Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 06 December 2012:  UAE-based organisations such as the Emirates Group, Ajman Municipality, Advanced Integrated Systems and The Executive Council were among the stars that were recognized for professionalism in project management at an awards ceremony in Dubai last week.

"Cutting corners may save time or money in the short term, but in the long run, we all feel the consequences." 

The Excellence in Project Management Achievement Awards, presented by Specialised Management Group, recognised a group of 14 people who, through their dedication to personal and organisational improvement in project management, have upheld world-class practices and international best-standards within their professional arenas.

"International practices of project management are continually evolving. However, where project delivery is supposed to be done 'yesterday', we are constantly challenged to ensure that the best practices of professional project management and governance are upheld.  This is never easy," said James Norbury, Project Management Specialist and General Manager of Specialised Management Group. 

"Cutting corners may save time or money in the short term, but in the long run, we all feel the consequences.  As more organisations look to the Project Management discipline to deliver business intent, many of these organisations don't appreciate what goes into managing a complex project - it is often just a 'get it done!' expectation.  It is expected that you will deliver more, with less, in addition to your functional role.  All too often, success of projects is heaped upon senior management and little recognition is given to he or she who deserves it!  An objective of these awards is to change this, by giving recognition where it is due; to the unsung warriors of Project Management - the Project Managers.   

Norbury explained that the Excellence in Project Management Achievement Awards recognised three main criteria in terms of project management - Firstly, the dedication and commitment to personal development in Project Management. Secondly, individuals displaying excellence in the development of Project Management as a discipline within their orgnaisations, projects or working environments.  Thirdly, excellence in commitment, visibility and governance of business strategy through projects.

"We are very proud of these award recipients and their award selection process was a project in itself, he continued.  "We went through almost five years of project data and training records to screen and finalise the award recipients.  Approximately 1074 nominees, who work in the project management field and support-PM training between 2008 and mid-2012 were carefully analysed.  Final evaluation of achievements and visibility brought these finalists to the fore:

Winners of the SMG 2012 Excellence in Project Management Achievement Awards:

- Mahmoud Abu Al Shawareb of Ajman Municipality

- Abdulla Al Hammadi of the Electronic Document Centre

- Tarik Al Hraki of Ajman University

- Mansour Al Marzooqi of Advanced Integrated Systems

- Bader Al Mesmari of Advanced Integrated Systems

- Natalie Bamford of the Emirates Group - Performance Development Department

- Atheer Jawad of Du

- Katherine Kearsey of the Emirates Group - Project Management Office

- Hasnaa Kebouri The Executive Council

- Rozina Nawaz of the Emirates Group - Service Delivery Department

- Ayesha Zainal of Du

The following representatives of Specialised Management Group were also commended on their dedication to advancing project management within the region, either through personal skills development or through the support and driving of international best practices in project management:

- Selman Al Fares Al Malath / Specialised Management Group

- Amir Al Hashlamoun Specialised Management Group

- Munier Kenny Specialised Management Group

In addition to the awards, acknowledgment was paid to Ajman Municipality, in recognition of their leadership and pursuance of Best Practice Project Management Principles in their delivery of projects to the Community of Ajman.  This award was received by Marwan Al Muhairi, the head of the Ajman Municipality PMO.

Specialised Management Group (SMG) is a dynamic management solutions specialist consulting organisation in global project and process management consulting, business and skills development. SMG leverages experience and best of breed project management practices, processes and methodologies, to help clientele achieve project management objectives and gain competence and capability in the process. 

For more specialist comment regarding the project management industry information, event images or comment regarding the Excellence in Project Management Achievement Awards, contact:
Natasha van der Berg -Communications & Marketing
Natashavdb@smg-me.com
0971 4 369 3452

For more information or interviews please contact Specialised Management Group.
T: +971 4 369 3453
F: +971 4 360 4467
www.smg-me.com

© Press Release 2012