IPMA Global eCollaboration Competition 2024
International project management case study challenge
Featured image created using the official GeCCo logo and a stock photo from Pexels, used only for display purposes.
Context
I competed in the 2024 Global eCollaboration Competition (GeCCo), a prestigious 24-hour virtual case study challenge organized by IPMA Young Crew. As part of “Draconic Alliance,” I collaborated with teammates from six countries (Canada, Croatia, Iran, Peru, Finland, Greece) among 222 participants across 37 teams from 42 countries. The challenge focused on developing a comprehensive project management solution for Sustainable Aviation Solutions Inc.’s (SASI) new Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant, addressing market analysis, deployment strategy, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. Our team placed 19th globally, with assessors recognizing our “very detailed stakeholder and risk analysis” and “good executive summary.”
Methodology
Given the international team structure and intensive 24-hour timeline, I employed agile project management principles combined with focused competency areas. The approach prioritized asynchronous collaboration across six time zones using overlapping work windows, clear handoff protocols, and shared documentation systems. Teams were evaluated on eight criteria spanning team collaboration (organization, communication, work structure, continuous improvement) and case study execution (project aspects, stakeholder engagement, risk management, lessons learned).
Process
Pre-Case Study Phase: Our team completed a creative music-themed assignment to establish cultural understanding and team dynamics. Each member shared popular music from their country, which we compiled into a presentation, collaborative Spotify playlist, and custom cover design. This exercise naturally revealed individual capabilities and project management skills, allowing us to define roles and establish communication protocols before the main challenge.
24-Hour Case Study Phase: I led stakeholder analysis and risk assessment while coordinating across time zones. My core responsibilities included developing comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies, identifying critical project risks with mitigation plans, supporting communication planning, contributing to multiple questionnaire responses, and ensuring quality assurance through editing, formatting, and proofreading all deliverables. I mapped nine key stakeholder groups with power/interest analysis and engagement strategies, identified five critical risks across technical, regulatory, and market categories, and maintained document coherence across four submission deadlines requiring precise coordination.
Post-Case Study Phase: Created a collaborative team video documenting our GeCCo journey, highlighting key moments, teamwork dynamics, and lessons learned throughout the competition.
Artifacts
- Stakeholder Analysis Matrix – Mapped 9 stakeholder groups with power/interest analysis, engagement strategies, and communication preferences (recognized by assessors for detailed quality).
- Risk Management Framework – Identified 5 critical risks with probability/impact assessments and mitigation strategies across technical, regulatory, and market categories.
- Communication Management Plan – Multi-tiered strategy for project stakeholders plus internal team protocols across 6 time zones.
- Questionnaire Responses – Strategic analysis contributions across multiple competition questions.
- Quality Assurance Documentation – Comprehensive editing, formatting, and proofreading ensuring professional presentation standards.
- Team Journey Video – Post-competition reflection documenting collaboration experience and insights.