This summer, residents of Jonesboro can join forces with Arkansas State University (ASU) researchers in a unique citizen science project aimed at combating mosquito populations. The project, funded by a $50,000 grant from the City of Jonesboro, seeks public participation to collect valuable data on mosquito activity within city limits. “With Arkansas leading the nation, Craighead County is one of the five top rice-producing counties. When rice fields are flooded in early summer, significant mosquito development can occur. These rice fields extend into the city resulting in substantial mosquito nuisance issues,” said Dr. Tanja McKay, professor of entomology and chair, Department of Biological Sciences. The research team builds upon a 2009 study that identified 16 mosquito species in Craighead County through the deployment of six traps. This new project expands the scope, utilizing 10 traps strategically placed throughout Jonesboro. “This is a citizen science project where we will be working with citizens of Jonesboro to get them excited about science while educating the public on mosquitoes,” added McKay. The project seeks volunteers willing to host a mosquito trap on their property for a short period over the summer. A member of the research team, which includes graduate and undergraduate students…
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…
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…
Apogee, a leading provider of defense and security solutions, announced the appointment of Frank Varga as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 23, 2024. Varga succeeds company founder Wes Georges, who has led Apogee since its inception in 2004. Varga brings over 28 years of experience in operations and management within the government and defense sectors. He boasts a distinguished 15-year tenure with Apogee, having held key leadership positions, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. His deep understanding of the defense industry, coupled with his strategic vision and commitment to excellence, positioned him perfectly to take the helm at Apogee. Frank said: “I am honored and excited to continue leading this amazing organization. I have been fortunate to help shape this incredibly committed team of professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional solutions to our customers. As CEO, we will continue to foster innovation, respond rapidly to need, and build long-term value and sustained growth for our partners, employees, and customer organizations. The future of Apogee is bright, bold, and limitless.” Prior to joining Apogee, Varga’s career included serving as a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton and in the United States Air Force, specializing in space communications…
The Association for Project Management (APM) has announced the formation of its new Volunteer Delivery Group (VDG). This dedicated group of volunteers brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to supporting and guiding fellow APM volunteers. The VDG, previously known as the Volunteer Steering Group, takes a proactive approach to volunteer development. By providing guidance and support, the VDG aims to empower volunteers to achieve their personal goals while contributing significantly to APM’s overall strategy. The introduction of the VDG coincides with APM’s rollout of a new and enhanced volunteer offering launched earlier in 2024. The VDG will play a crucial role in several areas, including: Meet the VDG Team The VDG comprises a dedicated group of volunteers and APM staff members, each bringing valuable expertise and perspectives. “This is a tremendously exciting time for APM’s volunteer program,” says Sorrel Gilbert, VDG Chair and APM Board Member. “I’m passionate about change initiatives, and with my volunteer experience, I’m confident I can contribute significantly to refreshing the volunteer program and ensuring a robust volunteering strategy.” With the VDG’s guidance and support, APM volunteers are well-positioned to make a significant and lasting impact on the project management profession.
Sitemark is delighted to welcome Lucy Blunt as its newest Project Manager. Lucy brings a wealth of experience from her work in the Higher Education sector, which she’s already putting to great use with Sitemark’s newest client, the largest provider of student accommodation. Lucy says, ‘I’m excited to join Sitemark’s innovative team. Sitemark are one of the UK’s leading facilities management specialists so it’s great to learn from them as well as bringing my own skills and experience to help drive their success’. Lucy’s career in Facilities Management spans two decades and includes work in sectors such as the NHS, local authority, education, and housing. She takes great pride in motivating and influencing teams, which she says is the cornerstone of her success. Mike Boxall, Managing Director of Sitemark is delighted with the latest recruit, ‘Lucy is a highly driven and strong leader with a proven track record of growing teams. She’s an asset to the Sitemark team and we look forward to seeing her grow with us.’ Sitemark are always on the lookout for talented Facilities Management professionals to join its growing team. To find out more, head to www.sitemark.co.uk
JLL has appointed Sam Hill as its new Project & Development Services (PDS) Lead for Data Centres in the UK. This strategic move strengthens JLL’s data centre services portfolio and reflects the booming sector within the UK real estate market. In his new role, Sam will spearhead PDS projects for data centres across the UK, collaborating closely with established JLL teams in both PDS and data centres. His arrival follows a series of high-level appointments, signifying JLL’s commitment to expanding its data centre services and delivering exceptional value to investors, owners, and occupiers in this rapidly growing field. Sam brings a wealth of industry experience to the table, having previously managed all aspects of engineering, construction, and design deliverables for data centres at Arcadis, where he led a key EMEA account. Kevin Williams, Head of Project & Developments Services, UK & Ireland, JLL, said: “In a world increasingly fueled by the internet, data, and artificial intelligence, demand is rising for the real estate that makes it all happen. In UK, the data centre sector is experiencing incredible growth, which is driving demand for data centre design, construction and operations. Sam’s strong track record in delivering projects in this sector combined…
A new survey by the Association for Project Management (APM) reveals a concerning skills gap in project management within UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The survey, polling over 500 project professionals working for SMEs across various sectors, found that 83% believe their employers need to improve project management skills across the workforce. This skills gap is a significant hurdle for SMEs, impacting their overall project growth. While inadequate technology infrastructure was the most selected challenge (35%), a lack of skilled project professionals came in a close second (33%). Interestingly, 31% of respondents also highlighted a lack of investment in training and development, suggesting a potential disconnect between recognising the skills gap and actively addressing it. Soft Skills Top the List The survey also delves into the most crucial skills for project success. Soft skills reign supreme, with team management leadership, communication/interpersonal skills, and adaptability/flexibility each selected by 14-17% of respondents. The survey outlines several approaches to bridge the project management skills gap in SMEs. Training and upskilling existing employees (46%) emerged as the most popular choice, followed by broader recruitment across different professions (45%) and increased awareness of project management as a career path (45%). Apprenticeships were also seen…
Azercell, a leading mobile operator in Azerbaijan, has partnered with GID CSR Consulting and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic’s Ministry of Education to launch the “Safe Internet” project in Nakhchivan city. The project aims to educate students and parents about safe internet practices. An inaugural session was held for students and cadets, equipping them with valuable knowledge to navigate the online world. The program, delivered by professional trainers from GID CSR Consulting, covers a range of critical topics, including: “Safe Internet” aims to reach over 300 students and 100 parents in Nakhchivan. This initiative builds upon Azercell’s ongoing commitment to internet safety education. Since 2016, their educational projects have benefitted more than 1500 internet users of various age groups. Azercell’s involvement in “Safe Internet” reflects their dedication to promoting responsible digital citizenship. By equipping young people and their families with the knowledge to navigate the online world safely, Azercell is helping to create a more secure and positive digital environment in Azerbaijan.
Savills has expanded its London office project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with two new appointments. Rekha Mistry who joins as a director and John Capper joining as an associate director, who will both be based at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London taking the overall team headcount to more than 30. Rekha has over 20 years’ experience in consultancy project management, contract administration and design and architecture. Her specific focus is on leading large scale, complex commercial occupier fit-out projects, having worked with clients such as the Government Property Unit and Transport for London. Rekha joins from Seven Projects where she was head of project management, having previously worked at both T&T and BNP Paribas. She is also a qualified architect and has recently been a Mixology Awards judge and mentor for the Wilmott Dixon Women in Leadership Programme. John has over 11 years’ experience in construction project management, delivering high-end complex Cat-A and CAT-B projects. He specialises in the office sector, primarily delivering refurbishment and alteration schemes for clients including Oval Real Estate, Pontegadea and Savills Investment Management. John joins from his previous role as Operations Manager at Neilcott Construction and prior…
