Project Management and Leadership Challenges: Applying Project Management Principles for Organizational Transformation (1)

Project management has evolved to a profession, a methodology for reaching the desired outcomes, a management approach for moving toward strategic direction, and a mindset. It supports an organization to effectively withstand the market challenges and sustain growth with competitive edge. A paradigm shift in management of an organization is discussed for strategic advancement where operation and strategic implementation are managed separately with relevant management approaches. The endeavor is made essentially to capture strengths of project management for strategic advancement. Organizational transformation for high performance is pursued with application of project management and capturing the organizational culture to support high performance for implementation of projects. A unique PM-AURA model is introduced to help maximize the culture for continued high performance. Organizational readiness assessment is critical for commencement of transformation and change management for desired competence. A model is proposed to help application of project management for building competence. The challenges for the 21st century are also discussed for an understanding and preparation.

M. Aslam Mirza, CEngr, MBA, LMG, PMP, is a speaker, author, practitioner, and trainer of project management approach for development of organizational culture and competence enhancement through support consulting and capacity building of professionals. His extensive exposure to results-driven project management stands to his credit as does his hands-on exposure to business and industry in Pakistan and abroad in varied positions includes CEO and MD of an engineering and construction company--Project Engineering Co Pvt., Ltd.--that brought him strong insights and business acumen, which are helpful for consulting and training commitments. He has been extensively involved with the Project Management Institute in the United States on research-based projects for knowledge advancement of the profession.