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What would be a reason for you to decide against a particular project?
Overview of answers
Answering this question, it’s important to name reasons which fit well into the MBB narrative and a job of consulting – and obviously avoid the reasons which do not. Good reasons to name would be:
- Your tegridy – you are not comfortable with the work this client is doing (e.g. tobacco or weapons manufacturer), so you are not going to work for them
- You feel that the positive impact of the project on the client is not as significant and is not worth your fees – the client would be better off doing it without you
- You feel that the project is badly scoped – the resources available for the project would not bring the results promised to the client
All in all, answer thinking about your client’s interests first and your personal interests second (except in the case of tegridy, because this money can’t buy)
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I would decide to go against a project if it was not profitable, didn't align with the objectives of my manager/the company, or if it didn't align with my ethical standards.
- Timing of the project
- Resources available
- Cost of the project
- Scope and whether SME's are needed
- geography
- beliefs
- my career orient
The company representative is not taking responsability for the projects success, such as not showing up for the calls, or supporting my team in reaching the objectives.
- Historical issues with clients
- Lack of available resources
I believe that the main reason that would make me decide against a project is a lack of opportunities of growth
It violated my morality, ethical code, or the law.
1. When it is something that does not align with my values, for instance a project that goes on the cost of our climate.
2. When I feel like the project is going in a wrong direction and is a waste of time and other resources.
3. When I feel like someone else is a better fit.
If I did not have the necessary skills for completing the tasks and if it in my eyes would be impossible to acquire them in a timely manner.
Furthermore, if it is against the law or the compliance regulation of my organisation or if it violates certain individual's rights.
If there were ethical concerns around the project that signified red-flags for the firm, then this would be a good reason to decide against a project. For instance, if working on a project caused a conflict of interest, then it would be right to decide not to work on the project.
When the client is doing business unethically
Staffing in a very remote place for a prolonged period of time with difficulties to travel
(edited)
It is not required by the client; It is not feasible given the resources available or there are more efficient alternatives available
If the given data/information is not clear and concise and leads to no value addition / results
too easy
N/A
Honestly, this is a though question. Because in most situations I don’t shy away from challenges and try to figure out how to manage them. However, the only situation I could imagine spontaneously in which I would decide against a specific project is when participating on the project is unethical. For example, when strong personal ties to an employee of another firm would lead to a conflict of interests.
Possible Reason: I can not justify the project goals for ethical reasons
If it goes against my fundamental values.
The project would have to be harmful to society.
If the project is too technical, I will decide against it. By technical, I mean if it relies heavily on IT industry as I do not have that background. Even if I can google it, I would need to invest a lot of time in covering the basics.
In co-operative people
Lack of goals in the near and distant future
No resources
No value to the company or the mission
(edited)
If to compromised my personal values and beliefs.
jtreztbztrzerzerzetze
Moral
- negative social impact (relocating 1000 people for a new entertainment center)
Practical
- low odds of succeeding (trying to synthesize complex natural products in our lab)
- necessary technology not yet available
Expertise
- would require a lot of know-how that we cannot deliver in the amount of time