Importance of Culture and Local Practices for Engineering Projects in Unfamiliar Geographical Locations

Projects in today’s world are being commissioned by global companies in all parts of the world and usually remote from the participant’s home base. Sometimes Project Managers or project team members are not familiar with the culture and local practices of the region of the project. This is in fact a risk in the project. It can lead to increased project costs, delays and contractual disputes. A workshop on culture & local practices for engineering projects in your new location will help vastly reduce that risk.

Europeans working in other European countries can get into serious difficulties with “culture and local practices” faux pas. This is even more likely when operating in the Far East, Indo China and China. And these issues are by not limited to just language barriers or simple misunderstandings in that respect.

A person who has never made a mistake, never tried anything new” is a saying credited to Albert Einstein. There are many such quotes linked to many famous people. Would it not be better to learn from someone else’s mistakes?

Minimise risk of costly cultural mistakes as a result of misunderstandings. Mistakes can result in logistical problems, poor supplier choices, design mistakes, poor construction quality, project delays, contract variation claims leading to budget overspends to name but a few. And of course cultural understanding is crucial to avoid unintentionally causing offence when working in foreign countries.

What is involved in a Culture & Local Practices Workshop?

A workshop facilitated by an Int-ES Consultant can help to reduce the risks by sharing their experiences and knowledge in these geographies, both generally and also specifically in the area of business, manufacturing and engineering in said geography. The workshop will be completely tailored to your company, specifically for your market and geographical location of the project.

  • Typically, 1 to 2 days depending on the number of participants.
  • Usually built into a Project Risk Assessment Plan.

Who should take part?

Key leaders who are considering a project or key members of a project team involved in a project in an unfamiliar location who want to gain some insight into the potential pitfalls of executing projects in that location.

Timing – when should this consultancy be engaged?

As early as possible in the project cycle is best as information gained can often have a bearing on the location choice for a new project. It is also highly useful to do before people start to travel out to the new location so they are prepared for local practices and customs.

Our Consultants

We have consultants available to assist clients in developing the Project Team. They have worked in industry in senior roles in multi-national companies and have lived and worked abroad in many locations in Europe, China and S.E. Asia. They have extensive experience in working on projects at all levels and stages. Find out more about our consultants on our Business Consultancy page.

Contact us to find out more or to arrange your Culture & Local Practices consultancy.