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PMI South Africa Presidential Insights and Future Direction

As the final day of the PMI South Africa Chapter's construction webinar drew to a close, Tunde Ojo-Aromokudu, President of PMI South Africa, reflected on the valuable insights shared throughout the series. "This webinar has been instrumental in addressing the pressing challenges faced by construction professionals today," he stated. "The discussions on effective scope and change management, coupled with the emphasis on stakeholder engagement and technology adoption, are vital for driving success in our projects."

He further encouraged participants to implement the strategies discussed, particularly the use of tools like the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) and the last planner system approach. "By aligning with organizations such as SACPCMP and committing to continuous professional development, we can elevate our project management practices and contribute to a more robust construction industry in South Africa," Tunde concluded. His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ongoing education in navigating the complexities of modern construction projects.

Meet the Expert Panel

Lucy Kimani

An accomplished architect and infrastructure leader with 35 years of expertise in sustainable project management across Africa and the Middle East.

Sharon Shunmugan

Esteemed engineering technologist and project management consultant specializing in project controls and contract management.

Elvis Ampem

Experienced civil engineer specializing in mining infrastructure construction and project management.

Key Discussion Points

Scope and Change Management

The panel emphasized the importance of proactive issue management and clear project briefs. Lucy Kimani highlighted that identifying and managing issues early is crucial for preventing scope creep and delays. Sharon Shumugan stressed how ambiguity in project requirements often leads to disputes and misunderstandings.

Technology Integration

While the construction industry's adoption of advanced technologies remains gradual, the panel discussed the transformative potential of tools like BIM, AI, and drones. Elvis Ampem shared insights on how these technologies are reshaping project monitoring and risk management.

Governance and Stakeholder Management

The discussion highlighted the critical role of effective governance and stakeholder engagement in project success. Sharon Shumugan emphasized the importance of including utility providers in project planning and management.

Practical Challenges and Solutions

Common Challenges:

• Inexperienced project managers
• Lack of accountability
• Payment delays
• Communication barriers among stakeholders

Proposed Solutions:

• Implementation of the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) tool
• Adoption of the last planner system approach
• Registration with SACPCMP for professional development
• Enhanced stakeholder engagement strategies

Key Takeaways

Project Management Essentials

• Clear project brief development
• Stakeholder buy-in securing
• Technology adoption planning

Best Practices

• Effective governance implementation
• Professional development focus
• Tool utilization (PDRI & Last Planner)

What's Next?

As the construction industry continues to evolve, staying updated with best practices and leveraging advanced technologies will be crucial for project success. The webinar series has provided valuable insights into various aspects of construction project management, from effective communication to scope and change management.

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For more information on the PMI-CP certification and upcoming webinars, visit our event calendar.