Hiroto, as an architect, reports to Emiko, his project leader, indicating that she is his immediate supervisor. Emiko is, in turn, under Akira, who is the head of project management. Therefore, if Hiroto discovers a significant issue with a project, he should inform Emiko first because she is his direct supervisor and project leaders typically handle project-related issues and are responsible for communicating with higher management if necessary.

Regarding the possibility of Hiroto replacing Akira, Hiroto would not be in a position to replace Akira directly. Akira is in a superior position as head of project management and is not directly accountable to Hiroto. Decisions regarding leadership roles like Akira's are generally made by senior executives or the board of an architecture firm, not individual architects like Hiroto. Furthermore, even if the issue within the project reflects on Akira's performance, Hiroto's role as an architect does not provide him with the authority or likely the qualifications to take over the head of project management.
Akira is the head of project management at an architecture firm. Hiroto is an architect who reports to Emiko, his project leader. Emiko is under Akira in the company structure. If Hiroto discovers a significant issue with a project, who should he inform first, and could Hiroto replace Akira if embroiled in the project issue? Provide a brief response.