Achieving Success in Large-Scale, Remote Area Metallurgical Plant Projects

摘要

The pitfalls, pleasures and management issues associated with international and remote projects are diverse. However, no problem is insurmountable and if an engineering team chooses (by luck or good planning) to push through the difficulties, success can mean an extremely satisfying experience for individuals and a significant, positive result for an organisation. International projects are not for the faint hearted or inflexible. Working in foreign lands with people who may or may not speak English and who may not initially respect you can become mentally and physically tiring. Sometimes the challenges are not fully explained to individuals in advance. Individuals then often learn about the challenges — and discover solutions — on the job. While this initially puts great pressure on individuals, matters improve eventually, especially when the locals come to understand that you are on site to make a positive difference. This paper will discuss aspects of a recent international project including meeting international clients’ expectations, dealing with cultural differences, social reckoning, environmental issues, and personal challenges. Specifically, it will cover aspects of working within a Russian cultural setting and overcoming social barriers. The paper also presents coping strategies for long periods of time spent away from home in remote places with extremes in weather beyond the normal experience of most Australians. For example, dealing with the effects of the spring thaw and coping with temperature ranges of -45 to +45°C. Lastly, and possibly most importantly, there will be a focus on the role of translators. They have the power to make an engineer everyone’s best friend or, on your behalf, to order cold chicken liver and heart salad for lunch. If an engineering team can establish a working relationship with translators, they can become an invaluable asset and both on and off site.