SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND GOVERNANCE

ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY

MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

APPLICATION OF IGNATIAN LEADERSHIP

PRINCIPLES IN ENHANCING CONSTRUCTION
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
Ignatian Leadership for Managers and Entrepreneurs

by:

Sheena Mae F. Pagaran

December 12, 2023

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Table of Contents

I. Introduction

II. Statement of the Problem

III. Objectives and Measures

IV. Action Plan/ Project Mechanics

- Critical Activities
- Expected Output
- Point Person
- Time Frame

V. Project Management

- Structure
- Ways of Proceeding

VI. Required Resources

VII. Appendices

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I. INTRODUCTION

In the construction industry, achieving success involves optimizing operations, fostering

collaborative teamwork, and demonstrating unwavering commitment to organizational
goals. As an Assistant Project Manager working remotely from the Philippines for our
Ohio-based construction company, I've noted challenges affecting our teams
productivity and operational efficiency.

This proposal seeks to introduce principles inspired by Ignatian Leadership into our
organizational framework strategically. Drawing from the spiritual exercises of St.
Ignatius Loyola, Ignatian Leadership promotes an approach that integrates vision,
empathy, and heightened awareness. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, these principles
have demonstrated effectiveness in diverse organizational contexts by fostering
discernment, collaboration, and a profound commitment to collective success.

As we embark on this transformative journey, the implementation of the Ignatian

Leadership principles into our practices aims to lay a foundation addressing both current
and anticipated operational and organizational challenges. This strategic integration
represents more than a conceptual shift. It is a deliberate step towards cultivating a
culture of excellence and sustainability within our construction endeavors.

II. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The organizational structure of our company (see Exhibit 1), encompasses the
operations and accounting/admin departments. As the company undergoes a growth
phase with an increasing number of projects aligning with our expectations, it is
imperative that we approach these challenges with a forward-thinking mindset.
However, being a startup enterprise with evolving systems and processes, the current
lack of operational systems poses a significant obstacle to our desired efficiency levels.

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The prevailing confusion arising from disorganized workflows not only results in
oversights but also leads to issues being left unaddressed. This obstacle significantly
impacts our ability to smoothly progress towards the achievement of our goals. Project
details, crucial deadlines, and operational responsibilities often become entangled in the
chaos, affecting not only individual tasks but the collective success of the entire
organization.

In this context, the need for a structured approach to our operations becomes
increasingly apparent. As we strive to optimize our efficiency and effectiveness,
addressing these organizational challenges will not only pave the way for smoother
project execution but will also establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth. The
subsequent sections of this proposal will outline a strategic plan and interventions
designed to tackle these issues head-on, fostering a work environment conducive to
both immediate success and long-term viability.

III. OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study is to execute strategic interventions guided by the
principles of Ignatian Leadership focused on optimizing the operational processes of our
company. The specific objectives include addressing challenges related to project
oversight, task prioritization, and the establishment of efficient systems. Through the
integration of Ignatian Leadership principles, the goal is to cultivate a proactive,
collaborative, and purpose-driven organizational culture. This approach aims to improve
team dynamics, streamline operations, and mitigate financial liabilities, positioning the
company for enduring growth, heightened productivity, and long-term success in the
construction industry.

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IV. ACTION PLAN

In response to the identified challenges within our company, this action plan outlines a
strategic roadmap designed to enhance our organizational structure and operational
efficiency. With a focus on implementing Ignatian Leadership principles, we aim to
cultivate a transformative work environment that not only addresses immediate
concerns but also propels the company toward sustained success in the dynamic
construction industry. The following action plan delineates key steps and initiatives to
foster collaboration, streamline operations, and establish a foundation for enduring
growth.

CRITICAL ACTIVITIES EXPECTED OUTCOME POINT PERSON

Implement training sessions to Motivated and purpose-

cultivate employee motivation, driven team,
enhance connection with the demonstrating enhanced
Assistant Project
company, and foster purpose- connection with the
Manager
driven leadership. Introduce company and
the concepts of spiritual empowered to take
direction, adaptive leadership initiatives aligned with
theory, and examen. organizational success.
Awareness of the current Finance Manager
Conduct a thorough process
situation to be able to Assistant Project
audit to identify inefficiencies
generate solutions Manager
Develop standardized Finance Manager
Well-documented and
operating procedures (SOPs) Assistant Project
standardized operating
for key operations functions. Manager
procedures (SOPs).

Review and evaluation of

Implementation Owner
generated SOP’s

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 4.4. Timeline

Organizing a system is a complex undertaking that demands collaborative

discussion and proactive engagement from all team members. It requires
heightened awareness of challenges and deficiencies within each department.
The provided timeline (see Exhibit 2) offers a structured overview of the
proposed implementation process, delineating key milestones and activities. This
timeline serves as a professional guide for the company's deliberate
transformation toward heightened efficiency and productivity. The entire process
is anticipated to span over a period of 9 months, reflecting the comprehensive
nature of the initiatives and the commitment to ensuring a thorough and effective
implementation.

V. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This project management plan aims to ensure a phased and thorough execution of the
operational enhancement proposal, with a dedicated focus on stakeholder engagement,
research-backed solutions, effective implementation, performance assessment, and
continuous refinement to foster sustained enhancement within the organizational
system.

5.1. STRUCTURE

This project management structure provides a systematic approach to

implementing this proposal, covering initiation, assessment, intervention
planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement, with a clear
path to project closure and documentation of outcomes.

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5.1.1. Initiation:

 Define the scope, objectives, and deliverables of the project.

 Introduction of the Adaptive Leadership Theory and how
each leader can apply it in their departments challenges.
 Introduction of Spiritual Direction & Art of Discernment to
reflect on the leaders passion and activities that makes them
loose track of time. Identifying strengths and weaknesses.
 Introduction of Examen principles to be able to reflect on
daily activities.
 Establish the project timeline.

5.1.2. Needs Analysis:

 Identify specific needs and requirements for improving team

collaboration.

5.1.3. Intervention Planning:

 Design systems based on identified needs

5.1.4. Implementation:

 Implement and integrate selected tools.

5.1.5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

 Establish a schedule for periodic evaluations to assess the

effectiveness of the proposed strategies.

5.1.6. Continuous Improvement:

 Implement a structured feedback mechanism for ongoing

improvements.

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  Ensure continuous leadership support for sustaining a collaborative
culture.

5.1.7. Project Closure:

 Conduct a final evaluation of the project against initial objectives.

 Document lessons learned and best practices for future reference.
 Prepare a comprehensive project closure report.

5.2. WAYS OF PROCEEDING

The successful implementation of this organizational improvement proposal will

be executed through a strategic project management approach, ensuring a
systematic and efficient transition. The project will encompass the following key
tasks, each designed to address specific aspects of the proposed changes:

5.2.1. Department Sensing:

 Engage departmental personnel to gather insights into

organizational challenges.
 Facilitate open discussions and feedback sessions to understand
department-specific pain points.

5.2.2. Benchmarking:

 Analyze data gathered during the Department Sensing phase.

 Conduct extensive research and benchmarking against industry
best practices to propose innovative solutions.
 Formulate a comprehensive strategy based on the identified
challenges and successful organizational models.

5.2.3. Implementation:

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  Implement approved programs or initiatives in specific departments,
addressing the identified challenges.
 Collaborate with department heads and team members to ensure a
smooth integration of proposed changes.
 Monitor and manage the roll-out process to mitigate potential
disruptions.

5.2.4. Performance Monitoring:

 Establish a robust system for monitoring and evaluating the

performance of the implemented changes.
 Conduct regular assessments to ensure alignment with
organizational goals.

5.2.5. Continuous Improvement:

 Foster a culture of continuous improvement through regular reviews

and feedback sessions.
 Facilitate open communication channels for ongoing adjustments to
the organizational system based on evolving needs and changing
circumstances.
 Implement feedback mechanisms to gather insights from
employees and stakeholders.

VI. REQUIRED RESOURCES

Successfully implementing the proposed strategies to enhance operational efficiency

requires a comprehensive allocation of resources. The following resources are essential
for the effective execution of the project:

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 6.1. Time Resources:

Project Timeline: Allocation of sufficient time for the diagnostic assessment,

stakeholder engagement, intervention planning, implementation, monitoring, and
continuous improvement phases.

Employee Time: Recognition of the time required for employees to engage in

proposal writing and implementation.

6.2. Leadership Commitment:

Executive Support: Strong commitment and active involvement from executive

leadership to foster a collaborative culture.

6.3. Continuous Improvement Strategies:

Feedback Implementation Team: Formation of a team dedicated to

implementing feedback and adjusting strategies for continuous improvement.

Training for Continuous Improvement: Training programs to equip employees

with skills for continuous improvement and adaptability.

By allocating these resources thoughtfully, we aim to create a conducive environment

for successful collaboration initiatives, fostering a positive and innovative workplace
culture. The commitment to these resources will be pivotal in achieving the objectives
outlined in the proposal.

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VII. APPENDICES

Exhibit 1: Organizational Structure

Exhibit 2: Project Timeline

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