Successful implementation an art

Namibians advocating for a greater appreciation for project management as a distinct and recognised discipline are gaining momentum. Following a project management conference in Windhoek, which set the ball rolling in June, at least 30 local project managers are on a mission to establish a Namibian chapter of the international Project Management Institute (PMI). Namibia currently has seven certified project management professionals certified by the PMI. “Namibia’s ability to achieve her growth and developmental goals is directly linked to her ability to successfully implement projects,” says Andre Malan, one of the founding members of the envisioned local PMI chapter. “Success in this field has two components: the ability to choose the correct projects and the ability to implement the chosen projects within agreed quality, schedule and cost estimates,” he says. Valued Profession Using the examples of Namibia’s Vision 2030 and medium-term national development plans, Malan suggests that through effective project management, these broadly defined projects can be broken down into a portfolio of projects. “Since the 1960s the implentation of projects has developed into a profession, the value of which is acknowledged more and more worldwide by industry and state alike,” Malan explains. With a number of organisations representing the profession’s interests springing up of late, he credits the US-founded PMI as the largest and most influential of these. The institute currently has 250 branches in more than 70 countries, including Namibia’s neighbours Botswana and South Africa. Local State and private companies, as well as individuals interested in the certification process, can contact Malan at [email protected]. WINDHOEK DENVER ISAACS