Project Management: York University Computer Science and Technology Dept

1
Project ManagementYork UniversityComputer
Science and Technology Dept
Date Nov 1, 2006 By Steven Gallant, VP,
Project Management Date Nov 8, 2006 By
Shayne Smith CEO
2
Traits of GoodProject Managers

• Traits vs Skills skills are something that can
  be developed through training
• Strong PM Traits include
• Leader not something that can be easily
  developed
• Business Minded understand financials, always
  make money, max profit
• Good Communicator written, verbal, good
  listener

3
PM Traits (contd)

• Understanding of Risk
• Driven can be a type A when required
• Plans well and is organized
• Technically competent (proficient) not
  technically focused
• Client Focus understand the client, see the
  true motives
• Proactive

4
Strong PM vs Project Administrator

• Strong PM Project Administrator
• Manages the Proposal Effort Little Involvement
  in Marketing
• Prepares the Fee Budget Gets Fee Budgets from
  Dept. Heads
• Participates in Fee Negotiation Accepts Whatever
  is Negotiated
• Participates in Team Selection Relies on Dept.
  Heads for Staffing
• Gets Non-Performers Removed Blames Dept. Heads
  for Poor Perform.
• Controls Technical Direction Delegates Tech
  Matters to Dept. Heads
• Controls Budget and Schedule Monitors Budget and
  Schedule
• Maintains Rapport with Client Reports Status to
  Client
• Directs Fee Collection Efforts Lets Accounting
  Handle Collections
• Accountable for Success or Failure Keeps Records
  of Who Screwed Up
• (PSMJ)

5
The Complete PM
6
Project ManagementCareer Path

• Experience is key to strong PM capability
• Dont be in too much of a hurry to manage
  projects right away
• Should have at least 5 years of work experience
• Should act under a PM to gain experience
  assistant PM or job manager

7
Career Paths
8
Career path for PMs in Engineering
9
The Consulting Business

• Consulting is the fastest growing export market
  in North America
• Employs over 72,000 Canadians, contributing in
  excess of 12B to our economy
• There are 100,000 consulting engineering firms in
  North America, most operating at the community
  level with less than 25 employees
• U.S. ranks 1st and Canada ranks 4th in the world
  in terms of revenues derived from export of
  engineering services

10
Wardrop is One of the 100 Largest Engineering
Consulting Companies in North America
11
Wardrop is a Career Destination

• Top Employer recognition ranks Wardrop as unique
  amongst all Canadian engineering firms
• Our staff are highly engaged, and we are
  committed to developing them

12
Questions and Comments?