August Chapter Meeting

30 August 2000

"Assessing Your Organisation’s Project Management Capability – From Theory to Practice"
by: Harold Ainsworth - Principal, Project Managers' Network Pty Ltd
and
Mike Krasny, - IT Audit Manager, Group Audit, Commonwealth Bank of Australia

The presentation considered the current state of debate about what constitutes Project Management Maturity in an organisation, and then looked at the specificapplications of this to a study at the Commonwealth Bank.

Harold Ainsworth discussed the debate on PM Maturity. His talk covered a review of a number of books and articles written on the topic and plans by the PMI to develop an industry accepted model. One of the particular issues of interest was: "What is the payback for investment in improving Project Management?" - a difficult topic but one nevertheless we will need to face as the profession matures. Some possible future scenarios, based upon the availability of an industry accepted model, were floated. (You can view Harold's presentation by clicking here.)

Mike Krasny spoke about the Bank's application of the principles for measuring capability in PM. Mike discussed the model which was to be used, how data was collected, and outlined the expected outcomes of the study. Mike also covered the background to the study and specific issues resolved in undertaking the assessment. He then discussed the Bank's plans to link the study's outcomes to the payback to be derived from improvements in Project Management within the organisation. (You can view Mike's presentation by clicking here.)

Our roving digital photographer Graham Oliver snapped these images of the August proceedings.
 
  A goggle-eyed audience of Sydney Project Managers listens attentively as Harold Ainsworth outlines his views on Project Management maturity.
 
  Past President Greg Morris (left) seen enjoying some of the hors-d'ouvres with Barry Gifford before the presentation.
 
  Mike Krasney warms to his task of describing some of the Commonwealth Bank's efforts in measuring Project Manager capability.
 
  Rob Posener (left) enjoys a drink with Gordon Bartlett after Harold and Mike's presentation.
 
  Harold looks on while Mike responds to a question from the audience.
 
  Certification Director Bruce Rankin (left) seen here with Ian Wolfe, was clearly delighted with the evening's exposition of the theory and practice of PM maturity and capability measurement.
 
  Having delivered his half of the duet, Harold Ainsworth adopts a relaxed posture whilst listening to his partner Mike Krasney extol the virtues of PM capability measurement.
 
  There's no doubting the capability of these PMs! Here we see a queue of willing volunteers lining up to assist the barman process drink vouchers in accordance with PMI strandards.
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