Azzur Group appoints Project Management expert to lead Raleigh-based consulting operation
Azzur Group, a leading provider of advisory and consulting services to the life sciences industry, announces the appointment of Rob Chapman as Director of Azzur Raleigh. Mr. Chapman brings over 30 years of experience in engineering and project management within the highly regulated pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. His expertise spans lean project management, process improvement, change and risk management, and project visualization. In his new role, Mr. Chapman will spearhead the continued advancement of Azzur Raleigh’s GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) service offerings. He will ensure the delivery of best-in-class consulting services, empowering manufacturers to implement risk-averse, fit-for-purpose, and phase-appropriate GxP solutions. “I am excited to embark on the next step of my career with Azzur Group,” said Rob. “I look forward to working alongside local and national leadership to provide innovative solutions to our clients and enable them to deliver life-changing therapeutics to the patients who need them the most.” Prior to joining Azzur Group, Mr. Chapman served as Director, Global Project Management Office, at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies. He led a team overseeing business projects across the company’s seven global sites. Mr. Chapman is also a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers veteran, having served as a captain. Mr. Chapman…
New CEO appointed for JMB Project Management

JMB Project Management is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jennifer McShane Bary as its new CEO. With over 20 years of experience in project management and a proven track record of success, Ms McShane-Bary brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to her new role. JMB Project Management is also looking to appoint a deputy CEO to Ms McShane-Bary in the near future. Prior to joining JMB Project Management, Ms McShane-Bary held several executive positions at leading organizations in the industry. Her strategic vision, exceptional problem-solving skills, and ability to drive results have consistently set her apart in the field. Jennifer McShane-Bary is widely respected for her ability to lead diverse teams and deliver projects on time and within budget. In her new role as CEO, Ms McShane-Bary will be responsible for overseeing the overall operations and growth of JMB Project Management. She will work closely with the executive team to develop and execute the company’s strategic initiatives, focusing on expanding its client base and strengthening its position as a leader in the industry. Under Ms McShane-Bary’s leadership, JMB Project Management aims to continue delivering exceptional project management services, with a focus on the increasing trend of digital transformation…
“Put digitalisation and sustainability at the core of academic curricula”, project management educators urged

A leading academic has called for a fundamental shift in how project management is taught at universities to ensure graduates can address pressing issues like climate change and digital transformation. Professor Christine Unterhitzenberger, Professor of Project Management at the University of Leeds, argues that sustainability and digitalisation need to be central to project management degrees if the profession is to deliver the changes society needs. Professor Unterhitzenberger highlights the lack of clarity surrounding how the goals set at the recent COP28 climate change conference will be achieved. Project, programme, and portfolio management (P3M) professionals will be critical in filling the gaps and delivering change, she says. Universities, therefore, must equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for this challenge by embedding sustainability into project-related courses. “What’s clear is that there’s no plan for how COP28 targets will be met. It will require substantial transformation of business and society and the project profession will have to play a crucial role. “At the moment, I feel the project profession is waiting for someone else – maybe the government – to put legislation or policy in place and then we [the project profession] follow. As a profession, we need to…
APM strengthens Local Project Management Communities with new regional network teams

The Association for Project Management (APM) has announced the appointment of new Regional Network Leads and Deputy Leads to champion its local volunteer networks and deliver a wider range of activities for project professionals across the UK. These appointments mark the latest development in APM’s broader volunteer strategy for 2024. Previously known as Branches, the Regional Networks will provide a more flexible and collaborative structure, fostering closer ties between APM and project management communities nationwide. The new selection process for Network Leads and Deputy Leads reflects APM’s commitment to increasing accessibility and awareness of its volunteering opportunities. The recent recruitment campaign has already attracted over 500 applications, with some positions still available. Commenting on the new Network Teams, APM’s Head of Events and Volunteer Engagement, Manuela Impellizzeri Kemp, said: “We’re proud to have such a broad and diverse range of volunteers leading our outreach and specific interest activities. They are a vital link between APM and our thriving project communities and we’re grateful for their commitment to supporting the profession. We hope you can join your local event this year and say hello to your new teams.” The new Regional Network Leads and Deputy Leads are:
The cornerstones of Effective Project Management, according to APM research

According to research by the Association for Project Management (APM), four key elements underpin successful project management, all centred on the critical aspects of communication and stakeholder engagement. 1. Stakeholder Analysis and Expectations Management: 2. Collaborative Goal Setting and Open Communication: 3. Setting and Managing Expectations: 4. Stakeholder Partnerships: The underestimation of stakeholder management’s importance has highlighted the need for a heightened focus on these critical elements. The Role of the PMO in Supporting Project Managers: The Project Management Office (PMO) plays a vital role in enabling successful project delivery by supporting project managers in honing their stakeholder management skills. Here are some ways a PMO can achieve this: Conclusion: The core skills required for successful project management are equally essential for the PMO. By treating its customer base – stakeholders and project teams – collaboratively and applying these key elements, the PMO can cultivate positive and productive relationships with all parties involved in leading change.