS
Managerial Decisions
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

1
MANAGERIAL DECISIONS
Reflective Report
The report is regarding a business project which me and my team was given for further
development of the business. I was made the leader to supervise the project and ensure that the
project was successful. I was given the responsibility to be a team leader and ensure that all my
team member is efficient and dedicated to the project. In any business process or a project, the
most important part is played by the employees as the success of the project is dependent on the
skills and efficiency of the employees who are working on the project (Meredith, Mantel Jr, &
Shafer, 2017). I was given the responsibility to set up a new unit of the business in a different
area. The purpose for such a move was to expand the operations of the business and thereby also
enhance the revenue which is to be made by the business.
This was my first project for which I was given full responsibility, all from planning and
implementing different activities. I am given the responsibility to make the unit ready for
operations and ensure that facility is appropriate for ensuring that business would be able to
operate in such a new area. This the reason due to which I faced certain problems during the
performance of the project (Mir & Pinnington, 2014). It is the role of the project manager to
appropriate adhere to the goals of the business while executing the project and also keep the risks
which are associated with the project as low as possible. It is important that the project manager
consider all the risks while executing the project. In my case also I faced certain problems which
slowed me down a little and affected the deadline of the project.
Some of the problems which I faced during the execution of the project I have discussed
below in details. The first major problem which I faced while executing the project was internal
in nature which are also known as Corporate problems. The planning process required every

2
MANAGERIAL DECISIONS
detail to be considered in terms of performance milestone. However, the same was not defined
clearly which resulted in some doubts in my mind regarding how we are to proceed with project.
The milestones which shows progress in terms of completion of the project is vaguely
demonstrated which shows lack of appropriate planning (Behera, Mohanty & Prakash, 2015). I
was not able to tell whether we are progressing as per schedule or not which resulted in my slight
delay to deliver. I now realize that it was a requirement to confirm the timeframe, budget and
progress milestone for any project before the project actually commences.
The second major challenge which I faced while completing the project was associated
with my team member which were assigned to me. The employees are the main force behind
success of a project. In my case, the employee who were assigned to me were mostly new guys
and they were given a hob so that they can contribute to the requirements of the business (Rose,
Spinks & Canhoto, 2014). Therefore, the employees were mostly inexperienced and, in my case,
often made mistakes or took longer durations to complete a task which further resulted in delay
in the project. This was a major problem as I had to direct these employees and supervise them at
the same time finish my own work as well. This increased my workload and led to the delay in
execution of the plans. For one moment I thought I would be replaced as the execution and
completion of the project was taking too much time. The underperformance of my team was a
major concern for me.
Another major problem which I faced during the execution of the project was related to
the different risks which we faced while implementing the project. One of the risk which I faced
was budget issue as we were allocated a fixed budget and it was the expectation of the
management that the allocated budget would be appropriate. But due to the initial delays which
took place due to planning error and fault of the employees the fixed costs related to the project

3
MANAGERIAL DECISIONS
increased continuously. This resulted in shortfall in the cash amount which is one of the major
risks for us. I had to request some more funds for the project so that the activities can be
smoothly executed. One thing that I learned while completing the project was that it is the
responsibility of the project manager to consider all risks and also take necessary steps in order
to minimize the risks which is associated with the business (Maylor, Blackmon & Huemann,
2016). Another risk which I faced was related to the rising cost of materials which was due to
inflation which also affected our fund management process. One other area where I realize that
improvement could have been made is my fund management system and incorporation of
flexible budgeting system. Flexible Budgeting system would help us in keeping the budget
updated and provide us a better estimate of costs which is associated with the project.
Communication is considered to be one of the important functions of a business and all
employees engage in either formal or informal communication to meet their interpersonal needs.
Another problem which I faced while executing the project was communication issues which
affected my ability to convey what I was trying to say to the staff members. This happened
because my team comprised of individuals who came from different cultures and could not speak
the common tongue properly (Martin & Nakayama, 2013). This resulted in barriers to
communication affecting the efficiency of the project. The communication process is very
important which I realized at that stage only as I could direct the staff members regarding what is
exactly needed and how they should go about achieving the same. In addition to this, if proper
communication can be undertaken with the employees then I can also motivate and encourage
them to give their best. These are the reasons which make the communication process very
important and can be considered a critical success factor for the project and the business (Jones
et al., 2014). One other thing which I realised while executing the project was that if there is a

4
MANAGERIAL DECISIONS
miscommunication than the same poses a significant risk to the entire project and can affect the
success rate of the business.
The decisions which are taken by the management of the company relating to the project
also plays a part on the success of the project. The management also has their own expectation
regarding the project and this also can be a problem for us. In my case, the senior managers of
the company were expecting that I would be completing the project before time so that the
operations in the same can be started immediately. I was also pressurized to speed up the process
so that there is actually some inflow associated with the project. This was an unwanted pressure
as the project was already in lag as per the plan and I had to finish the project before time so that
the senior managers are satisfied. In such cases, many times mistakes happen which can affect
the entire project in an adverse manner. It is the responsibility of the project manager to look
after the important aspects of the project such as goals, timeline, quality of work and the same
needs to be discussed with the management (Hwang & Ng, 2013). I also learned that if any
complication arises in the project the same needs to be informed to the management so that they
can plan decisive actions. These points are considered to be important for the success of the
overall project and it also allows the project manager to keep the senior management posted
regarding the progress associated with the project.
The project in the end was completed with some lag period but none the less the project
was a success. This was my first project and I had executed the same in a good manner. I also
learned numerous things which is associated with project management and also learned what the
common things which can go wrong in a project. The things that I have learned I would naturally
apply in future and also ensure that incidents like these does not take place in future. After the
completion of my first project, I am now confident that I would be able to deal with different

5
MANAGERIAL DECISIONS
situation which arises while implementing a project in a more suitable manner in future. This has
been a good learning experience for me and I would definitely like to take experience forward in
future.

6
MANAGERIAL DECISIONS
Reference
Behera, P., Mohanty, R. P., & Prakash, A. (2015). Understanding construction supply chain
management. Production Planning & Control, 26(16), 1332-1350.
Hwang, B. G., & Ng, W. J. (2013). Project management knowledge and skills for green
construction: Overcoming challenges. International Journal of Project
Management, 31(2), 272-284.
Jones, P., Simmons, G., Packham, G., Beynon-Davies, P., & Pickernell, D. (2014). An
exploration of the attitudes and strategic responses of sole-proprietor micro-enterprises in
adopting information and communication technology. International Small Business
Journal, 32(3), 285-306.
Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2013). Intercultural communication in contexts. New York,
NY: McGraw-Hill.
Maylor, H., Blackmon, K., & Huemann, M. (2016). Researching business and management.
Macmillan International Higher Education.
Meredith, J. R., Mantel Jr, S. J., & Shafer, S. M. (2017). Project management: a managerial
approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Mir, F. A., & Pinnington, A. H. (2014). Exploring the value of project management: linking
project management performance and project success. International journal of project
management, 32(2), 202-217.
Rose, S., Spinks, N., & Canhoto, A. I. (2014). Management research: Applying the principles.
Routledge.