Project Management - Choosing a Project Leader - Case Study Example

The accounts manager in charge of the relations with clients and luck martin in charge of supervision of clients mandate meet with Mr. Roberge to propose the candidacy of three project leaders for the position of project manager. They first discuss the specific context required by ABS Canada before checking the curriculum vitae of the candidates. Mr. Roberge was quite impressed with the presentation given together with the achievements of the three candidates. The three candidates had carried out successful similar projects in their line of work. However, Mr. Roberge is still concerned about finding the right candidate with the required solid expertise and knowledge of IT and the software of ABC whole package.

Background information

            Initially, the general insurance company ABS acquired two companies, which are the western general insurance and the general maritime protection. It acquired the two to have a competitive advantage over the insurance market in Canada. The problem arose when the three companies could not function as one but functioned autonomously. Thus, Mr. Roberge was assigned to come up with the IMSP project to integrate the management system and processes. He embarked on looking for the best project manager candidate with the required ABC package to lead the project. His priority for the best candidate was one with experience in similar project management and one with in-depth IT and ABC software package knowledge.

Issues or challenges

            The main problem that Mr. Roberge is facing is choosing the right candidate for the project. He is also faced with the issue of how he can combine the IT expertise of the candidate with other strengths present in each of the candidates. It is important that he make the right and informed choice for the good of the company and the project that is set.

Caliber of analysis

            The three candidates have proof of participating in software development of ABC and in implementation projects in a large enterprise in the course of their careers. Such expertise fits the technological requirement set. Secondly, candidates A and B have had experience in change management in various integration projects. However, candidate A did not complete the business process re-engineering on the required time due to the re-prioritizing of his clients. As a result, the project did not meet the client’s expectations.

            On the other hand, candidate B led successful projects that met the expectations of the clients despite his three years less experience. The integration project that he led has the most interest with the current IMSP project. Thus, in consideration of the internal three units and services integrated, the candidate has the best fit for the situation in ABS. Candidate C has no adequate experience and lacks competitiveness in the context of integrating the functions of the three companies. The reason is that her experience lies in accounting, analysis, and IT. Thus, she may be unable to solve a high level of conflict in the organization.

Recommendations

            I suggest that Mr. Roberge should select candidate B as the project manager since he is a strong leader who has successfully led integrated projects related to the IMSP project. His expertise matches the requirements set by ABS.

Basis of recommendation

            The IMSP project seeks to harmonize the independent forms of HRM, financial, sales, and marketing management. Thus, the project requires an efficient leader and manager of the project. Though candidate B lacks the required experience, he is the most suitable based on his competitiveness and achievements. He may lack the required extensive knowledge in software but that is a concept he can learn with much ease (Carmen, Vital, & Eric, 2006).