On February 11-13, 2001, at The Lodge at Snowbird ski resort in the Wasatch mountains of Utah, seventeen people met to talk, ski, relax, and try to find common ground—and, of course, to eat. What emerged was the Agile ‘Software Development’ Manifesto. Representatives from Extreme Programming, SCRUM, DSDM, Adaptive Software Development, Crystal, Feature-Driven Development, Pragmatic Programming, and others sympathetic to the need for an alternative to documentation-driven, heavyweight software development processes convened. [The Origins of Agile – Extract from AgileManifesto.org] In today’s article, we undertake an exploration of the Agile way of working, reporting on its evolution to becoming, one of the industry’s leading project applications and its contribution to contemporary project delivery. As the industry eagerly anticipates the imminent launch of AgilePM3, we sit down with one of the leading architects of Agile project management, Andrew Craddock of the Agile Business Consortium, to get an insider’s perspective. Andrew, can you tell us about your background and how you got involved with Agile project delivery? Andrew began his career as a software developer for British Airways in the late 1980s but quickly transitioned to IT management, a field he found better suited to his talents and interests than the intricacies…
Insight from Dr Felicity Heathcote-Márcz Change and uncertainty is the new norm in global politics, but 2024 is a big year of optimistic change and new beginnings, with elections in the UK, France and the US all making waves. One of the trickiest issues these countries, and almost all Western economies are facing, is sluggish growth. It doesn’t bode well for an economic MOT of the G7, when the UK had the highest growth rate of Q1 at 0.7%. The US looks to be faring better than Europe on some measures, but has faced the slowest wage growth for several years and a rising rate of unemployment. All new incoming governments will have to tackle this issue quickly if they want to make any progress and maintain support from voters. The ability to make transformative investments depends on an economy that governments and markets can be confident is getting stronger. The stark difference between the inheritance of the incoming Labour government in the UK in 1997 for example, with a strong budget to spend on infrastructure and public services, and the deficit and low productivity faced by the new 2024 Starmer government in the UK, could not be more different….
This is our second interview with Murray Ross. If you missed the first interview, which focuses on his career so far, you can read it here. In the rapidly transforming landscape of the Middle East, AtkinsRéalis stands as an example of industry-leading innovation and excellence. This organization, recognized for its groundbreaking projects and human-centric approach, strives to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. A Legacy of Excellence Founded in 1911, AtkinsRéalis, a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, has a long and illustrious history. Originally known as SNC-Lavalin, the Company has evolved over more than a century, adapting to the changing demands of the engineering and construction sectors. The rebranding to AtkinsRéalis in 2023 represents more than just a name change; it reflects a renewed commitment to innovation and sustainable development. This evolution has seen the Company rise to the forefront of engineering excellence, garnering numerous accolades and awards that underscore its pioneering spirit. Supporting Regional Transformation The Middle East has become a central stage for AtkinsRéalis’ most ambitious projects. The Company’s work in the region is about delivering sustainable infrastructure, creating spaces where people can thrive, and supporting…
A Journey of Resilience and Relentless Pursuit of Excellence In the heart of the global built environment sector, one name resonates with unparalleled respect and admiration—Murray Ross. As an industry veteran, Murray is one of the key leaders helping to steer excellence in project management and delivery as well as talent development in these fields. His journey from graduate civil engineer in Scotland to being a pivotal figure in the Middle East is a testament to his tenacity, focus, and innovative spirit. In our feature article, we ask Murray how, he has so successfully navigated his career, across multiple continents and organisations. And how he has enabled career opportunities to position himself as an influential leader at such a young age. From Humble Beginnings to Professional Heights Born in Scotland – the traces of his accent are still evident as we speak, despite his extensive global travels and current residence in Dubai – Murray’s career is a rich tapestry of experiences. He began his career in 2004 when he embarked on a Civil Engineering degree, studying at the University of Glasgow. “The initial phase was daunting,” Murray recalls, reminiscing about the rigors of a math and physics-heavy curriculum. However, these…
A Conversation with Roselyn Unegbu, Delivery Director LNI at Thames Water and Founder of Projects In Prism As a leading figure in the UK’s project community, few names resonate with the authority and insight of Roselyn Unegbu. Roselyn’s career trajectory has been marked by strategic acumen and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, as one of Thames Water’s infrastructure directors, her role is pivotal in helping to ensure the continuous supply of safe drinking water and the sustainable management of wastewater for one of the UK’s most critical regions. Since her appointment in November 2023, one of Roselyn’s key priorities is maintaining the delivery of essential services in parts of the London area. Thames Water is the utility provider for millions of residents and businesses across the Thames region, a hub that is both the economic pulse and lifeline of the UK. Thames Water, a public sector entity, operates within a unique project management ecosystem where success is measured not by profit margins but by stakeholder satisfaction and strategic outcomes. The repercussions of falling short in these areas can be severe, underscoring the complexity and importance of the role. A Career Shaped by Challenges and Strategic Vision When asked…
Insight from Rob Norton, UK Director, PlanRadar In the high-stakes realm of construction, project delays are all too common. Studies suggest the number of projects that experience delays is as high as 70%[1], extending timelines by around 10-30%[2]. As well as frustrated clients and added expense, one of the biggest headaches this can bring is project claims and disputes. Considering some of the key challenges the sector faces like tight deadlines, complex coordination of trades and risks of damage to existing structures, preventing, submitting and assessing such claims can be a challenge for project stakeholders. Claims that aren’t managed promptly and correctly can also quickly lead to expensive legal disputes, which is why stakeholder strategies are now changing. Investor representatives and project managers are paying more attention to efficient project claim management than ever before as companies look to minimise disputes. Each stage of a claim can be a daunting prospect, however, the upside is that technology is helping to take the sting out of the entire process. Easy-to-use digital tools have become a stakeholder’s secret weapon, allowing them to keep track of the documentation, analysis and resolution of claims. In short, tech is ensuring that details don’t slip through…
This weeks’ salary focus from Nicola Benjamin explores the latest findings on salary and progression. How best to identify the most lucrative project management niches and find the roles that offer the most returns for climbing the corporate ladder. The project management sector continues to attract professionals globally with its unmatched flexibility in career prospects and competitive salaries. The latest findings from the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) biennial salary report, underscore the financial advantages and career progression within this field. The “Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey – Thirteenth Edition,” draws on insights from over 20,000 respondents across 21 countries. This comprehensive survey provides invaluable data that can inform career decisions and development for project management practitioners at all levels. The Lucrative Landscape of Project Management The PMI report offers a compelling argument for considering a career in project management, particularly emphasizing the financial benefits associated with obtaining both certification and experience. Notably, 78% of the survey respondents hold the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, a credential that correlates with significant salary advantages. On average, PMP® holders earn 33% more than their non-certified peers, a statistic that holds true across the 21 countries surveyed. This stark differential highlights the value…
In an exclusive interview with Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)’s Head of Project Management in the UAE and Qatar, Project Management Global explores Alyaa Salah Ali Alwahab‘s remarkable career journey to senior leadership in the field of project consultancy. A regular contributor at industry forums and a prolific content creator on the LinkedIn platform, Alyaa articulates many of the challenges facing those seeking to progress in a tough and often unforgiving industry. With her early upbringing split between London and the UAE, Alyaa has endeavored to balance her role as a wife and mother of two, with her ascent to the top of a male-dominated profession, embodying grace, determination and resilience. Alyaa’s affinity for project management emerged early in her academic career, where despite initially pursuing medicine in the UK, a series of unexpected circumstances led her to divert to civil engineering, taking up a one-in a lifetime opportunity to study at the American University in Sharjah. Graduating a full year ahead of her peers, Alyaa’s innate talent for engineering was evident from the outset. And not long after her graduation her first job, as a Structural Design Specialist led her into the male-dominated realm of construction. Recounting her formative years…
Insight from Dr Tammy Watchorn, author of Change Ninja I’d like you to think back to a recent challenge you had when delivering change. One where a conversation didn’t go quite as you’d hoped and left you perplexed, annoyed or both. Did HR refuse to let you recruit much needed contract staff or IT decide your project was a security risk? Maybe governance gave you a bunch of ‘just in case’ pointless admin to do or a manager was refusing to free up staff for training? How did you feel when this happened? When someone seemed to be blocking your project for no apparent logical reason? And how did you respond and behave? At best you may have scratched your head wondering what might have just happened. At worst you might have gone home and ranted and raved to the spouse at this person getting in your way of success. I’m also guessing many of you lay awake later that night re-imaging the conversation and in your imagined version most definitely winning. Next, I’d like you to think about a time when you perhaps disagreed with a project or change. That new email system that wasn’t needed, that new reporting…
Pioneering Project Management and Leadership In the fast-paced project management sector, there is a visionary whose leadership is not only transforming the landscape of the profession – but is also inspiring thousands of individuals on a global scale. The team at Project Management Global had the great pleasure of catching up with Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive (CEO) of the Association for Project Management (APM) last week. What we discovered was a fantastic career alongside achievements and foresight that serve as a beacon of inspiration for other aspiring leaders, seasoned professionals and anyone considering a career in project management. An Advocate for Engagement and EducationAdam embarked on his journey as CEO of APM in September 2021, armed with a steadfast commitment to take the association to unprecedented heights of success. His ascent to this highly influential role is a testament to his illustrious career so far, characterised by dedication, passion, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of ‘doing the right things.’ With a background deeply rooted in engagement and education, Adam’s journey began as a mathematics teacher, where he honed his skills in fostering growth and nurturing young minds. It was his innate drive for innovation and impact that…
