Mini Case New Projects at Browns Construction Engineering Co. Ltd.

(adopted from case by Oswy Gayle)

Instructions: Read the case and attempt the related questions that follow

Kendal and Omar have recently graduated from the University of Technology, Jamaica, both with first class honours in Civil Engineering. They both accepted jobs at Browns Construction Engineering Co. Limited in Jamaica, a company with a large and varied clientele with different needs. They were both given very responsible positions, which required them to make decisions that were critical to the firms performance.

Upon receiving their jobs, Kendal and Omar were informed by their supervisors, Ramon and Jesse, that there were policies and procedures relating to making decisions about any contract awarded.

Recently, the company received two contracts; one in Thailand, to construct a hotel, and the second in Jamaica, to construct a four storey building which will be used for the new Jamaican Parliament Building at the National Heroes Park.

A meeting was called to discuss the projects. Kendal and Omar were asked by their supervisors, to manage the project in Thailand. They were concerned however, as they do not have any experience in working overseas, neither is there much information available in the companys manual about foreign projects. For the second project, Denvan, Oswald and Floyd have been asked to manage the project.

Sara, who is the project manager that approves all projects, informed Omar and Kendal that the project in Thailand was too risky and that she does not have sufficient information on the project in Thailand. In fact she recommended that the Thailand project should be rejected. A decision had to be made by the end the meeting however, the discussions being held were not leading to any consensus. What should be done?

While deliberations were in progress about the companys contracts, Theo and Oliver, the companys attorneys at law, complained of headaches, drowsiness, dry throat, and occasional spells of fatigue and flu. They told Ramon and Jesse that they believed the air quality in the office building was bad and would like for it to be addressed.

Questions Related to the Case

1. Explain to Kendal and Omar what a decision is and why decision-making is an important component of good management in an organization.
2. Distinguish between programmed and non-programmed decisions. What kind of decision is Kendal and Omar likely to make on the project in Thailand should it be accepted?
3. Claudia, a client, has informed you that Every decision can be organized on a scale according to the availability of information and the possibility of failure. Explain what this means, stating what the positions are. Which of these positions is Sara taking?
4. Which decision-making model would you recommend for Denvan, Oswald and Floyd to manage the local project? Explain your answer.
5. Which decision-making model would you recommend to Kendal and Omar to manage the project in Thailand, should it be taken? Explain your answer.
6. Which personal decision-making style do you recommend that Sara uses to arrive at a decision to do to Thailand?
7. What are the potential impacts on the company if the project in Thailand is not accepted?