PMI® Global Conference 2018
Ready, Set, Change!
INSIDE
Why Volunteer? Survey Says ...
Meet the 2019 PMI Board of Directors
Events Calendar
Reflecting on Project Management for Social Good
PMI China News: Witnessing Neusoft's Project Achievements
Chapter Links
PMI® Leadership Institute Meeting 2018—North America
Transformation Among LIM Topics
By David Brummer
With his organization in the throes of a transformation, Dele Ayansola, PMP, understands it's not enough to deliver projects on time and on budget. So, as he attended his 13th consecutive PMI Global Conference, he sought out sessions with an eye on elevating his leadership skills.
“I started out as a project manager and then moved into a leadership role,” said Mr. Ayansola, consultant and delivery manager at GSK, London, England. “I'm no longer looking for just the hard outcomes or benefits alone. I'm also looking at the end-to-end transformation of the organization.”
Mr. Ayansola was among roughly 2,800 project and program professionals from more than 1,300 organizations and over 60 countries who soaked up knowledge and networking in Los Angeles, California, USA. Whatever disruption they're facing, attendees found an array of sessions to help them, from artificial intelligence and data-driven decision making to knowledge transfer and next-gen leadership skills.
Jon Dorenbos
Cam Marston
Game-Changers Unite
One clear conference theme, transformation, requires a change-ready mindset aligned to a strategic vision, even amid daunting obstacles. “The sooner we can come to grips with our reality, the sooner we can accept that change is not a bad thing,” said opening keynoter Jon Dorenbos, a former U.S. professional football player turned magician. Throughout his life, tragic circumstances have forced him to adapt—from his father murdering his mother to the open-heart surgery that ended his sports career.
In each case, Mr. Dorenbos recovered by embracing the support of others, such as therapists, doctors, family and teammates. “You are who you surround yourself with,” he said. “Surround yourself with people who you want to win more than you want to win.”
Finding those supportive teammates often means adapting to different work styles. As Generation Z enters the workforce and millennials take on more leadership roles alongside Gen Xers and baby boomers, project managers must understand and empathize with each group's distinct approaches to communication and decision making, said keynoter Cam Marston.
“You will become infinitely more powerful if you can understand your preferences and set them aside and let your colleagues' preferences shine through,” said Mr. Marston, president and owner of Generational Insights. The message resonated with Pritika Bhan, project coordinator, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Milpitas, California, USA.
“The needs of teams are so different, so as a leader you really have to know your team,” said Ms. Bhan, who attended with a team from her company's project management office (PMO). “To do that is to understand where they're at. You have to treat people with respect. The people factor is really key. People make things happen.”
That includes innovation, of course. As head of strategic planning for Google, Abigail Posner is constantly on the hunt for big ideas. Her secret? Make connections that others haven't, she said in the final keynote. For that to happen, project managers must be open to stimuli from a range of collaborators.
“The more you can ideate with people—especially people who think differently than you—the more creative you will be,” said Ms. Posner.
Rodney Hicks, PhD, PMP, could see real-world applications from the keynote speakers. As supply chain director at Evolve BioSystems Inc. in Davis, California, USA, he works with a mix of boomers, Gen Xers and millennials—all working toward a common goal.
“In the end, we just have to say, ‘Hey, let's get all around the conference room and realize who we all are and what we're working against,’” said Dr. Hicks. “If we do that, there will probably be a lot of aha! moments.”
Sudden Impact
For Dexter Smith, internal audit manager at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in Georgetown, Guyana, attending the conference was a reward from his organization for earning his Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification in September. The payoff for him—and his organization—is a newfound wealth of knowledge on managing stakeholders.
“As an auditor, you come across a lot of stakeholders, especially contractors,” he said. “This conference taught me how to deal with them, how to better interact with them and how to get key information from them.”
The action wasn't limited to workshops and educational sessions. PMI's Exhibit Hall provided interactive events, tech advice, a wellness station, private coaching and plenty of networking opportunities.
And on the last night of the event, some attendees opted to leave project management behind and network over bowling and salsa dancing lessons.
If it sounds like you missed out, just wait! Next year's conference, slated for 5–7 October in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, will also celebrate PMI's 50th anniversary.
Master of Ceremonies Stephen Maye.
Abigail Posner
Scott Shellstrom and Bill Stainton led an innovative Change Lab session.
Crowds in the Exhibit Hall.
More, More, More
Check out PMI's conference coverage on Twitter (@PMIevents) and Instagram (@PMI_org). And head to the Voices on Project Management blog on ProjectManagement.com for daily conference recaps by Cyndee Miller.
See You Next Year!
PMI® Global Conference 2019 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 5–7 October 2019
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PMI GLOBAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
PMI and members of the influential Global Executive Council believe that project, program and portfolio management deliver a strategic advantage that helps organizations do more with less. The elite organizations selected for participation in the Council are well-positioned to have the most direct influence on the direction and future of the project management profession.
To learn more, please visit PMI.org/Business-Solutions/PMI-Global-Executive-Council.aspx.
2018 PMI Board of Directors
Chair
Caterina (Cathy) La Tona, BCS, PMP, PfMP
+1 248 703 9810
[email protected]
Vice Chair
Jennifer Tharp, PMP
+1 415 385 1749
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Secretary/Treasurer and Chair, Audit and Performance Oversight Committee
Tony Appleby, MBA, PMP
+1 510 468 9658
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Chair, Strategy Oversight Committee
Randall T. (Randy) Black, P.Eng., PMP
+1 587 988 9917
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DIRECTORS
Margareth Carneiro, MBA, MSc, PMP
+55 61 8175 3455
[email protected]
J. Davidson Frame, PhD, PMP, PMI Fellow
+1 703 623 0035
[email protected]
Teresa A. (Terri) Knudson, MBA, PMP, PgMP, PfMP
+1 507 259 9568
[email protected]
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, MBA, PMP
+32 479 80 94 18
[email protected]
Kathleen P. Romero, MBA, PMP, CSM, and SPC
+1 804 677 7674
[email protected]
Tejas Sura, MS, MBA, PMP, PfMP
+91 91672 37828
[email protected]
Roberto Toledo, MBA, PMP
+52 55 5416 7214
[email protected]
Thomas Walenta, Dipl.Math, PMP, PgMP, PMI Fellow
+49 171 3358938
[email protected]
Cecil White, EdD, MBA, PMP
+1 876 507 1248
[email protected]
INTERIM EXECUTIVE
Joseph Cahill
+1 610 356 4600
[email protected]
from the Board
Thomas Walenta, Dipl.Math, PMP, PgMP, PMI Fellow
Why Volunteer? Survey Says ...
When meeting fellow volunteers at project management events, I seem to be able to smell the dopamine. What you see are smiles, acknowledgments, hugs, offers of help and friendly talk all around. I am very pleased to meet people from other countries and cultures again and again, year after year, and even after all these years, there is a feeling of belonging to a special group of human beings. We all have achieved small successes, helped on volunteer projects and assisted other volunteer teams to bind together, but the long-term feeling of belonging to this amazing group is what really counts.
Being a volunteer since 1998, I grew a network of peer volunteers, some of them volunteering 50 and more years. So I sent out an email survey to 75 of them and received 18 textual responses. This is an exceptional outcome of 25 percent replies.
Most of the participants were willing to be a mentor, so if you need an outstanding project management volunteer to help you in your career or life, consider attending a PMI chapter event or a PMI conference and ask any one of PMI's more than 10,000 volunteers you will meet, and they will likely respond favorably to your request.
My peer volunteers answered these six questions:
1 Do you remember why and when you started volunteering and what your expectations were back then?
Some remember the time very well, like starting as early as 1968 or 1969. A few started volunteering outside project management, like for a fishing club, a youth group in school, the boy scouts, in college, during military service and for a business association.
The majority, though, started volunteering with project management, for example, as a PMI chapter leader/volunteer. Many had a reason, such as giving back, helping others and being part of something bigger. Others, like me, just accidentally became a volunteer without a reason per se, but stayed a volunteer nevertheless.
In 1998, I attended a chapter meeting as a regular member and was surprised when the sitting president asked who wanted to succeed him. Three attendees raised their hands, and we divided the work among us. I stayed president until 2005, and I learned that I should develop potential successors early.
Some respondents' quotes:
- It was a way for me to have access to other people who did work similar to mine and to learn from them.
- It was immediately rewarding for the firm's work, our clients and my personal consulting growth.
- I was very impressed the first time I attended a PMI global congress.
- Doing voluntary work was fascinating and challenging at the same time.
- Thrown into the role of vice president–finance/treasurer with no idea what I was getting into, and have never looked back.
- To get knowledge and to network.
2 When did volunteering become addictive for you, and do you know why?
Four respondents said they would not say it is addictive, but most agreed that it was. Volunteering is rewarding and creates passion for all.
Personally, I met excellent professionals and made friends. Volunteering is an opportunity I would not have elsewhere (I tried). And the opportunities at PMI are great to extend your network, responsibilities and achievements: from local chapters, to regional projects, global groups and so on. Besides chapter work, I started to attend item-writing sessions for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam questions, review registered education provider (R.E.P.) applications, provide input to standards development and assess PMI Project of the Year Award applications.
Some respondents' quotes:
- The endorphins were flowing from the very beginning.
- The people I met were smart, helpful and passionate, and it became addictive to be around them.
- I have never looked back nor doubted the value of my PMI involvement and the benefits of volunteering.
- I don't believe volunteering is addictive ... the ethical value in volunteering is that it is a choice.
3 What has volunteering given you overall?
Several themes come out of this open-ended question, like personal satisfaction, broader understanding, a global network, friends, self-confidence, sense of belonging, recognition, leadership practice, learning and opportunities—all very helpful in developing a more mature perspective.
I can agree with all of them, but might add that I saw volunteering also as a sandbox to develop skills I could not develop in my regular job, like founding a legal entity, doing taxes and negotiating contracts. More importantly, it allowed me the experience of making a team of 8 to 12 volunteers become a team that continually delivers without any positional authority. This can be successfully achieved in a chapter board. Volunteering changed who I am.
Some respondents' quotes:
- The reassurance that others cook only with water and also have a lot of problems in front of them.
- A sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
- A more open mindset, reinforced my positive attitude and my strong belief in the profession.
- It has given me knowledge, different perspectives, cultural discernment and global perceptions.
- Lots of satisfaction and visibility.
- Given me a new family.
- I received a lot, very often unexpected.
- Sense of contributing to something meaningful.
- Motivating people in such an environment is something special and that was and still is a great learning experience for me.
4 Do you have any plans to give up volunteering?
Only three participants said that because of retirement, they might slow down or stop volunteering. The vast majority clearly said that they continue to volunteer actively.
Personally, I continue to volunteer even though I am retired. I even took on new volunteer tasks outside PMI, with Germany's Senior Expert Service, where I am now helping young refugees build their lives as apprentices and also help foreign organizations in governance, project management and marketing.
Some respondents' quotes:
- The day I stop will be the day I just can't physically or mentally meet the challenges of volunteer activities.
- I will adjust to ensure I contribute effectively.
- I plan to continue, if only to keep the relations and friendships developed over time and to give back to the profession.
- I cannot give it up.
5 Do you have one short piece of advice for new volunteers?
Start slow and allow it to increase over time. Do not overcommit. Give and you will be rewarded.
These are also my personal views. And I share some of my beliefs with you, because they helped me to get the most out of volunteering:
- I believe that my life and time are my responsibility to spend (I can say no without bad feelings).
- I believe that meeting other people from different cultures and geographies, listening to them and respecting them is the key to diversity and getting rid of racism and xenophobia (somebody said travel is the cure for racism).
- I believe that accepting the consequences of each decision I make is key to happiness. It helps to avoid shame and regret, and helps looking forward, not backward. Once a choice is made, deal with it.
Some respondents' quotes:
- Build your volunteerism on intrinsic motivation.
- Start slowly and don't overcommit.
- Constantly learn and gain valuable knowledge.
- GIVE, GIVE, GIVE and you will see. Always get involved.
- [Volunteering] is like exercise. One needs to start small and work up to bigger efforts.
- Volunteering is a great way to learn how to work well in a diverse team.
- Don't look at what is in it for me; look at what you can do for the association, group or cause.
- Volunteering is the genuine art of giving.
- I can acquire different qualifications and expand them than on the job.
6 Would you be willing to consider mentoring new volunteers if they ask you?
Overwhelmingly, most (15) said they are willing to become a mentor for new mentees.
I would too.
Election Results Announced
Meet the 2019 PMI Board of Directors
Your votes have been tallied and several new members will be joining the PMI Board of Directors in 2019. One director will be returning for a second three-year term.
This volunteer group governs the Institute and oversees PMI's strategic direction.
In February 2018, after much consideration and discussion, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to reduce its size from 15 to 12, keeping within the 12 to 18 size prescribed in the Bylaws Article VI. Research shows a trend toward smaller boards because they offer more efficient oversight of management, improved and focused interaction among directors, and agility. Beginning with this election and completing with the election for the 2020 Board, the transition to 12 will be implemented with four candidates elected from each year's ballot.
Joining the Board:
Beth Partleton, PMP, PMI Fellow (also served 2008–2013 on the PMI Board of Directors and as chair in 2011)
LuAnn Piccard, PMP
Galen Townson, PMP
Elected to a second term:
Randall T. (Randy) Black, P.Eng., PMP
The election winners will join these returning members to form the 2019 PMI Board of Directors:
- Tony Appleby, MBA, PMP
- Margareth Carneiro, MBA, MSc, PMP
- J. Davidson Frame, PhD, PMP, PMI Fellow
- Terri Knudson, PMP, PgMP, PfMP
- Caterina (Cathy) La Tona, BCS, PMP, PfMP
- Tejas Sura, MS, MBA, PMP, PfMP
- Jennifer Tharp, PMP
- Roberto Toledo, PMP
- Thomas Walenta, PMP, PgMP
2019 Board Chooses Its Officers
The incoming PMI Board of Directors, meeting in Los Angeles, California, USA, chose its officers for 2019:
- Serving as chair will be Randall T. (Randy) Black, P.Eng., PMP
- Serving as chair of the Strategy Oversight Committee will be Roberto Toledo, PMP
- Serving as chair of the Compensation Committee will be J. Davidson Frame, PhD, PMP, PMI Fellow
- Serving as the chair of the Audit Committee will be Terri Knudson, PMP, PgMP, PfMP
Conference Confidential
“Global conference is a great opportunity to learn, study and network. It's also a chance for me to grow my project management skills. I came here to focus on coaching and mentoring. I want to develop better communication and leadership skills so I can help mentor young colleagues.”
—Satoko Toyama, PMP, project manager, IBM Japan, Chigasaki, Japan
“I like the variety of content from keynoters and sessions ... and hearing different views or different ways of solving the same problem.”
—Margaret Quiggle, research associate, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
“This conference really helps improve my communication skills. I work with a lot of complex stakeholders in finance—from the technical department to executive sponsors. Now I can talk with them and be on the same page, so I know how to help them make good decisions.”
—Abdulrahman Alkhorayef, manager, finance department, Ministry of Justice, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
“Conference is like delving into another world. We get to see what's next and what's new.”
—Pritika Bhan, project coordinator, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Milpitas, California, USA
PMI® Leadership Institute Meeting 2018—North America
Transformation Among LIM Topics
“Change makers” was the theme of the PMI Leadership Meeting (LIM) 2018—North America, as 972 volunteer leaders came together for this annual inspirational gathering.
A bonus with this meeting was the launch of a full year of celebration culminating with PMI's 50th anniversary in October 2019. The events were kicked off at a LIM networking event by Jim Snyder, PMI Founder, PMI Fellow.
Attendees represented 223 PMI chapters and came from 57 countries. They made time in their busy schedules to share successes and develop the leadership skills needed to operate and sustain the values of their chapters.
The event started in a “localized” manner, with region meetings held among attendees' neighbor chapters. It ended with an opportunity to learn and network with practitioners attending PMI Global Conference. Those at LIM could attend a general session with a keynote speaker, as well as educational sessions. They had access to the Exhibit Hall and networking events.
The most valuable takeaway for many attendees was the sense of family gained from informal activities such as the two evening networking socials. These balanced out busy days for delegates attending inspiring keynote talks, region meetings and breakout sessions.
Breakout session tracks covered many areas of importance for PMI chapters and their leaders:
- Academics
- Association Governance
- Financial Management
- Leadership Development
- Marketing and Communications
- Membership
- PMI Updates Tools and Resources
- Professional Development
- Technology
- Volunteer Engagement
- Region Mentor
- Wellness
A mosaic of attendees' photos serves as an invitation to next year's LIM.
PMI Chair Cathy La Tona
Also, there was a workshop for Leadership Institute Master Class Alumni, as well as a first-time attendee session. The latter allowed new attendees the opportunity to meet senior volunteer leaders and PMI staff who are dedicated to providing the support needed for volunteers to be effective and successful in their roles.
Keynote Speakers
Matthew Luhn talked about “Inspiring Creativity in the Workspace.” As one of the original story creators at Pixar Animation Studios, Mr. Luhn helped build the creative culture at one of the most successful filmmaking groups in the history of Hollywood. He shared practical tips and techniques for fostering creativity in the workplace and harnessing the power of relationships and authentic stories to connect with communities and customers.
Mallory Weggemann's talk was entitled “We All Have the Ability to Change the World.” She shared her incredible story of triumphing over setbacks, from her suffering permanent paralysis at 18 and nerve damage in her arm at 24 to medaling in one and making two Paralympic Games. She insists her story is still unfolding and whatever limiting circumstances we face, we all choose daily whether we will allow them to power over us or whether we will face down our challenges.
Jon Dorenbos, retired National Football League player and entertaining magician, presented “Life is Magic.” He discussed the importance of discipline, teamwork, perseverance and the acceptance of failure in achieving a common goal.
Matthew Luhn
Mallory Weggemann is greeted by Chapter Member Advisory Group members Lynn Shannon, PMP, and Elizabeth Borges, PMP.
Attendees enjoying LIM.
First-Timer Impressions
“As a new [chapter] board member and first-time LIM attendee, I was truly impressed by the willingness of other participants to share best practices used to make their chapters successful,” said Eric Burch, PMP, vice president, finance, PMI Tucson, Arizona Chapter. “I look forward to being able to give back as generously as these leaders have.”
Mr. Burch found the two seminars on chapter finance to be particularly helpful. “Not only were the presenters very knowledgeable, but I was pleased to be able to take away an equal amount of valuable information from session participants.”
“It's been said that people hire those they know,” he added. “I took full advantage of the many opportunities to socialize with fellow attendees and have greatly expanded my network of project professionals. I'm certain this will be of great utility when I look for my next job.”
A Veteran Attendee's Testimonial
By Nagendra Roy, MBA, PMP, Vice Chair – Executive Board of Directors, PMI Atlanta Chapter
We spoke. We shared. We learned. We had fun. We have memories. One of the best and most exciting meetings that I had ever been a part of, is all I can say! The North America LIM was a one-of-a-kind experience that gave me a great platform to talk, learn, share and exhibit our competencies.
I still can't get past the visual from my mind—the inaugural session with all its grandeur, the massive attendance, the cosmetic effects and everything! Right from the inauguration to valediction, everything was steered perfectly and totally inspiring.
Another crucial milestone that added to the glory of this event was the graduation ceremony of the PMI Leadership Institute Master Class of 2018 (including Valerie Merced, PMP, from the PMI Atlanta Chapter)—kudos to you.
It was exciting to get the opportunity to have a wonderful chat with our beloved PMI founding member, the all-awesome Jim Snyder! It is always a great honor to meet you, Sir—you are the man behind this glorious and world-renowned PMI community!
The fact that PMI is reaching 50 years by October 2019 gave me goosebumps! What a fulfilling and amazing journey! I can literally feel and experience the transition of the community and its impact on society, over the past years.
PMI Atlanta Chapter leaders having fun.
Events Calendar congresses | conferences | seminars | symposiums | e-Learning
PMI Today Deadlines:
FEBRUARY 2019.......................17 DECEMBER
MARCH 2019.............................. 15 JANUARY
Free listings in the PMI Today® Events Calendar are reserved for activities organized by PMI, its communities and its cooperating organizations. For information on how to purchase a paid advertisement in this calendar, email [email protected]. Please see PMI's online Events Calendar at PMI.org/events/calendar for more events.
UPCOMING > PMI EVENT
PMI® EMEA Congress 2019
Dublin, Ireland 13–15 May 2019
Interested in having a FREE PMI Today® event listing on this page? Please go to PMI.org/events/calendar and click on the link for submitting events. Your listing will be considered for both the PMI.org online calendar and the PMI Today calendar.
SeminarsWorld® Events
Leading subject matter experts share their experience and deep knowledge on a variety of topics. Whether you are looking to build your leadership skills, work on soft skills such as communications and collaboration, or delve deeper into agile, these events provide unique opportunities to learn and connect with the project management community.
Learn more about SeminarsWorld courses being held in these locations and throughout the world. Use PMI's search tool for project management training matched to your specific needs. Visit learning.PMI.org.
10–13 December
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
25–28 February
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
19–22 March
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
8–11 April
Seattle, Washington, USA
6–9 May
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Live Webinar from ProjectManagement.com
As a valued member of the ProjectManagement.com community, you can access webinars that provide insight from the industry's most respected voices on the most relevant and important topics today—and earn PDUs.
5 December, 9:00 a.m. EST (UTC–5)
Simplifying Lean Six Sigma to Work in an Agile Environment
Lean Six Sigma techniques can be used at a smaller scale, but to be successful it needs to be adapted to the specifics of IT projects. This presentation is based on a real case study, using Lean Six Sigma to measure the impact of process improvement initiatives in a hybrid project delivery environment. Presented by Stelian Roman, PMI-ACP, PMP.
For more information and to register, visit ProjectManagement.com/Webinars.
PMI Educational Foundation
Reflecting on Project Management for Social Good
What comes to mind when considering today's top industries that embrace project management as essential to their business operations? Manufacturing? Construction? Information technology? Professional services? What about nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on the forefront of improving lives and communities around the world? What about youth? Do you think introducing youth to project management will help better prepare them for future success, both in work and in life? This is where the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF)—the philanthropic arm of PMI—steps in, because the foundation leverages project management for social good®.
PMIEF strives to inspire and empower people to realize their potential and transform their lives and their communities through the use of project management knowledge. For the staff and volunteers engaged with PMIEF, there is a shared belief that project management helps nonprofits/NGOs become more efficient and effective in their daily work and in delivering their missions. And youth who learn project management are more organized and better communicators, collaborators and problem solvers—all important 21st-century skills.
PMIEF is bringing project management to nonprofits and youth who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn it. This year alone, more than 200,000 youth were introduced to project management—some of whom had dozens of hours of training.
PMIEF's grant to the Space Foundation for “Out of This World Project Management!” required students to apply project management knowledge to search for life on Mars.
Here are some other ways PMIEF leveraged project management for social good:
- Providing grants totaling US$1,397,660 to other nonprofit organizations to help nonprofit staff and youth learn project management;
- Offering a range of no-cost tools and educational resources in a multitude of languages for use with youth and nonprofit organizations;
- Providing pro bono (volunteer) trainings by PMI Registered Education Providers to nonprofit/NGO staff, teachers and emerging project management practitioners valued at almost US$200,000; and
- Providing student scholarships and professional awards.
“The skills our staff is learning through hands-on project management training are helping our team deliver on key projects smarter and more efficiently, and no doubt having a positive impact on our larger movement.”
—Mary Davis, Special Olympics CEO, former PMIEF grant recipient
How Can You Be a Part of This Amazing Work?
Promoting change in the world through the use of project management knowledge is no small task, and it takes an enormous amount of resources to make it happen. The only way this incredible work can happen is through the generous charitable support of corporations, foundations and individuals like you.
To learn more, visit pmief.org. Consider signing up for the monthly newsletter, PM for Social Good. Volunteer with your local chapter's social good program or bring PMIEF's no-cost resources to your favorite nonprofit/NGO and help them learn project management.
And, most significantly, please consider making a minimum donation to PMIEF of US$25 or any other amount that you find meaningful. Your donation can be made securely online through the PMI store or via pmief.org/giving/donate.
PMIEF looks forward to sharing a happy and bright new year with you, filled with an abundance of project management for social good®!
We couldn't do all we do without the loyal support of project managers around the globe. Sadly, one of those who served PMIEF for over a decade has recently passed away. Be sure to read how his dedication to giving back made a difference in lives and communities around the world.
John R. Patton
(15 September 1944 – 4 October 2018)
John Patton's 74 years “in residence” on planet Earth has left behind a better world for his having been here. His life and continuing legacy have positively impacted the PMI and PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF) communities, as well as the many lives that have been improved by his project management outreach.
In 1983, Mr. Patton founded Cadence Management Corporation, a project management training and consulting firm working with organizations across 47 countries. Though he served as president and CEO until 2016 and as Chairman of the Board until his 2018 retirement, Mr. Patton carved out precious time for himself and his staff to undertake volunteer training activities for PMIEF. In fact, from 2008 to 2018, he and his Cadence team provided more than US$500,000 of pro bono training to teachers and nonprofit organizations on behalf of PMIEF.
Mr. Patton directly gave some of the training, and was especially gratified when helping nonprofits working in disaster management and humanitarian aid. He commented on how much they needed the training he was able to provide, and took pride in watching trainees come to the realization that project management principles could help them do their work more effectively. Mr. Patton's willingness to share knowledge and opportunity has become part of his legacy. Following Mr. Patton's retirement, Cadence has continued its PMIEF collaboration under new company leadership.
Always eager to go the extra mile, Mr. Patton did not limit his support to volunteer hours. He also became a PMIEF Leadership Society donor for many years, giving not only his time but his treasure. Additionally, he served on the PMIEF board for more than three years and was the chair of the board for one year.
Earlier in his life, Mr. Patton received a bachelor's degree in romance languages from the University of Oregon. While on a college-era mission trip to work in an underserved Colombian orphanage, he met Esneda Correa, who would later become his wife of 52 years. After college, the newlyweds moved to Barcelona, Spain where Mr. Patton earned a degree in Hispanic studies, followed by an MBA from Portland State University upon their return to the United States.
Mr. Patton died while working on his final project, the design and construction of a new home. His frequent social media pictorial posts outlined major milestones and roadblocks alike, revealing the consummate project manager in action. In a fitting tribute to Mr. Patton, his family requests that “memorial contributions be made to PMIEF (https://pmief.org/giving/donate), which brings project management knowledge to youth worldwide.”
Mr. Patton will be sorely missed by the entire PMI community, which remains in his debt for his generosity of expertise, time and spirit. His was a life well-lived.
PMI China News
Witnessing Neusoft's Project Achievements
Recently, Neusoft Corporation, the first stock-market listed software company in China, invited PMI China Managing Director Bob Chen to attend its internal 2018 project award ceremony. As the only invited external guest, Mr. Chen delivered a keynote speech and presented awards to the winners along with Neusoft's top management. Mr. Chen also had an executive meeting with Dr. Ximin Chen, COO of Neusoft, before the award ceremony, discussing the trends of project management development, the value of the office of strategy delivery (OSD) and PMI China events.
As a project-oriented company, Neusoft has over 10,000 staffers engaged in thousands of projects each year, led by more than 1,000 project managers and an OSD with a staff of over 150. The OSD is in charge of all the company's projects that are worth more than US$120 million.
For the annual project award competition, 20 projects out of thousands and 30 employees out of 18,000 stood out after three rounds. The best project of the year was entered into the PMI China award competition for 2019. These awards have been recognized as a benchmark for project management success in China.
Bob Chen (center) with Neusoft top management.
Bob Chen
Neusoft was one of the winners of the 2018 PMI China Project Award as well as an OSD award, which were announced at the 2018 PMI China Congress in Beijing. The company's director of OSD and program coach were invited as congress speakers to share Neusoft's best practices and experience. More than 20 OSD staffers attended the event. The company attributes its achievements to top management's high recognition of project management.
During the meeting with Mr. Chen, Neusoft top management said that they would further strengthen the importance of project management in implementing the company's strategy.
And Dr. Chen also attended the potential council member roundtable to share and learn experience from companies at home and abroad, in the hope of being the council member of PMI China.
It was a great honor for PMI China to witness the project management achievements of Neusoft. PMI China is proud of setting a benchmark in project management for outstanding companies like Neusoft. PMI China, as a direct overseas branch of PMI, is committed to helping more companies strengthen their awareness of project management to realize their strategies.
Neusoft project awards ceremony.
Chapter Links news | people | projects
PMI Augusta Aiken Chapter pmiaugustaaiken.org
Project Gratitude Continues to Make a Difference
By Roger Duke, PMI-ACP, PMP, president, PMI Augusta Aiken Chapter
In 2017, PMI Augusta Aiken Chapter members voted to make the military their highest priority outreach effort and created Project Gratitude. Augusta, Georgia, USA is the home of Fort Gordon, the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence. Fort Gordon serves as a center for Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard forces. The local military population is nearly 100,000 residents; 40,000 active and 59,000 retiree family members.
Each year, hundreds transition from the military and seek civilian careers. Studies have shown that starting the planning process six months in advance doubles the chance of employment and results in significantly higher salaries.
Project Gratitude was developed to create opportunities for those interested in project management careers. It provides comprehensive, turnkey support with the goal of minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for candidates. Project Gratitude focuses on membership, training, application, mentoring and recognition processes.
Each candidate's situation is unique, requiring individualized plans. Project Gratitude takes care of the gaps not covered by the candidate's benefits. To cover these gaps, the chapter partnered with Afterburner, Inc., held a fundraiser and raised US$8,000.
The first priority of Project Gratitude is making the candidates chapter members. The membership enables veterans or those coming out of the military to begin networking immediately by attending chapter events with local businesses. After covering PMI membership costs, Project Gratitude maximizes its use of the PMI Military Guest Pass program to cover chapter costs.
There are many training options available and the candidates select the best one that fits their requirements. For veterans who have expended their benefits, the cost of training is covered by a partnership program with Velociteach. Any chapter using Velociteach products for their chapter exam prep courses can receive one free online course for each premium kit order. The PMI Augusta Aiken Chapter received approximately 70 free courses in 2018.
Military members of the PMI Augusta Aiken Chapter receiving a PMI Military Challenge coin for being PMI certified.
Air Force service men and women completed their PMP exam prep training as part of the Air Force COOL program and were offered PMI memberships by the chapter.
For candidates who have completed their training, chapter mentors work with them to prepare the PMI certification applications and to support study groups for exam preparation.
All candidates who obtain a certification will be recognized at chapter dinner meetings. They each receive a frame for their certificate and a PMI military challenge coin.
To date, over 20 candidates have successfully made it through the program and received their certifications. One candidate was a disabled veteran who received the chapter Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® scholarship by successfully earning his CAPM® certification. An unemployed veteran candidate was provided free training in one of the chapter's exam prep courses after an unsuccessful first try to pass the exam. He passed the exam on his second try.
In 2018, Project Gratitude was allowed to work with an entire class of 17 airmen taking a course funded by the Air Force COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On Line) program. All 17 were offered memberships to PMI and the local chapter. Chapter members mentored those who accepted the offer through the application and certification processes. The goal is to have all 17 certified in time to recognize them at the chapter's January meeting.
For more information about Project Gratitude, please contact Roger Duke, president of the PMI Augusta Aiken Chapter, and connect with him on projectmanagement.com.
PMI Trivandrum, Kerala Chapter www.pmikerala.org
Volunteers Help Flood Relief and Disaster Recovery Efforts
Recent rains in the Indian state of Kerala were one of the worst since 1924, with severe flooding affecting more than 400,000 families, rendering thousands of people homeless. According to details released at the end of this past August, over 80,000 were rescued and, at peak, 1,450,000 people were housed in relief camps across the state.
While the Kerala government machinery swung into action at the onset of flooding, the people of Kerala worked in unison, spurring a huge local volunteer force into action, with special mention of the support from the fishermen. The army and navy did a remarkable job rescuing marooned people. Support poured—and is still coming—in from other Indian states as well as other parts of the world, in kind and crowdfunded, for relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.
The leadership of the PMI Trivandrum, Kerala Chapter, as a socially responsible organization, took it as their moral responsibility to pitch in with the rest of Kerala for relief support and disaster recovery management. The first step was to send a note to all chapter members to confirm their safety and provide locations for initiating support to those impacted by the floods. Volunteers from the Trivandrum and Kochi branches arrived at the field support locations within minutes after the crisis was identified. Chapter members from outside Kerala supported with coordinating details using social media and collaborations for relief support from their contacts.
A collection center.
The chapter addressed the situation as three major relief supports:
#Savekerala Campaign
- Collaborated with various nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in organizing and managing flood relief material collection centers, in association with the district administration
- Played a key role in the collection of personal details of people affected by the flood
- Updated centralized rescue operations lists from the government of Kerala
- Facilitated between affected people and the rescue team
- Collected data of people who were rescued
- Responded to various requests of flood-affected people through social media
- Managed collection, segregation, organization, planning and loading of materials to various relief camps
- Sourced materials worth INR1,500,000 from like-minded people from Bangalore
- Arranged transportation to collect and deliver materials directly to flood-affected people
- Facilitated material collection worth INR2,000,000 through various personal and professional connections
- Established WhatsApp groups for volunteers of a badly affected location where no materials reached, in order to connect with government officials and send materials on time
#Rebuildkerala Campaign Phase 1
Once initial relief support was streamlined, the rains subsiding, and some people trying to get back home from relief camps, the chapter identified that the need of the hour was to help affected people for their daily living. The activities included:
- The chapter initiated a campaign called #RebuildKerala to lead various NGOs working for “after-flood” activities
- As a community, the chapter started collecting funds from its members and associated chapters in India to donate to Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF)
- The chapter donated all the T-shirts printed for PMI Kerala Chapter members to flood-affected persons
- We coordinated with various PMI chapters across India for their support
- The PMI Mumbai Chapter provided INR51,000 as a group contribution toward the relief fund
- The PMI Chennai Chapter provided 100 T-shirts
- The PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF) provided INR300,000 worth of materials, partially funded by a few donors from India and abroad, for the Rebuild Kerala campaign, as their first consignment. This was distributed to flood-affected people with the support of various NGOs like HOPE and Yathrikan
- The chapter initiated a Facebook campaign to support CMDRF
- We sourced emergency medicine worth more than INR500,000 to distribute in the affected areas
- We facilitated a group of volunteers to serve in flood-affected areas for cleaning and clearing activities
- The chapter registered as an NGO with government of Kerala flood relief support activities
The chapter acknowledges with gratitude the compassion and support extended by other PMI chapters across India toward the Rebuild Kerala initiative. Special mention of the profound support goes to A. Chandrasekaran, for initiating ongoing promotions through PMIEF for raising further funds to support the affected community.
Distribution of flood relief materials.
#Rebuildkerala Campaign Phase 2
Continuing the work from the first phase, the chapter addresses new and ongoing needs:
- Rebuilding Kerala needs continuous support, both physiological and educational. The chapter is organizing various workshops to support and train volunteers in order to equip them better for providing what is needed.
- The chapter plans to take support and guidance from PMIEF and other PMI chapters in educating and empowering the affected people to return to their regular life.
- Working with various NGOs will give maximum benefits to society in all possible ways.
The chapter puts on record its gratitude to the PMI community, both within and outside of Kerala, for selfless volunteering services rendered to support the Kerala flood victims. Jointly, we will strive to use our skills in getting Kerala back to rights!
PMI Recife, Pernambuco Brazil Chapter pmipe.org.br
Health and Wellness Campaign Provides Fun and Networking
#PMinShape: Managing the Quality of Life!
In June 2015, when the Brazilian Project Management Congress took place in the sunny beachside city of Recife, Brazil, attendees from other Brazilian PMI chapters observed the people walking, running, pedaling, all immersed in their healthy activities. Out of this observation came a proposal to build an initiative to engage in health and well-being activities. From there, the #GPemForma (#PMInShape) proposal was born.
Planning
The #GPemForma project started in Recife in 2016, but it was only by the end of 2017 that the program achieved greater momentum. The group involved with the project created a plan to make the initiative a product of the PMI Recife, Pernambuco Brazil Chapter.
Balanced Scorecard adapted to #GPemForma
During the planning phase, the team realized that the program not only would bring opportunities to stimulate the practice of physical exercises, but also would be a gateway for people to discover PMI and its portfolio of knowledge, both in the region and globally, thus allowing a possible double perception of value. During planning, the team got the idea of the programs' events taking place in public places or little-explored spots in the urban area.
Practical Results:
#PedalaGP (#PedalPM)
Held every other week on Sunday mornings, cycling was the starting point of the project. With routes planned to fit to the physical condition of everyone, all participants felt comfortable to go in the chosen itineraries.
#FuncionalGP (#FuncionalPM)
During the time of functional exercises, our coach and physical educator, Wilson Tenório, presented Aiki Body Movement, a methodology created by him that joins the practices of functional exercises and references to Japanese Aikido techniques.
#CaminhaGP (#HikePM)
A hike was held at the Recife Botanical Garden, a preserved area of Atlantic rain forest. Participants not only got exercise but also appreciated nature and enjoyed a practical workshop on how to plant and maintain fertile land for plants.
#GPNoTatame (#PMonTheMat)
The Japanese art of Aikido, also presented by Sensei Wilson Tenório, is a rich activity of theory and practice of self-control, perception, respiration, movement and body posture.
Results and New Opportunities
The total participation in the four physical-activity modalities was 45 people. Twelve were affiliated with the chapter and the other 33 had some familiarity with projects or knew project management concepts, but had no previous knowledge of PMI. These nonaffiliated participants knew about the events through social networks, or were friends with chapter members. For newcomers, there was a presentation about PMI (stand-up, without audiovisual presentations) and an invitation to get closer to the chapter. Prospective members were told about benefits, not only of this initiative, but about the vast intellectual knowledge and professional improvement they can gain.
Cycling activity.
Functional exercises (Aiki Body Movement).
We can see how #GPemForma became a strategic project for the chapter, both in terms of the growth of its community (affiliates and participants of other leadership events promoted by PMI and the chapter), as well as a benefit to chapter members. Participants can add the practice of exercises to their routines, along with networking and knowledge of various subjects. And they can explore lesser-well-known places in the area.
A new member who participated in #GPemForma as a chapter member had this to say:
I knew about PMI a short time before #GPemForma began. I joined the chapter to study and do the certification test, and I volunteered to put into practice the studied concepts, mainly in the project planning activities, besides realizing that it would be a way to network. When the need for volunteers for the #GPemForma project appeared, I started my first volunteer work for the chapter. Over time you feel how much working on the project adds value to your theoretical knowledge, health and wellness, and also networking—which gives me even more willingness to continue in volunteering, knowing about and participating in other projects.