Harvard Case - Arup: Building the Water Cube
"Arup: Building the Water Cube" Harvard business case study is written by Robert G. Eccles, Amy C. Edmondson, Dilyana Karadzhova. It deals with the challenges in the field of Organizational Behavior. The case study is 21 page(s) long and it was first published on : Feb 18, 2010
At Fern Fort University, we recommend that Arup adopt a strategic approach to project management that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and cultural sensitivity. This will involve implementing a robust cross-functional team structure, fostering a culture of open communication and knowledge sharing, and developing a comprehensive talent management program. This approach will enable Arup to successfully deliver complex projects like the Water Cube while maintaining its reputation for excellence and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
2. Background
The case study focuses on Arup's involvement in the construction of the National Aquatics Center, nicknamed 'The Water Cube,' for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The project presented numerous challenges, including tight deadlines, cultural differences, and complex engineering requirements. Arup, a global engineering and design firm, faced the task of collaborating with Chinese partners and navigating the unique cultural and political landscape of China. The case highlights the importance of effective communication, cross-cultural understanding, and strong leadership in achieving project success.
The main protagonists are:
- Arup: A global engineering and design firm, responsible for the structural design and engineering of the Water Cube.
- China Construction Corporation: The main contractor responsible for the construction of the Water Cube.
- The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG): The organization responsible for planning and executing the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
The case study can be analyzed through the lens of several key management frameworks:
1. Organizational Behavior: Arup's success on the Water Cube project was heavily influenced by its ability to manage the diverse personalities and perspectives within its team and its collaboration with Chinese partners. This involved understanding individual motivations, fostering effective communication, and navigating potential conflicts.
2. Cross-functional Management: The Water Cube project required seamless collaboration between various disciplines, including structural engineering, architecture, and project management. Arup's success was a testament to its ability to effectively manage these cross-functional teams, ensuring open communication and a shared understanding of project goals.
3. Leadership: The case highlights the importance of strong leadership in navigating complex projects. Arup's leadership team demonstrated effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to inspire and motivate their team members.
4. Change Management: Arup faced significant challenges in managing the cultural differences and communication barriers between its team and Chinese partners. The case demonstrates the importance of effective change management strategies to adapt to new environments and build trust with stakeholders.
5. Organizational Culture: Arup's success can be attributed to its strong organizational culture, which emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. This culture fostered a positive and supportive work environment, enabling the team to overcome challenges and achieve project goals.
4. Recommendations
To further enhance Arup's project management capabilities and ensure continued success in complex international projects, we recommend the following:
1. Implement a Robust Cross-functional Team Structure:
- Create dedicated cross-functional teams for each major project, ensuring representation from all relevant disciplines.
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities for each team member.
- Facilitate regular communication and collaboration between team members.
2. Foster a Culture of Open Communication and Knowledge Sharing:
- Encourage open dialogue and feedback within teams and across departments.
- Implement knowledge management systems to capture and share project learnings.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
3. Develop a Comprehensive Talent Management Program:
- Invest in employee training and development programs that focus on cross-cultural communication, leadership, and project management skills.
- Implement a performance management system that recognizes and rewards individual and team contributions.
- Create a talent pipeline for future leaders, focusing on diversity and inclusion.
4. Embrace Technology and Analytics:
- Leverage advanced project management software and tools to streamline processes, improve communication, and enhance decision-making.
- Utilize data analytics to identify potential risks and opportunities, and to track project progress.
5. Emphasize Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
- Integrate cultural sensitivity training into employee development programs.
- Encourage cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment that values different perspectives and experiences.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core competencies and consistency with mission: The recommendations align with Arup's core competencies in engineering, design, and project management. They also support the firm's mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for a better world.
- External customers and internal clients: The recommendations aim to improve Arup's ability to meet the needs of its external clients, such as BOCOG, and its internal clients, including project teams and stakeholders.
- Competitors: The recommendations will help Arup stay ahead of its competitors by fostering a culture of innovation, promoting cross-cultural collaboration, and leveraging advanced technology.
- Attractiveness: The recommendations are expected to enhance project efficiency, improve communication, and foster a more positive and inclusive work environment, ultimately leading to improved project outcomes and increased client satisfaction.
6. Conclusion
By adopting these recommendations, Arup can further enhance its project management capabilities, foster a more collaborative and innovative work environment, and strengthen its position as a leading global engineering and design firm. Arup's success on the Water Cube project demonstrates the importance of these principles, and by implementing them strategically, the firm can continue to achieve exceptional results on complex international projects.
7. Discussion
Alternatives:
- Outsourcing project management: Arup could choose to outsource project management to specialized firms, however, this could lead to a loss of control and potentially compromise the quality of the project.
- Adopting a more hierarchical organizational structure: This could lead to slower decision-making processes and a less collaborative work environment.
Risks:
- Resistance to change: Employees may resist changes to the organizational structure or culture.
- Lack of resources: Implementing these recommendations may require significant investment in training, technology, and other resources.
- Cultural misunderstandings: Despite efforts to foster cultural sensitivity, misunderstandings may still occur.
Key Assumptions:
- Arup's leadership team is committed to implementing these recommendations.
- Employees are willing to embrace change and adapt to new ways of working.
- Sufficient resources are available to support the implementation of these recommendations.
8. Next Steps
- Develop a detailed implementation plan: This plan should outline specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities for each recommendation.
- Communicate the changes to employees: Ensure that employees understand the rationale behind the changes and how they will benefit from them.
- Pilot test the recommendations: Implement the recommendations on a pilot project before rolling them out company-wide.
- Monitor progress and make adjustments: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the recommendations and make adjustments as needed.
By taking these steps, Arup can successfully implement the recommended changes and position itself for continued success in the global engineering and design market.
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Case Description
Arup, an engineering firm, collaborated with PTW Architects and China Construction Design Institute to develop a design for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Aquatics Center design competition. Their winning concept for the Water Cube combined elements of Chinese culture with innovative materials and sustainability requirements. The multidisciplinary and cross-company team, based in Sydney, Australia with counterparts in Beijing, faced project management challenges and cultural differences. The Water Cube became an iconic image during the Olympics and managers at Arup now wonder how to leverage the impact within the company.
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