Deck 15: International Projects

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

B
Explanation: An overseas project is one executed in a foreign country for a native firm (a Swedish company building a truck factory in the United States for their native company).

Question 2

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

Answer 2

E
Explanation: A faltering economy may indicate fewer sources of capital funding.For example, changes in protectionist strategies of a host country, such as import quotas and tariffs, can quickly alter the viability of projects.

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

B
Explanation: Americans are often criticized for being parochial; that is, they view the world solely through their own eyes and perspectives.People with a parochial perspective do not recognize that other people have different ways of living and working effectively.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

Culture is a concept that encompasses all of the following EXCEPT

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

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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

Question 10

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 11

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

Question 12

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 13

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

Question 14

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 15

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 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

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 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

A very good way to overcome culture shock is to.

A)Ignore it
B)Find a good pub
C)Fully understand the language
D)Find a stress management technique that works for you

Question 22

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 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

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 25

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 26

The phase of culture shock where you welcome the novelty and new experiences.

A)Honeymoon
B)Irritability and Hostility
C)Gradual Adjustment
D)Adaptation

Question 27

The phase of culture shock where you begin to function and communicate in the new culture.

A)Honeymoon
B)Irritability and Hostility
C)Gradual Adjustment
D)Adaptation

Question 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

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 32

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 33

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 34

The phase of culture shock where you acquire a new perspective of what is possible and begin to regain confidence.

A)Honeymoon
B)Irritability and Hostility
C)Gradual Adjustment
D)Adaptation

Question 35

A practical step for a project manager to take when trying to select a site for an international project is to

A)Create a specialized Risk Matrix.
B)Fully understand the project budget.
C)Study the foreign exchange rates related to project opportunities.
D)None of these choices are correct.

Question 36

_________ 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 37

The phase of culture shock where you become frustrated with the inability to accomplish things as you are used to doing them.

A)Honeymoon
B)Irritability and Hostility
C)Gradual Adjustment
D)Adaptation

Question 38

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 39

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 40

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 41

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

Question 42

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

Question 43

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

Question 44

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

Question 45

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

Question 46

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 47

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 48

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 49

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

Question 50

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 51

A learning approach to teach cross-cultural fluency that involves realistic training simulations or scenarios is known as the

A)Behavioral/Experiential Approach.
B)Affective Approach.
C)Information-Giving Approach.
D)Lemple-Huffman Approach.

Question 52

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 53

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

Question 54

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 55

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

Question 56

A learning approach to teach cross-cultural fluency that involves the learning of informational skills in a lecture setting is known as the

A)Behavioral/Experiential Approach.
B)Affective Approach.
C)Information-Giving Approach.
D)Lemple-Huffman Approach.

Question 57

A learning approach to teach cross-cultural fluency that involves raising affective responses by the trainer to elicit cultural insights is known as the

A)Behavioral/Experiential Approach.
B)Affective Approach.
C)Information-Giving Approach.
D)Lemple-Huffman Approach.

Question 58

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

Question 59

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 60

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

Question 61

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

Question 62

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 63

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

Question 64

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 65

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 66

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 67

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

Question 68

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 69

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 70

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

Question 71

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

Question 72

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

Question 73

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 74

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

Question 75

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

Question 76

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 77

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

Question 78

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

Question 79

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

Question 80

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