Announcing results, findings of 4th Dubai Int’l Project Management Forum

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has announced the results and conclusions of the 4th Dubai International Project Management Forum 2017 held under the theme (Making A Difference) under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council.

Ms. Laila Faridoon, Executive Director of the Office of the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA cum Chairwoman of the Organising Committee of the Forum, said, “The fourth edition of the Dubai International PM Forum held 36 sessions. During these sessions, 4 keynote speeches were delivered, 7 specialist-training courses were held as well as 4 discussion panels, 18 parallel sessions, and 3 closed sessions. The attendees were about 1600 persons including PM intellectuals in the region. 

“The success of the Forum is reflected in the attendance of plenty international speakers with hands-on business expertise. It is also evident from the quality discussion panels and lectures held. This success resulted in several important conclusions capable of enriching the PM concept in the UAE and the region,” she noted. 

Courage 
Commenting on these conclusions, Faridoon said, “Recommendations focused on several aspects including the Future and Innovation; which discussed serving the needs of the business and community. Future projects have to be driven by innovation and team spirit. The business sector has to nurture a safe working environment for the teams to act perfectly. If organisations seek success, they have to have both courage and sound risk management. If they intend to shape the future, they have to avoid competition and start innovation.

“Another aspect focused on the Benefits of Value Management. It discussed how to identify the benefits and functionality of management and responsibilities in all organisations, and specify beneficiaries. Benefits management has to be addressed at a high level through from a comprehensive perspective, not only at the programs and projects level. A benefits sponsor has to be introduced to be responsible for endorsing the business cases of projects. 

Crucial Role
The Flexible Projects aspect discussed how the PMO could play a vital role in pushing organisations to adopt flexible business models. Flexibility has to be adopted at all levels to cope with the accelerating business tempo. Organisations have to strike a balance between flexibility and stability. 
The Big Data & PM aspect highlighted the importance of big data for organisations in forecasting, early warning and self-learning. The use of big data from previous projects can be directed to identify risks and support decision-making. 

The People and Talent Management aspect stressed the importance of human element, rather than procedures, in delivering successful projects. Project managers have to have the strategic and administrative skills necessary for better performance in PM. They have to be capable of managing pressures; which is a key success ingredient. Organisations have to employ portfolio, programs and project managers who demonstrate high-class intellects, skills and persistence. Organisations have also to realign personal goals with project goals. 

More Freedom
The Learning & Knowledge aspect discussed the importance of transferring knowledge, expertise and the best practices to future leaders. The best way to learn and pick up knowledge is through training people. 
The PMO and Governance aspect covered the importance of delegating more freedom to the project manager to take appropriate decisions at the right times. In giant infrastructural projects, the selection of the right organisational chart and work team will make a difference. The link between programs and projects with project goals shall always be maintained to ensure proper coordination. It must be recognised that PM is not just a profession, rather a basic skill that has to be embedded in the conscience of youth. 

As for Sustainability aspect, discussions focused on how organisational sustainability can promote flexibility and ensure continued access to project details. Sustainability is critical to PM and has to be taken on board throughout the entirety of the project phases. 

The Human Organisations aspect stressed that humanitarian organisations have to focus on sustainable development goals as the international community is currently in need of early planning for relief during disasters and crises. 

“These recommendations and findings were the result of the global attention accorded to the Dubai International PM Forum; which attracts elite representatives of business sectors from all over the world. The RTA will make every effort to review and implement these recommendations in a bid to improve the PM concept in Dubai; which is shaping into one of the prominent destinations of strategic PM in the region and the world over. Such recommendations will be a key intro to the 5th renewal of the event later this year, 2018,” concluded Faridoon

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