As project management proves its worth in the for-profit sector, we also need to ensure its benefits are shared with those in need. Around the world, project managers are volunteering their expertise, and it's no different in Australia.
An “accident of geography,” allowed Australia to avoid any direct damage from the 2004 tsunami, despite being much closer to the source than many of the countries devastated by the waves. The nation's role was focused on providing immediate and ongoing aid to its closest neighbors, including the Indonesian territory of Aceh.
Australia's initial response was well-rehearsed. The country has its fair share of natural disasters, and the government and non-government organizations have developed a tested, coordinated emergency-response framework.
Now that the Aceh effort is in its recovery phase, a range of agencies continues to support the reconstruction with billions of dollars devoted to projects, building everything from fishing boats to hospitals.
The efforts have been impressive, yet the scale of the disaster—and more particularly that of the enormous reconstruction effort—has highlighted limitations in the ability of agencies to deliver projects over a sustained period.
Agency Aid
Paul Steinfort, PMP, was involved in the rebuilding effort in Aceh as a program manager. Seeing the need to improve the aid agencies’ project management capabilities before another major disaster struck, Mr. Steinfort requested a special meeting of the PMI Melbourne, Australia Chapter and the Australian Institute of Project Management. That joint effort led to the formation of Project Aid (PA) and kicked off the group's ongoing work to develop and deliver project management training based on PMI's Project Management Methodology for Post Disaster Reconstruction. PA also offers mentoring and other backup services, including its Project Notebook, a compact reference guide designed to help field workers achieve their organizations’ optimum outcomes in disaster zones.
In February 2009, PA focused its efforts much closer to home. Following the disastrous Australian bush fires of Black Saturday, the group is discussing ways the project management profession can assist the reconstruction effort to clean up and rebuild homes, businesses and townships. Perhaps there is a message here for all PMI communities to start developing plans and connections so they're ready to help in their own backyards when needed.
In the Trenches
Mr. Steinfort says a passion to work with others has led him to “the realization of some exceptional experiences and developments,” including volunteer projects in Aceh, and the Nias and Mentawai islands off the western coast of Indonesia.
“The key factors have been a love of people and learning how to plan and apply project and program management [for the] best outcomes, no matter how difficult the challenge,” says Mr. Steinfort, who is currently working on a doctorate focused on the project management of relief efforts.
For project managers like Mr. Steinfort, such efforts not only provide a way to build their skill sets but also to help the greater good.
The need to achieve the best possible ROI isn't just the province of corporations and governments. It's up to project managers to ensure social responsibility projects are held to the same high standards. PM
Lynda Bourne, DPM, PMP, is the managing director of Stakeholder Management pty Ltd. and director of training at Mosaic Project Services pty Ltd., both in Australia. Dr. Bourne graduated from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology as the first professional doctor of project management in 2005.
To find out more about PMI's humanitarian efforts and its Project Management Methodology for Post Disaster Reconstruction, go to: www.pmi.org/pmief/humanitarian/PDRM.asp.