UNESCO Supports Maldives in Reviewing National ICT in Education Master Plan

UNESCO is partnering with the Government of the Maldives to review the Maldives’ Information and Communication Technology in Education Master Plan 2 for 2021-2024 and develop a new national digital learning policy. The Maldives, a small island nation, faces significant challenges and opportunities in its digital transformation and climate crisis. The review process involved over 1,360 teachers, 79 schools, and 50 stakeholders from various government institutions, schools, universities, and companies. The review aims to assess the outcomes of the Master Plan, identify key priorities, and synthesize lessons learned for the design of the next version. Dr Abdul Latheef Mohamed Minister of State for Education, Government of the Maldives, said: “We can link our current initiatives and the ongoing transformation in the digital era. Taking into consideration the digital innovations, we have to make the necessary changes in the new master plan.” UNESCO Programme Specialist Jian Xi Teng presented an overview of the review process, highlighting the key educational issues that technology should address. He emphasized the need for a learner-centered approach that engages all stakeholders and focuses on lifelong learning. Dr Ahmed Mohamed, Minister of State for Education, recognized that “one of the main areas [for the Maldives] is digitalization…

Hetal Vyas Publishes New Book: Project Management Power Play: Your Guide to Delivering on Time, Every Time

Hetal Vyas, a veteran project management professional with over 30 years of experience, is proud to announce the release of his new book, Project Management Power Play: Your Guide to Delivering on Time, Every Time, now available on Amazon in several languages. This comprehensive guide offers practical project management training for professionals at the beginner and intermediate levels. “I am very excited to release the latest edition of my project management master class,” said Vyas. “Project Management Power Play is the guide I wish I had when starting my career. It covers everything a project manager needs to know at every level and applies to virtually every industry.” Throughout his distinguished career in the manufacturing industry, Hetal Vyas has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead complex projects successfully. Vyas received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Michigan State University in 1990, where he further specialized in supply chain management and strategic leadership. He was an active member of The Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU), the Aerospace Club, and Hindu YUVA, experiences that helped shape his multidisciplinary approach to project management. In addition to his expertise in the field, Vyas is deeply committed to mentoring young professionals. He regularly…

UNESCO-Huawei Open School Initiative Expands to Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand

Photo credit: © UNESCO / M. Etchegoyen Huawei announced the implementation stage of the Technology-enabled Open Schools for All Phase II project at Digital Learning Week, UNESCO’s flagship event on digital education. The initiative aims to support the digital transformation of education in Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand through innovative open school models. Building upon the successes of Phase I in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana, Phase II will focus on establishing flexible, resilient, inclusive, and quality learning environments that blend offline and online learning. The project will leverage technology innovations and human capabilities to create a transformative educational experience. The announcement was made during the Technology-enabled Open Schools for All Forum hosted by UNESCO and Huawei. Distinguished guests included education ministers from Egypt, Ghana, and other participating countries, as well as representatives from UNESCO and Huawei. “In Egypt, we have embarked on a transformative journey in education rooted in the belief that technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for unlocking potential, nurturing creativity, and expanding opportunities for both educators and learners. The success of the first phase of this project is a testament to the dedication of our educators and partners,” said H. E. Mohamed Abdel-Latif, Minister of…

APM Launches New Project Management Qualification

The Association for Project Management (APM) has announced the launch of its new Project Management Qualification. This updated qualification is designed to support project professionals at all levels and offers a range of benefits. The new qualification features a revised exam format with a mix of question types to assess candidates’ knowledge and understanding. It is aligned with the latest industry standards and provides a comprehensive overview of project management principles and practices. Commenting on the launch, Jackie Martin, APM’s Director of Education and Life-Long Learning, said: “Our new Project Management Qualification is the result of listening to the profession and experts and bringing what we heard together to create a great new qualification. “We’ve built it from the ground up, keeping what people loved – like the broad syllabus coverage – and making changes where they helped bring new levels of accessibility or a better experience. This includes our new exam format that’s designed to test candidate’s knowledge in a variety of ways. “Thank you to everyone who supported the development of our qualification, including the 300 people who sat our largest ever pilot exam last year.” Key features of the new qualification: APM’s Accredited Training Providers offer training…

Teams celebrate becoming APM Project Management Challenge finalists

Teams from Association for Project Management (APM) Regional Networks have been celebrating the news of their nomination in the APM Project Management Challenge. Team Synergy from Babcock and Devonport Plymouth (South Wales and West of England Regional Network) and PM Dream Team from Mott MacDonald (Thames Valley Regional Network) have been reacting to their selection for the award. The APM Project Management Challenge is an annual competition which has been running for over a decade, where teams from each of the APM Regional Networks have the opportunity to conceptualise, plan, and deliver a project, from start to finish. This year, the APM Project Management Challenge will be featured as a category at the APM Project Management Awards, taking place on 18 November at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London. The teams that were shortlisted at a regional level alongside PM Dream Team and Team Synergy were Nexus from Nexus Rail (North East), North Coast Net Zero from Nuclear Restoration Services (Scotland), Team of Tomorrow from BAE Systems (Wessex), and Summit from Jacobs (Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire). While these six teams won at a regional level, only two were selected to be finalists for the Project Management Challenge. PM Dream Team…

Agile Business Consortium launches AgilePM3 – the future of Agile Project Management

The Agile Business Consortium is excited to announce the release of AgilePM3, the latest evolution in agile project management. This new version is designed to meet the growing needs and challenges of project managers, providing practical solutions that focus on delivering real value. Are you a project professional feeling overwhelmed by complex tasks, unproductive meetings, endless bureaucracy, and the challenge of delivering real value? Agile Project Management Version 3 (AgilePM3) is here to help. The world’s leading approach for managing projects in an agile way, just got better. By popular demand, AgilePM3 has been developed with input from project professionals, trainers and industry experts to ensure it addresses the common pain points faced in today’s fast-paced business environment. Whether it’s managing complex work, dealing with unproductive meetings, or navigating through endless bureaucracy, AgilePM3 offers simple, clear, and actionable solutions. What’s New in AgilePM3? Focus on Real Value. AgilePM3 shifts the focus from just delivering products to delivering real value. It seamlessly integrates Scrum – globally, the most widely used agile approach to product delivery – with agility in project management to ensure that every project not only meets its delivery goals but also brings sustainable benefit to the organisation, its…

Emotional Intelligence: The Secret Weapon of Successful Project Managers

Insight from Capterra Project managers have a vast arsenal of tools at their disposal, but one essential skill is often overlooked: emotional intelligence (EQ). A new Capterra survey explores how project managers can leverage EQ to overcome challenges and excel in their roles. Project management is a dynamic and multifaceted discipline. Success hinges on possessing a diverse skillset that extends beyond technical expertise. While project management tools streamline technical aspects, project managers who can effectively navigate interpersonal dynamics are the ones who truly thrive. This is where EQ comes into play. Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and utilize your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. By employing EQ-based techniques, such as active listening and open-mindedness, project managers can foster stronger relationships with stakeholders and make more informed decisions. To gauge the impact of EQ on project management, Capterra surveyed 2,500 project professionals across 12 countries. The study revealed: Investing in EQ development for project teams is a wise strategy. Training workshops and EQ assessments can significantly enhance team dynamics and project outcomes. Combining project management tools with EQ assessment tools like the Emotional Capital Report (ECR) or Emotional Quotient Inventory can offer valuable…

Project Management Institute Brings Expertise to Cannes Lions Festival

The Project Management Institute (PMI), a leading organization for project management professionals, is making a significant presence at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this year. PMI, led by CEO Pierre Le Manh, PMP, and CMO Menaka Gopinath, CAPM, along with other certified members, aims to bridge the gap between creativity and execution in the fast-paced world of advertising. “Finding the path for unleashing creativity to change the world requires a bridge – and that bridge is effective project management,” said PMI President & CEO Pierre Le Manh, PMP. “At Project Management Institute, we are dedicated to equipping creative leaders with the tools and knowledge to drive project success and make a lasting impact.” “Effective project management is the backbone of successful creative campaigns,” said Menaka Gopinath, Chief Marketing Officer of PMI. “Engaging with the Cannes Lions community is an amazing way for us to show how project management skills support successful creative projects, which drive value, impact and growth in this industry. In such a competitive industry, enabling both creativity and execution is now an urgent priority. That’s why PMI Educational Foundation is offering 50 Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® scholarships for training and exam prep, to…

More Routes to Chartered Status for Project Professionals

Project professionals in the UK have more options to achieve Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status following a recent announcement by the Association for Project Management (APM). APM has expanded its recognition of qualifying credentials, now including both the APM Project Management Qualification and the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This change is part of APM’s newly launched pathway to ChPP status, starting in September 2024. Commenting on the recognition of both qualifications, Chief Executive of APM, Professor Adam Boddison OBE, said: “Seeing both the APM Project Management Qualification and PMP now affording project, programme and portfolio (P3M) professionals equal opportunities towards ChPP status is an important milestone “Although there are many professional bodies, we’re one profession and as the demand across all sectors for ever bigger and more complex projects continues, we must continue to raise the recognition and importance of having world class competent project professionals at the helm; however, and wherever they developed their skills. Chartered status will be central to that recognition.” The move acknowledges the growing demand for highly skilled project professionals to manage increasingly complex projects. Chartered status, achieved through the ChPP pathway, will act as a mark…

Hetal Vyas Announces New Project Management Workshop

Renowned project management expert Hetal Vyas is thrilled to announce the launch of a comprehensive new project management workshop. With over three decades of experience in the manufacturing industry and a proven track record of leading successful projects, Hetal Vyas is uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights and practical skills to both aspiring and seasoned project managers. The new workshop is designed to cater to a diverse audience, from beginners to experienced project managers seeking to refine their skills. Participants will benefit from Hetal Vyas’s extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in project management. Key topics covered in the workshop include: Attending this workshop will give participants valuable tools and strategies to increase project success rates, improve team collaboration, and manage time more effectively. The interactive format of the workshop, which will be conducted online, ensures that attendees can engage directly with Hetal Vyas and benefit from real-time feedback and practical exercises. “I am incredibly excited to launch this new project management workshop,” said Hetal Vyas. “My goal is to empower project managers with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their roles. This workshop is a unique opportunity for participants to learn from my experiences and apply practical solutions…