Synopsis: Feedback is the mechanism that keeps a culture alive...
This post is part 4 in the Cultures Cog’s series of posts. Click here for – Part 1
In the two prior parts of this blog series we looked at the role "imperatives" and "expectations" play in giving rise to a culture. In this final post we'll look at how feedback is the link that keeps a culture alive.
Feedback is the interaction between people that tells them whether or not expectations are being achieved. Feedback can eit...
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Author: admin
Tram trouble
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: City of Edinburgh Council
Project type : Public transit - Tram Network
Date : September 2003 - May 2014
Cost : £1 Billion (including anticipated loan interest) versus an original estimate of £375M (based on a much larger scope than was actually built)
Synopsis :
What started out as a noble idea in 2003 was later described as the “hell on wheels” proje...
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What’s your employability score?
Featured Article - Synopsis
Link to article - What’s your “Employability Score”?
For many, job stability is becoming a thing of the past. Mergers, restructuring, out-sourcing, changing technologies, shifting markets or simply a new boss with a different vision, are all sources of churn affecting today's job market. Old roles are being swept aside and transformations in the economy usher in constant changes in the way work is done and who it is done by. For the individual worker the shiftin...
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TSA Body Scanners
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: Transportation Security Administration
Project type : Security system
Project name : Unknown
Date : August 2015
Cost : $160M
Synopsis :
Clearly security at major public venues is a top concern in the current global environment and airports are often at the leading edge of the fight. In the USA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is respo...
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Volkswagen
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: Volkswagen Group (VW)
Project type : Vehicle emissions system
Project name : Unknown
Date : September 2015
Cost : Potential costs in the region of $18B
Synopsis :
Arguably one of the most expensive scandals in modern corporate history, the revelation that Volkswagen cheated government emission testing has shaken people's confidence in a once solid bra...
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Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Organization: Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) – South Africa
Project type : Metro bus purchase
Project name : Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS)
Date : February 2015
Cost : R2 billion ZAR (approximately $130M USD)
Synopsis :
The purchase of 60 buses at a cost of R100 million (ZAR) has left the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality...
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Los Angeles Unified School District
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Los Angeles Unified School District - USA
Project type : e-Enabled learning tools
Project name : Instructional Technology Initiative
Date : Apr 2015 Cost : $1.3B
Synopsis :
Bringing equal opportunity to students from all economic backgrounds is a noble and justifiable goal, but having a noble goal doesn't make a project any easier. The Los Angeles Unified School D...
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Target Canada
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Target - Canada
Project type : Retail store opening
Project name : Unknown
Date : Jan 2015 Cost : In the region of $7B
Synopsis :
Drawn by lower prices, it is common for Canadian families to cross over into the USA to grab their shopping. One favourite destination has always been the US retailer known as "Target". Famous for their large red and white bulls eye log...
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Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services
The following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed or troubled projects from around the world.
Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services - Canada
Project type : Welfare management system
Project name : Social Assistance Management System (SAMS)
Date : Mar 2015 Cost : $214M
Synopsis :
It's a narrative that journalists and popular opinion love to draw upon: government can't run projects. While such journalists are often overlooking the many successes ...
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I, We, You, Me – Observations on Team Dynamics
As with most Project Managers, I've worked directly with a lot of people and a lot of teams. As an instructor I've observed and coached even more. I've seen good teams and I've seen dysfunctional teams and over the years I've tried to understand what makes some teams work while others don't. Why do some teams gel so quickly while others never click? Why do some teams transcend individual efforts to perform as a whole, while others remain ineffectual? Why do some teams become lifelong friends and...
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