Program managers throughout Mid East need to develop business acumen to align projects with strategic business objectives says expert

Dubai, 5th November 2007: The rapid development of major projects throughout the Middle East has heightened the awareness of the program management profession. In addition, the ever-changing regional project landscape now dictates that program managers acquire business acumen to run their projects in parallel with their organisation's overall business strategy.

Program managers are generally responsible for managing large, strategic services engagements and multiple project initiatives within a single customer site that carry a high risk factor. In support of their profession, the Program Management Institute (PMI) has recently launched a credential program for practitioners seeking to demonstrate their expertise in managing multiple projects that dovetail with strategic business objectives.

Dubai-based ESI International a market leader in the provision of program management seminars will hold a free breakfast seminar at the Crowne Plaza Dubai on Thursday 8th November 2007. The dedicated event, will address the strategic business aims of program management and the tools required for program managers to develop additional business skills. 

Leading the seminar will be Raed S. Haddad, ESI Senior Vice President of Client Programs. His presentation entitled 'Leveraging Program Management for Strategic Impact' will examine how change is influencing organisations to focus on developing their talent--especially program managers. Based on observations with global clients and formal research, Haddad will outline a framework which highlights human capital--a paradigm shift for many organisations in the region, having historically focused on financial capital. 

"Organisations and their program managers need to understand the knowledge and skills-set required to be successful in today's changing environment. But more specifically, they need to appreciate which business skills they need. Investment in intellectual capital is essential if the region is to compete for talent on the global stage," said Haddad.

In addition, Haddad will identify six best practices, or habits that program managers need to develop to increase their effectiveness, addressing the relevant, practical business skills, program managers require in today's business environment.

"Studies have shown that many professionals lack experience in these soft-skill areas. Current or aspiring program managers must understand how to see the "big picture" more clearly and work specifically in conjunction with organisational goals," added Haddad.

-Ends-

The breakfast seminars are part of a series of educational courses run by ESI that have been created for project managers and people involved in project work who seek a foundation in project management methodology and best practices. ESI cover a whole range of project management issues, such as planning and scope, risk management, scheduling, leadership and more.

The PMI requires that a PMP certified earn 60 professional development units (PDU) every three years in order to maintain certification

For more info about the PMI and the PMP certification we have a page on our website http://www.esi-intl.co.uk/individual_development/pmp_certification/index.asp#maintain

For more information and registration details, log on to www.esi-intl.ae

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© Press Release 2007