Deck 15: International Projects

Question 1

Government corruption and political stability are examples of which of the following environmental factors?

A) Geographic
B) Security
C) Cultural
D) Legal/political
E) Infrastructure

Answer 1

D
Explanation: Project managers should operate within the laws and regulations of the host country.Political stability and local laws strongly influence how projects will be implemented.Government corruption is also a very real part of international business.

Question 2

The growing presence of crime resulting from the Russian Mafia has discouraged many foreign firms from setting up operations in the former Soviet Union.This is an example of which of the following environmental factors?

A) Security
B) Economic
C) Cultural
D) Legal/political
E) Infrastructure

Answer 2

A
Explanation: The growing presence of the Russian Mafia has discouraged many foreign firms from setting up operations in the former Soviet Union.Kidnapping of American professionals is also a very real threat in many parts of the world.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a potential advantage of managing international projects?

A) Increased income
B) Foreign currency exchange rates
C) Foreign travel
D) Increased career opportunities
E) New life-time friends

Answer 3

B
Explanation: Some advantages of managing international projects include increased income,increased responsibilities,career opportunities,foreign travel,and new life-time friends.

Question 4

In this culture,it is important never to display feelings of superiority because this makes others feel inferior,mutual respect is expected at all times,and a lot gets done by going through administrative channels.

A) Mexican
B) French
C) Arab
D) American
E) Chinese

Question 5

Needs for a project could include telecommunications,transportation,power,and availability of technically skilled talent.These are examples of which of the following environmental factors?

A) Geographic
B) Infrastructure
C) Economic
D) Legal/political
E) Cultural

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a potential negative outcome for an international project manager?

A) Personal risk
B) Absence from home
C) Missed career opportunities
D) Adverse conditions
E) Virtual teams

Question 7

Exchange rates,inflation,and education level of the workforce are examples of which of the following environmental factors?

A) Legal/political
B) Security
C) Cultural
D) Infrastructure
E) Economic

Question 8

If IBM built a computer system for Outback Barbie Inc.(based in Australia)at their corporate headquarters in Sydney,the project would be classified as

A) Global.
B) Overseas.
C) Local.
D) Domestic.
E) Foreign.

Question 9

Culture is a concept that encompasses all of the following EXCEPT

A) Shared norms.
B) Beliefs.
C) Values.
D) Economic level.
E) Customs.

Question 10

An information systems specialist reported that his performance on a project in Northern Sweden declined due to sleep deprivation during the summer months in which there were 20 hours of daylight each day.This is an example of which of the following environmental factors?

A) Cultural
B) Legal/political
C) Geographic
D) Economic
E) Infrastructure

Question 11

One of the biggest challenges Americans typically have to overcome when working abroad is

A) Language differences.
B) Adapting to the general pace of life.
C) Local business practices.
D) Discrimination.
E) Becoming familiar with local laws and regulations.

Question 12

In this culture,preference is given to friends when hiring,contracting,procuring and sharing business opportunities.Family is also very important and trustworthiness is often gauged by the level of loyalty and attention one devotes to their family.

A) Mexican
B) French
C) Arab
D) American
E) Chinese

Question 13

American project managers have earned a reputation abroad for being very good at understanding technology but not good at understanding

A) Local religion.
B) People.
C) Local economic factors.
D) Local business practices.
E) Laws.

Question 14

If the Lincoln Log Construction Co.(based in Chicago)built an assembly plant for General Motors in Nigeria,the project would be classified as

A) Global.
B) Overseas.
C) Local.
D) Domestic.
E) Foreign.

Question 15

McDonald's is creating a multinational distribution system for all of its foreign and domestic subsidiaries.The project manager is from the corporate headquarters and he manages teams from each of the countries involved.The project would be classified as

A) Global.
B) Overseas.
C) Local.
D) Domestic.
E) Foreign.

Question 16

Concern about the local restrictions on toxic waste would be classified as which of the following environmental factors?

A) Economic
B) Geographic
C) Legal/political
D) Infrastructure
E) Culture

Question 17

Which of the following can help a project manager to digest,clarify,and understand the factors leading to the selection of a specific international project?

A) Risk matrix
B) Priority matrix
C) Responsibility matrix
D) Gantt chart
E) Contingency matrix

Question 18

Communication difficulties due to language differences are examples of which of the following environmental factors?

A) Geographic
B) Security
C) Cultural
D) Legal/political
E) Infrastructure

Question 19

If a construction company in Dallas builds a bridge in Houston,the project would be classified as

A) Global.
B) Overseas.
C) Local.
D) Domestic.
E) Foreign.

Question 20

As a response to the events of September 11,2001,the moving of personnel,materials,and equipment across international borders created border congestion with increased costs and time.This was a result of which of the following environmental factors?

A) Cultural
B) Infrastructure
C) Geographic
D) Security
E) Legal/political

Question 21

When you begin to lose confidence in your ability to communicate and work effectively in the different culture,you are in which of the following stages of culture shock?

A) Honeymoon
B) Gradual adjustment
C) Irritability and hostility
D) Repatriation
E) Adaptation

Question 22

A(n)________ project consists of teams formed from professionals spanning multiple countries,continents,and cultures with their work integrated for the entire enterprise.

Question 23

In Chinese culture,the personal connections with appropriate authorities or individuals is termed

A) Feng shui.
B) Bribery.
C) Guanxi.
D) Quid pro quo.
E) Nepotism.

Question 24

Project professionals assigned to foreign countries should have a minimal understanding of _________.

A) Equal opportunity
B) Dress codes
C) Business protocols
D) Holidays
E) All of these are examples of areas an international project manager should have minimal understanding of before traveling

Question 25

Organizations examine a number of characteristics to determine whether an individual is suitable for overseas work.The following are all examples of characteristics examined EXCEPT

A) If the candidate has work experience with cultures other than one's own.
B) If the candidate is in the position to move if necessary.
C) If the candidate is in good physical and emotional health.
D) If the candidate has knowledge of a host nation's language.
E) If the candidate has previous overseas travel.

Question 26

A(n)________ project is executed in a foreign country for a foreign firm.

Question 27

_________ is critical to the success of business negotiations when working in Saudi Arabia.

A) Calling attention to oneself
B) Patience
C) Determination
D) Displaying feelings of superiority
E) Ignoring administrative channels

Question 28

The following are ways of coping with culture shock EXCEPT

A) Keep expectations high.
B) Create a stability zone.
C) Practice meditation.
D) Keep a journal.
E) Engage in regular exercise.

Question 29

The significance of personal relationships has created a system in which Mexicans are obligated to give preference to relatives and friends when hiring,contracting,procuring,and sharing business opportunities.This is referred to as the __________ system.

A) Manana
B) Gringo
C) Compadre
D) Quid pro quo
E) Nepotism

Question 30

The need to hire tribal bodyguards in such places as Angola and Uzbekistan is an example of the environmental factor termed ________.

Question 31

It is common practice to rely on ___________,often natives who are foreign educated,to bridge the gap between cultures.

A) Intermediaries
B) Messengers
C) Negotiators
D) Agents
E) Mediators

Question 32

A(n)________ project is one executed in a foreign country for a native firm.

Question 33

Intermediaries are often used to bridge the gap between a project manager and the culture in which they are working.The following are all functions they perform EXCEPT

A) Translators.
B) Help foreign project team members complete project work as the project manager specifies.
C) Cultural guides.
D) Social connections.
E) Help to guide the manager through ethical issues.

Question 34

When you have recovered from your sense of psychological disorientation and begin to function and communicate,you are in which of the following stages of culture shock?

A) Honeymoon
B) Gradual adjustment
C) Irritability and hostility
D) Repatriation
E) Adaptation

Question 35

The degree to which local regulations favor local workers and suppliers is an example of the environmental factor termed ________.

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT one of the forms that stress-related culture shock takes?

A) Fatigue
B) Sleeplessness
C) Headaches
D) Hyperactivity
E) Anxiety

Question 37

Construction projects in Southeast Asia having to accommodate the monsoon season when rainfall can be as high as 50 inches per month is an example of the environmental factor termed ________.

Question 38

When the new and unusual are welcomed you are experiencing which of the following stages of culture shock?

A) Honeymoon
B) Gradual adjustment
C) Irritability and hostility
D) Repatriation
E) Adaptation

Question 39

In France,which of the following factors is considered much more important than in the U.S.?

A) Social class
B) Agreement on issues
C) Professional accomplishments
D) Being open during negotiations
E) Dedication to project completion

Question 40

The stages of culture shock include all of the following EXCEPT

A) Gradual adjustment.
B) Irritability and hostility.
C) Honeymoon.
D) Repatriation.
E) Adaptation.

Question 41

The requirement for women to cover head,arms,and legs and to be accompanied by another woman or man is an example of the environmental factor termed ________.

Question 42

A(n)________ project is one performed in its native country for a resident firm.

Question 43

A project that depends upon a high ratio of vendor suppliers,good roads,and other transportation modes,such as air and seaports is an example of the ______ environmental factor.

Question 44

In an effort to manage the stress of coping with culture shock,one can create a ______ zone or an environment that closely relates to home.

Question 45

Culture shock is generally considered a _________ sign that the professional is becoming involved in the new culture.

Question 46

Bartering is a form of compensation that is still used by some countries and organizations and is an example of the ________ environmental factor.

Question 47

When you start to overcome your sense of isolation and begin to acquire a new perspective of what is possible,you are in the ________ stage of culture shock.

Question 48

When interacting with ___________ businesspeople,pay close attention to your own professional appearance and make an effort to appear cultured and sophisticated.

Question 49

A local project is one performed in its native country for a resident firm.

Question 50

Project managers frequently rely on _________,often natives who are foreign educated,to bridge the gap between cultures.

Question 51

In ___________,it is an associated cultural belief that destiny depends more on the will of a supreme being than on the behavior of individuals.A higher power dictates the outcome of important events,so individual action is of little consequence.

Question 52

When you have recovered from your sense of psychological disorientation and begin to function and communicate in the new culture,you are in the ______ stage of culture shock.

Question 53

One approach for the project manager to digest,clarify and understand the factors leading to the selection of a specific international project is to use a _______ matrix.

Question 54

When you start your overseas assignment with a sense of excitement,you are in the ___________ stage of culture shock.

Question 55

When your initial enthusiasm is exhausted,and you begin to notice that differences are greater than you first imagined,you are in the _________ stage of culture shock.

Question 56

_________ tend to idolize the self-made person who rises from poverty and adversity to become rich and successful.

Question 57

Americans tend to be impersonal and practical when making arguments;__________ can be very passionate and emotional when arguing.

Question 58

________ is a system of shared norms,beliefs,values,and customs that bind people together,creating shared meaning and a unique identity.

Question 59

The __________ tend to be less animated than Americans.They avoid open displays of affection and physical contact.

Question 60

The natural psychological disorientation that most people suffer when they move into a different culture than their own is called ___________.

Question 61

The example of one project in Africa being paid in goat skins is an example of the environmental factor of infrastructure.

Question 62

A way for project managers to deal with the stress of culture shock is to redefine priorities and develop more realistic expectations as to what is possible.

Question 63

For most project managers,the biggest difference in managing an international project is operating in a national culture where projects are done differently,using different project management techniques and tools.

Question 64

Americans tend to underestimate the importance that relationship building plays in conducting business in other countries.

Question 65

In dealing with the French,a lot of what gets done is a result of going through administrative channels,which involves a lot of red tape,and efforts to sidestep this can be regarded as disrespect for legal and governmental institutions.

Question 66

Two of the biggest adjustments Americans typically have to make in working abroad are adapting to the general pace of life and understanding the punctuality of people.

Question 67

An overseas project is one done in a foreign country for a foreign firm.

Question 68

The constraints imposed by national and local laws are part of the environmental factor termed infrastructure.

Question 69

Infrastructure refers to a country's or community's ability to provide services such as power,technology,communication,or transportation required for a project.

Question 70

When you start to overcome your sense of isolation and figure out how to get things done in the new culture,you are in the gradual adjustment cycle of culture shock.

Question 71

One factor that is often underestimated until project personnel actually arrive at a foreign destination is the geography of the country.

Question 72

In general,the longer a person is expected to work in a foreign country,the more intensive the training should be.

Question 73

Culture shock is generally considered a positive sign that the professional is becoming involved in the new culture.

Question 74

Mexicans tend to be more cautious and want to spend more time discussing risks and potential problems that Americans might dismiss as improbable or irrelevant.

Question 75

Most of the time project managers can use practices that work in their home country on projects in a foreign country.

Question 76

One approach for the project manager to digest,clarify,and understand the factors leading to the selection of a specific international project is to use a risk matrix.

Question 77

The environmental factor that involves the capacity of a country's military and police forces to prevent and respond to attacks is called security.

Question 78

The initial stage of culture shock is irritability and hostility.

Question 79

It is common practice to rely on mediators,often natives who are foreign educated,to bridge the gap between cultures.

Question 80

Many outsiders consider the Chinese system of guanxi to be like nepotism where decisions are made based on family ties instead of an objective assessment of ability.