PRJ5001 Project Management Profession Case Study 2 Sample

Assessment Detail

This assessment requires students to work individually to analyse a given Project Case Study pertaining to project planning & execution to write response to the questions to demonstrate their critical understanding of the project case. The case study will be made available in Week 4 on Canvas and details will be discussed in class.

Notes:

• Students are recommended to complete the Academic Skills Module (ASM) before submitting this assignment. The ASM assists students in tackling assignments and developing the important academic skills necessary to write an assignment effectively. Students can access the ASM via the Dashboard and complete this module as an independent learning activity.

• While ChatGPT or other AI tools are permissible for study purposes and to enhance your understanding of the subject, it is important to note that no AI-generated materials, including copied and edited text, are allowed in the final submission. Details on generative AI can be found from Academic Integrity Module in the page titled

Generative AI: Guidelines for Students

The Case of Three Gorges Project, China

This case study will assess students’ knowledge of key content areas of PRJ5001, which include, adequate Initiation, Planning and stakeholder engagement. For successful completion of the assessment, students are required to research and read the case study on “Three Gorges Dam” and analyse it to provide an evaluation of reasons for controversy of this project attributable to lack of adequate care in project initiation, planning and stakeholder engagement and recommend improvements based on content/theories learnt in this Unit. Students are required to review 3 publications provided in Canvas (Module 4) as part of this assignment and analyse/critique them for relevance to project initiation, planning and stakeholder engagement in context to the project induced problems.

Tasks for evaluating the Case Study and writing Critical Review (word count is indicative):

• Introduce the project/case study (~ 200 words)

• Elaborate on the reasons for controversy of the project attributable to lack of adequate care in project initiation, planning and stakeholder engagement (~ 400 words)

• Review the mandatory 3 articles (provided within Module 4 in Canvas) and critique them for relevance to project initiation, planning and stakeholder engagement in context to the case study. (~ 900 words –> 300 words each)

• Recommend what could have been done to improve the lack of adequate care in project initiation, planning and stakeholder engagement (~ 300 words)

• Conclusion (~ 200 words)

Solution

1. Introduction

The “Three Gorges Dam project in China” is considered as one of the most strategic “hydroelectric gravity projects” in the world. The information obtained from reliable sources has confirmed that the last major component of this project was completed in the year 2015. The Three Gorges Dam project is designed to tackle certain challenges including electricity generation, and flood control. Over the period, this project has instigated some controversies due to its social and environmental impacts. These controversies are related to certain issues including environmental degradation due to erroneous construction activities, involuntary migration of communities, etc.

It is already been stated that the “Three Gorges Dam project in China” is one of the largest infrastructure projects worldwide (factsanddetails, 2024). Still, it has encountered criticism for its perceived lack of adequate care in different aspects of project management. This report is focused on assessing those reasons accountable for the controversy associated with the project by emphasizing on the deficiencies identified in project planning, project initiation, and stakeholder engagement processes. Along with this, the report aims to shed light on the challenges encountered during the implementation of such large-scale projects by analyzing these deficiencies. The same will offer valuable insights into the potential areas for improvement for MBA assignment expert.

2. Reasons for Controversy

The controversies associated with the Three Gorges Dam project have highlighted a range of issues. These issues have been originated due to the flawful activities attained during project initiation, project planning, and stakeholder engagement. Inadequate feasibility studies had contributed to the long-term implications and project's complexities. The same had resulted in erroneous dam's construction, particularly without a thorough assessment of potential social and environmental consequences.

Figure 1: Geographical location of The Three Gorges Dam project
(Source; factsanddetails, 2024).

Based on the information available at reliable sources, it has been identified that Forced relocations had led to severe disruption with the communities experiencing the loss of their livelihoods, homes, and social networks (factsanddetails, 2024). Even, the resettlement process was also impeded by certain issues including substandard housing and housing facilities, inadequate compensation, and limited access to essential emergency services (Tan and Yao, 2006). The same had vehemently increased the hardships experienced by the displaced individuals. Along with this, challenges were identified in the context of the long-term sustainability of resettlement areas. The same had resulted in problems such as social instability and soil erosion.

According to the information available at secondary sources, insufficient and ineffective engagement with key stakeholders was another significant reason that has hindered the progress of Three Gorges Dam project (Kuo, 1998). The information obtained from reliable sources has unveiled that the failure to effectively consult associated stakeholders, environmental experts etc. had negatively influenced the decision-making process. Over the period, the same had fueled the controversy and thoroughly marginalized the individuals who were directly affected (Hwang et al. 2011). This is to be included in this context that the human rights organizations, environmental groups, and local communities etc had raised vocal opposition and expressed significant concerns about potential negative impacts. Still, their input was disregarded by the project authorities who were in charge of the Three Gorges Dam project.

As indicated in the secondary sources, this approach had strengthened opposition to the project and eventually fueled controversy to the next level. Referring to the information, it can be derived that the controversies associated with this project has shed light on the significant project management practices with an emphasis on its implementation scopes. In addition, it is essential to prioritize inclusive decision-making processes and transparent communication in order to deal with controversies effectively. Over the period, the same will prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders. Eventually, the same is highly significant to attain the best possible project outcomes in the long run.

3. Review of Articles

3.1. Article 1: The Short-Term Impact of Involuntary Migration in China’s Three Gorges: A Prospective Study

The article has presented valuable insight into the immediate repercussions of involuntary migration caused due to the Three Gorges Dam project. It has brought attention to the human dimension of the project's controversy by highlighting the immediate hurdles experienced by the displaced communities and individuals (Hwang et al. 2011). The article has shed light on this particular context with significant details for better understanding. Even, the same has emphasized on policy implications. In this relevance, it is essential to admit that the literary content depicted in this article has effectively highlighted the social consequences (Hwang et al. 2011). Referring to this information, it can be derived that a more detailed analysis of the project’s initiation, project's planning and stakeholder engagement processes would optimize its depth to some extent.

Although, the article has shed light on the challenges experienced by the displaced populations, the literary content of the article is hardly able to initiate an in-depth examination of the potential factors that has instigated involuntary migration (Hwang et al. 2011). Adequate exploration of the environmental, socioeconomic, and political drivers is essential to ensure an effective understanding of the issue with relevant details (Hwang et al. 2011). Along with this, it is indeed valuable to shed light on the “long-term policy implications”. The same would contribute to the development of sustainable solutions and would enable to address it effectively. In addition, this approach would enable to resolve its adverse effects. The article has effectively highlighted the short-term effects of involuntary migration caused due to the Three Gorges Dam project (Hwang et al. 2011).

Relating to this information, it would be highly significant if this article would thoroughly examine the stakeholder engagement strategies and the project's planning.

Last but not least; this article has provided a holistic understanding of the challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure projects and their influence on the affected communities.

3.2. Article 2: Three Gorges Project: Effects of Resettlement on the Environment in the Reservoir Area and Countermeasures

The article has explored the overall “environmental effects of resettlemen” in the Three Gorges Dam reservoir areas. In addition, the literary content of this paper has suggested effective ways to resolve them. Precisely, the information unveiled in this article has highlighted the concerns about “environmental degradation” due to the erroneous practices attained in the Three Gorges Project (Tan and Yao, 2006). Still, the planning phase of the project requires more comprehensive discussion for thorough understanding. In addition, the literary content of the article has instigated the necessity of initiating a detailed discussion about the strategies for engaging stakeholders (Tan and Yao, 2006). Relating to this context, it can be derived that a more comprehensive discussion of these issues could have contributed to better understanding of project management practices applied in the Three Gorges Project.

It is significant to state that the literary content of this article has raised awareness of the environmental challenges related to the resettlement (Tan and Yao, 2006). On the other hand, it has overlooked further opportunities to explore how these identified challenges could have been resolved through better stakeholder engagement and project planning as well. Referring to this information, a detailed analysis of the planning phase of Three Gorges Project would provide valuable insights into how environmental considerations were strategically incorporated into the decision-making processes. In addition, the article has provided “actionable insights” into implementable strategies for promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impacts (Tan and Yao, 2006). Adoption of institutional mechanisms plays a significant role in strengthening environmental protection (Tan and Yao, 2006).

Detailed discussion with an emphasis on institutional mechanisms would ensure effective understanding of the operational failure and limitations of project management practices pertinent to the Three Gorges Project. In a nutshell, it would be highly significant to explore these aspects by incorporating practical examples referring to the information depicted in the article.

3.3. Article 3: Breaking the Wall- China and the three Gorges Dam

The article has presented a detailed overview of the Three Gorges Dam project. Precisely, the literary content of this article has explored the socio-economic, historical, and significant environmental aspects associated with Three Gorges Dam. It has thoroughly addressed the controversy surrounding the Three Gorges Dam detailing its impacts, origins, and global significance (Kuo, 1998). On the other hand, this article has hardly shed light on project initiation, project planning, and its stakeholder engagement processes. Along with this, this article is failed to recommend effective strategies to introduce further improvement in these challenging areas. In accordance with the information stated in this particular article, the implications and the multifaceted consequences of the Three Gorges Dam have been discussed. Still, this article has hardly assessed the decision-making processes properly (Kuo, 1998).

Apart from that, the role of “stakeholder involvement” throughout the entire lifecycle of the Three Gorges Dam is hardly discussed with significant details. Such inadequacy has prevented this article from offering particular recommendations for enhancing these areas, particularly in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects (Kuo, 1998). Relating to this context, a thorough exploration of project planning, project initiation, and stakeholder engagement processes of the Three Gorges Dam can significantly enhance the literary value of the article. Apart from that, the article could offer actionable insights for optimizing future projects by thoroughly discussing about the stakeholder consultations, decision-making mechanisms, and mitigation strategies.

It is relevant to state that such in-depth analysis enables the project developers, policymakers and other stakeholders to learn from the real-world examples and apply those learning to implement best project management practices in infrastructure development. Last but not least; comprehensive analysis of these aspects can surely enhance the literary content of the article. In addition, the same can potentially guide large-scale infrastructure projects in future towards greater sustainability and project success.

4. Actionable recommendations

In accordance with the information stated in this paper, several initiatives could be adopted to improve project planning, to resolve the challenges due to lack of adequate care in project initiation, multi-layered issues in stakeholder engagement. Relating to this context, some of the actionable recommendations area s follows;

Table 1: Needful recommendations
(Source: created by the author).

5. Conclusion

The information stated in this report has indicated about the erroneous project management practices identified in Three Gorges Dam. Such exhaustive exploration has shed light upon the essentiality of prioritizing effective measures aimed at optimizing project management practices. This paper has also unveiled why it is significant to prioritize stakeholders’ management properly. Precisely, this paper has informed that stakeholder consultations must be integrated into all inter-linked phases of project development. Along with this, it is significant to establish accountable and transparent governance mechanisms in order to facilitate open communication among the stakeholders associated with the project.

6. Reference list

Arif, M. and Changxiao, L., 2022. Impacts of environmental literacy on ecological networks in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. Ecological Indicators, 145, p.109571.
factsanddetails,(2024).PROBLEMS WITH THE THREE GORGES DAM. Available at: https://factsanddetails.com/china/cat13/sub85/item1046.html [Accessed on 12 March 2024]

Hwang, S.S., Cao, Y. and Xi, J., 2011. The short-term impact of involuntary migration in China’s Three Gorges: A prospective study. Social Indicators Research, 101, pp.73-92. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11205-010-9636-1 [Accessed on 11 March 2024]

Kuo, A., 1998. Breaking the wall. Harvard International Review, 20(3), p.28. Available at: https://search.proquest.com/openview/2e72e962af114c4a5171412a6dfc4ef4/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=32013 [Accessed on 11 March 2024]

Tan, Y. and Yao, F., 2006. Three Gorges Project: Effects of resettlement on the environment in the reservoir area and countermeasures. Population and Environment, 27, pp.351-371. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11111-006-0027-0 [Accessed on 12 March 2024]

Yang, L., Zeng, S., Xia, J., Wang, Y., Huang, R. and Chen, M., 2022. Effects of the Three Gorges Dam on the downstream streamflow based on a large-scale hydrological and hydrodynamics coupled model. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 40, p.101039.