QUESTION $3$

$(30$ Marks$)$

Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

The company, EcoSmart Solutions, is launching a new initiative focused on sustainable energy products. They have formed a diverse project team responsible for designing and promoting an innovative solar$-$powered product aimed at reducing energy consumption. Each team member has been selected based on their unique skills and experiences, but the project's success depends on how well the team members' roles, abilities, personalities, and diversity contribute to achieving their objectives.

The team is led by Alex, a project manager with a background in sustainable product development, responsible for making key decisions, setting deadlines, and guiding the project's overall direction. Alex assigns specific tasks to each team member but allows them autonomy in approaching their responsibilities. The team includes specialists in engineering, marketing, and environmental policy. Each member's role is clear, but they are encouraged to bring personal insights and creativity into their tasks.

Team members have a range of technical and cognitive abilities. For example, Jordan, the engineer, possesses high levels of technical knowledge and problem$-$solving skills crucial for the product's design, making Jordan's contributions highly influential. Mia, the marketing specialist, has strong analytical abilities to identify customer preferences and trends, ensuring that the product aligns with market demand. Some tasks, like product testing, rely heavily on Jordan's expertise, while others, like market analysis, depend on Mia's strategic insights.

The team members' personalities shape their work dynamics. Jordan is detail$-$oriented and dependable, often leading quality assurance and ensuring adherence to standards. Mia is an extroverted team player, bringing optimism to the team and motivating others during challenging phases of the project. Alex's leadership style is conscientious and focused, but they also value open communication, which helps maintain a positive team atmosphere.

The team is diverse in age, cultural background, and professional experience, which adds various perspectives on sustainability and market trends. Jordan brings engineering experience from the automotive sector, while Mia has a background in environmental advocacy, which enhances their approach to customer outreach. Alex has worked internationally and brings an understanding of global sustainability practices.

Based on the scenario, critically analyse how each component of team composition $($member roles, abilities, personalities, and diversity$)$ contributes to the effectiveness of the EcoSmart Solutions project team. Discuss potential challenges the team might face due to the diversity in abilities and personalities and suggest strategies Alex can use to enhance collaboration and maximize team performance.