It is now time to review a case study that focuses on ethical behavior.
Access the Open APM’s ethics case study resource provided below to read a scenario concerning ethics in projects.
Can you pinpoint a few instances of professional conduct highlighted in this scenario? Reflect on the skills employed to integrate ethical considerations into the decisions made by the individuals involved. Can you recognize them?
Share your responses in the discussion section below.
After posting your comment, proceed to the next step, where you will find some potential answers provided by APM for these questions.
© The Open University
Downloads
Based on the case study, the project team lacked communication, transparency, and collaboration. William made assumptions that John would like the research report, which seemed too good to be true. He also failed to ask for anyone’s opinion before obtaining the report.
In the end, however, John and Karen discussed the problem with the team and found a solution. They ultimately had to collaborate with another firm to get the job done.
The case study shows how a project team faced a situation where research results looked too perfect to be true. The main issues of professional conduct were the lack of transparency in how the engagement was carried out and the pressure Karen felt to stay silent instead of questioning the report.
What made the difference was the use of integrity, courage, and collaboration. Karen eventually spoke up, and together with John they explored the risks and found a way to verify the data through another firm. Their decision highlights how transparency and ethical problem-solving protect both the project and the reputation of the organization.
Based on the case study, a couple of issues of professional conduct featured in this scenario include:
1. Lack of proper stakeholder engagement
Both William and John were important stakeholders in this scenario. However, William didn’t follow the original plan and also failed to inform John about change of plans.
2. Questionable reliability of the report
The engagement came back with nothing but green lights across all the key parameters, which seemed unrealistic
3. Risk to lose client trust and company
Using flawed data for the next project stage can cause failure and cost the firm it’s reputation
The skills that were used to help bring ethics into decisions are:
1. Critical thinking
2. Communication
3. Problem solving skills
4. Professional integrity
Cross reference examination, review and feedback is very essential when carrying out a project, and as a project manager we need not to be scared of communicating when things are not going the right way.
For me I think Williams wanted to boss around, and show that he is a pro. John understanding the severity of the matter was taken back but again they just landed a big project and the customer relationship needed to be kept. Karen a new bee was in the middle, she had the knowledge of what was going on but again she is new. I give kudos to John for not only realizing the problem, but also seeking the opinion of a junior staff which for me is worthy of note. That you are ahead doesn’t mean that the other person’s opinion doesn’t matter, and we rightly saw that the problem was resolved by joint effort.
John understanding that he should carry out his project professionally applied the ethics and standards skills, William was busy trying to comprise things but John acted as a professional project manager, Karen on the other hand was afraid to speak in other to protect her relationship in the office, as a project manager you should learn to communicate all thing’s that need to be communicated whether positive or negative without fear, it can prevent unforseen challenges that can be avoided if communicated earlier
I was taught essentially the importance of cross reference examination and review and feedbacks
Accountability commitment and dedication are the ethics and values i saw depicted in the case study
In the case study, professional conduct was shown when Karen voiced her concerns about the report’s accuracy despite being on probation, and when she and John worked together to find a solution that upheld the firm’s integrity. They critically assessed the risks, sought independent verification, and prioritised long-term reputation over short-term convenience, demonstrating courage, problem-solving skills, and ethical awareness.