Tafawoq, the "world-class" Project Management Centre of Excellence focused on developing the relevant project management competencies to ensure the delivery of Qatar's extraordinary capital investment projects, recently held its mid-year 'Project Management Community Event'.
Hosted by Tafawoq's joint steering committee, which includes partners Qatar Petroleum (QP), Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and Qatar Shell, the event included engaging discussions that followed on from a keynote presentation by Ed Merrow, who is a world-renowned expert in the execution of complex capital and megaprojects.
The discussions came after a speech by Saad Rashid al-Muhannadi, QP technical director and chairman of Tafawoq's joint steering committee.
He said, "The collaboration between QP, Hamad bin Khalifa University, and Qatar Shell has demonstrated what the optimum combination of expertise can accomplish. I am extremely proud to announce that the Association for Project Management (APM) recently awarded Tafawoq the status of accredited APM training provider.
"As a result, Tafawoq is now able to offer all participants of 'Essentials of Project Management Course' the opportunity to go through formal examination to receive a certificate of accreditation," he added.
Tafawoq holds bi-annual events to explore challenging issues that could impact Qatar's development. At this event, discussions focused on 'Industrial Megaprojects: Concepts, Strategies and Practices for Success'.
Tafawoq now has alumni consisting of more than 200 project professionals from eight Qatari companies and organisations, namely QP, HBKU, Shell, Qatargas, Astad, Oryx GTL, Qatari Diar, Qatar Foundation, in addition to Kuwait Oil Company, and Petroleum Development Oman.
Dr Khalid al-Khanji, vice president (student affairs) at HBKU and member of Tafawoq's joint steering committee, said: "The success of this networking event highlights the vital role Tafawoq continues to play in supporting Qatar's National Development Strategy and is a testament to the importance of collaboration across the academic, government and private sectors. Indeed Ed Merrow's presentation about the 'Industrial Megaprojects' sparked some insightful discussions and valuable recommendations."
In his welcome of Tafawoq's partners and Qatar's project management community, Bader al-Jaidah, director, Tafawoq, also announced the launch of the Centre of Excellence's new website and said, "Tafawoq.com is not only an informative tool, but more importantly, a platform which brings our project management community closer together, and from which we can all connect, learn and contribute through meaningful discussion forums."
The Tafawoq method of education is based on the Shell Project Academy's 'Pentagon Model', an internationally recognised and accredited programme, which ensures that project professionals receive executive education and training opportunities.
Tafawoq's participants gain valuable experience from accomplished and recognised project management professionals using virtual learning, work-based activities and face-to-face training, in addition to coaching, mentoring and networking.
© Gulf Times 2014
