Project management theorists would have managers believe
that a project has a clearly defined start, goes through a formal
lifecycle and ends with a structured close down. If you have ever
worked on a project, you will know that is rarely the
case.
Project requirements are vague, the sponsor sets the end date
before a manager can know how much time the work will take, or the
budget is cut halfway through.
For any number of reasons, the path of a project rarely runs
smoothly. However, it is the project manager's job to make sure the
clients are happy, tasks are completed on time and there is no
overspend.
Elizabeth Harrin, who works as a senior project manager for
global financial services company Axa, and was previously employed
by American Express, will be giving a lecture on project
management. It is intended to cast some light on the grey areas
where theory and practice meet and to promote a new BCS book also
titled Project Management in the Real World.
Using real-life examples, she will discuss some of the reasons
why projects deviate from theory. Some of these deviations are
positive interventions that, managed correctly, can help deliver
the project faster and more easily. But sometimes project teams
need a helping hand.
The lecture will look at how to handle the challenges of project
management as well as the skills required to succeed.
The event will be held at the BCS building in central London
from 5.30pm on Monday 27 November.
After the presentation, there will be a formal question and
answer session, to be followed by refreshments. There will also be
a chance to buy a copy of Harrin's book at a discount price.
For more information e-mail: pubsenq@hq.bcs.org.uk.