The Association for Project Management (APM) showcased its significant contributions to academic research and the opportunities it offers for researchers at a sponsored reception held in conjunction with the British Academy of Management (BAM) 2024 conference. BAM, a leading authority on management in the UK, hosted the conference in Nottingham with the theme of achieving transformation for greater good. The APM reception brought together project professionals from various sectors to discuss this theme and explore opportunities within the field. Professor Adam Boddison OBE, CEO of APM, attended the reception, giving a speech which outlined APM’s commitment to research, highlighting how important it is for APM’s goal of advancing project and programme management science, theory, and practice for the public benefit. He also highlighted the success of current research Projecting the Future with Manchester Business School and Digital Transformation in Project Management from Southampton University, as well as the past research report Fairness and Unfairness in Projects by Dr Christine Unterhitzenberger. Gabriela Ramirez-Rivas, Research and Impact Advisor for APM, said: “Research is vital to what we do here at APM. This year, we successfully increased the available funding for research grants. We managed to double the amount for the lower-tier…
A new research project, “Retrofit Revisit,” sheds light on the long-term effectiveness of home energy retrofits, providing valuable lessons for future efforts to improve the UK’s housing stock. Led by Marion Baeli of 10 Design and Julie Godefroy of CIBSE, the study examined ten retrofit projects a decade after their initial upgrades. “Retrofit Revisit” was supported by Innovate UK, Historic England, and various industry partners. It focused on diverse housing types across the UK, many of which were considered pioneering “deep retrofit” examples a decade ago. These projects aimed for significant reductions in carbon emissions. The findings are encouraging. Despite some minor fluctuations over time, the retrofitted homes continue to outperform the non-retrofitted housing stock in terms of energy efficiency. Residents also reported increased comfort, particularly during cold weather, and lower energy bills. Marion Baeli, Principal – Sustainability Transformation at 10 Design said:“In publishing “Retrofit Revisit,” our goal is to boost confidence in the lasting benefits of retrofitting while also emphasizing the insights gained from building performance evaluations and identifying areas needing further research to ensure the reliability and longevity of building fabric and operations. Through this collaborative research effort, we aim to support the nationwide retrofitting of existing homes…
Project Management Institute (PMI) has released a new report highlighting the transformative impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on project management. “First Movers’ Advantage: The Immediate Benefits of Adopting Generative AI for Project Management” explores how early adopters, or “trailblazers,” are leveraging GenAI to achieve significant performance gains and drive business transformation. The report, based on a survey of 500 project professionals using GenAI globally, reveals a clear advantage for organizations that actively promote GenAI adoption. These “trailblazers” demonstrate a marked increase in GenAI usage compared to their peers, leading to a range of positive outcomes: A Growing Trend with Exponential Potential A recent study by Microsoft and LinkedIn underscores the rapid rise of GenAI, with usage doubling in late 2023. PMI’s nearly one-million member community reflects this trend, with widespread adoption of GenAI tools. “Our research shows that GenAI trailblazers know how to maximize adoption to elevate their performance, navigate complex work, and usher in GenAI across their teams. They’re standing out from their peers for their innovative leadership,” said Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President & Chief Executive Officer of PMI. “We want to ensure project professionals who haven’t yet added this technology to their toolbox can quickly get up…
The global architectural engineering and construction solutions (AECS) market is projected to experience significant growth, reaching an estimated value of USD 9.65 billion by 2028, according to a recent market research report by Technavio. This translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 13.77% during the forecast period. Technavio’s report, titled “Global Architectural Engineering and Construction Solutions Market 2024-2028,” offers a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape, including key drivers, challenges, and growth opportunities. Factors Fueling Market Expansion Several trends are propelling the AECS market forward: Challenges on the Horizon Despite the positive outlook, the AECS market also faces certain hurdles: Taking these factors into account, the AECS market is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years, fueled by the increasing demand for efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced construction projects. Download a sample copy of Technavio’s report for a deeper dive into the specific drivers and challenges shaping the market landscape.
HiRO, a leading global clinical research organization (CRO), has announced the successful acquisition of DeltaMed Solutions, a US-based CRO with a strong reputation. This strategic move marks HiRO’s third CRO acquisition since its founding in 2020 and further expands its global footprint. With established operations in the US, Ireland, Asia, and Oceania, HiRO offers comprehensive clinical research solutions across the globe. The acquisition of DeltaMed Solutions bolsters HiRO’s US presence and strengthens its position as a one-stop shop for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Headquartered in New Jersey, DeltaMed Solutions boasts a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience serving mid-sized and large pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Their expertise spans data management, biostatistics, programming, real-world evidence solutions, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics analysis, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs. DeltaMed Solutions is renowned for its flexible service models and unwavering commitment to quality, earning high praise from clients and partners alike. With global operations and integrated capabilities, HiRO provides a full range of cross-border solutions and services to its clients, including early pre-clinical strategic planning, clinical trial design, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, statistics, data management, end-to-end project management, and clinical and medical monitoring services. The integration of DeltaMed Solutions into HiRO creates a powerhouse in the CRO…
A new study by Vlerick Business School sheds light on how project managers can navigate unexpected challenges and project deviations more effectively. The research, led by Professor Mario Vanhoucke, emphasises the importance of focused action over generic solutions. The study highlights the ever-present reality of project disruptions across industries. Time and resource constraints, coupled with inevitable deviations from initial plans, create a complex environment for project managers. Professor Vanhoucke, alongside colleagues from Ghent University, investigated the most effective responses to these deviations. The research reveals that implementing a limited set of carefully chosen corrective actions surpasses the effectiveness of applying a one-size-fits-all approach to get projects back on track. Focusing on a smaller number of critical activities ultimately proves a more efficient strategy, saving valuable time and resources. Traditionally, project managers have relied on simulation-based models to prioritise corrective actions. These models capture project complexities and suggest potential areas for intervention. However, the study demonstrates that a problem-solving or analytical approach delivers superior results. This method offers a more accurate and reliable way to rank interventions, particularly compared to simulation-based solutions. “All managers have been there – when an important project is over time or budget. Perhaps disruptions along your…
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…
In a move that challenges traditional thinking, new research from the Project Management Institute (PMI) debunks the myth that project performance hinges on physical work location. Their 15th annual Pulse of the Profession® report, “The Future of Project Work: Moving Past Office-Centric Models,” reveals that organisations can embrace flexible working models without compromising project delivery. The report, based on a global survey of over 2,500 project professionals and leaders, provides compelling evidence. Since the COVID-19 pandemic transformed work practices nearly four years ago, many studies have questioned the effectiveness of remote work. However, PMI’s data suggests otherwise. Organisations that bring employees back to the office are unlikely to see a significant improvement in project performance. PMI argues that organisations should prioritise empowering teams to collaborate effectively, regardless of location. This can be achieved through a hybrid management approach that blends agile and traditional methods, fostering innovation and agility. Creating an environment of continuous learning and support is key to success. “This report highlights the need for organisations to re-evaluate work location policies and prioritise developing essential skills within project teams,” says Pierre Le Manh, President & CEO of PMI. “Empowering project professionals to choose the most effective working methods, irrespective…
The Association for Project Management (APM) held its latest Fellows’ Forum to coincide with the launch of its new research report, The Golden Thread 2024. The event, held at The Science Museum in London on 25 April, saw APM Fellows convene to discuss the report’s findings and their implications for the future of the project profession. The Golden Thread 2024, produced in collaboration with PwC UK, builds upon the initial report published in 2019. Key findings highlight significant growth within the project profession, generating an estimated £186.8 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy. This represents a substantial increase of over £30 billion in the past five years. The profession now employs an impressive 2.32 million Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) workers, signifying that 8.5% of all UK FTE roles are project-related. A panel of industry experts, including Prof Adam Boddison (APM Chief Executive), Karina Singh (Director of Function, Insights and Profession at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA)), Dr Andrew Schuster (Partner at PwC and Visiting Fellow at Cranfield School of Management), and Sheilina Somani (Independent Project Professional, Chartered Fellow and APM Trustee), fielded questions from APM Fellows regarding the report’s insights. Sheilina replied: “The numbers are amazing,…
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.
