Ethics in Project Management The hallmark of a well-functioning society is the e

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Ethics in Project Management

The hallmark of a well-functioning society is the ethical behavior of its members. Ethics is the cornerstone of growth. Lack of ethics leads to increased oversight and decreased trust which diverts productive resources towards implementing additional controls. Therefore, the Project Management Institute (PMI) has dedicated a section on its website to the subject of ethics (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. PMI’s website offers multiple articles on ethics.

The PMI has developed a code of ethics for project managers to adhere to (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [PDF, file size 4.12 MB]. This code presents the ethical standards under four values – Responsibility, Respect, Fairness and Honesty. The course textbook shares some of these standards on Page 23.

To facilitate ethical behavior, PMI has developed an ethical decision-making framework (EDMF) (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [PDF, file size 442 KB]. Following the five steps in this framework will make it easier for project managers to decide on the most ethical choice. An article, “The Leader's Choice – Five to Ethical Decision Making (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.,”, explains this framework in detail.

In the first four modules of this course, you were introduced to project management and you have learned about initiating and planning projects. This midterm test will evaluate your ability to apply the ethical standards in initiating and planning projects.

Write an essay explaining the consideration of the PMI ethical standards during the project initiation or planning processes. Include an example of an ethical dilemma in the project initiation or planning processes. To obtain this example, you may search the internet for ethical dilemmas in project management or you can choose one from your experience or create one with your imagination. Then, apply the EDMF to arrive at an ethically appropriate decision for this dilemma.

**Note**

Your submitted work will be checked for originality via Turnitin.com. A Turnitin similarity index of 20% or higher for your work (excluding references) will result in a redo and resubmit decision, with a grade penalty applied. It is recommended that you use Turnitin.com to check for originality before submission. Your instructor would have already provided you with Turnitin registration information for this class.

NO late submission will be permitted for the midterm exam.

Explanation / Answer

Project management is a process of delivering dedicated outcomes to specific task assigned to a group of employees within an organization. A project will have definite start and definite end. For examples: Dam project, construction project , road construction project , Metro development project etc.

Apart from these broad or bigger task accomplishments , there are smaller size project for an organization . For examples: Launching a new product under the same brand, recruitment project to hire thousands of employees etc.

Generally ,Project manager ( PM) is the most responsible person who has many duties and responsibilities to achieve within the time frame . Any mismatch between project scope and work done will cause serious delay in terms of cost over run and time over run .

Ethical perspective can be said as one of the fundamental elements of any popular project organization. When , a project based organization takes decsion on ethical and value based principles then almost each stakeholders will shown a dedicated contribution and association with the organization. It results into higher productivity, reduced cost of wastage , zero environmental threats , no cost of litigation etc.

While initiating and planning the objectives and scope of the project work , it must be highlighted the ethical based target and work accomplishments.  

FOR EXAMPLE : It is quite important to have true picture about the possible damages due to huge deforestation, use of ground water, emission of gases due to combustion of fuel etc. So, a company must truly disclose its policy towards saving the people from from global warming's influence . Ethics must force an organization that it offers true , honest , dedicated , transparent , value based principles to its different customers related with the project. For example: If , NASA will work on a project human clone then it must tell the government and other stakeholders that it will not damage or disturb the public sentiments or its existence . Ethically sound means providing product and services which fullfill the needs of customers without harming nature , people and any stakeholders involved or associated with the business operations .

A company should ready to sort out any ethical dilemma with its rehabilitation plan and philanthropic approach. For example : A public company which is constructing a very good dam which will provide benefits to many health care organizations , factories and citizens across the country but due to its dam construction thousands of family and local community will get ruined then it should start rehabilitation plan before the actual project task will be started . It must provide a green habitat , employment and other possible benefits to the local mass. It will be an ethical conduct and value based approach if organization will ready to help the affected people with every possible efforts and intiatives .

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