Concurrent Workshop Sessions #3
Monday, May 5 @ 14:15
Good decisions are hard to make. And they are getting harder as the world becomes more connected. Technology changes faster, as do politics, our complex economy and many other factors that influence our projects. So how do we make better decisions? Dr. Hartman has turned to neuro science for answers, and has combined new findings with some insights from observing top project managers do the three things that make them so effective: integrity, relationship-building and decision-making. Blending some of the newest findings in how the human brain works and how we can develop mind skills with the skills and leading techniques of today’s advanced project management skills, you will be led through an interesting voyage of science, project management and thinking skills that should build both potential new skills and get you thinking about thinking in new ways. How DO we make better decisions?
Speaker: Francis Hartman
Dr. Hartman is a University Professor and Management Consultant who specializes in performance improvement related to delivery of corporate strategies, programs and projects. He gained over 30 years of experience in industry, on over $80 billion worth of diverse projects in Canada and around the World. Francis’ research as a professor in project management at the University of Calgary has led to savings of hundreds of millions of dollars on many diverse projects. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Hartman has published three books including a Canadian best seller published by the Project Management Institute, contributed to nine others and published over 200 papers and journal articles. He is a frequent speaker on project, program and strategic management around the world, delivering some 10-20 keynote addresses and invited papers per year. He has taught or trained over 40,000 professionals. Accolades include fellowship of the Canadian Academy of Engineers and a number of professional associations in North America and Europe, awards for contributions to the profession as well as for his work as a teacher and mentor. He is one of the 35 Canadian researchers – and the only one in the field of management – recognized as the most innovative by Canadian research funding agencies. Dr Hartman holds both masters and doctoral degrees in Project and Construction Management.
The Nephrology Information System (NIS) at Capital Health is the result of a project that exists within the realm of the Sasquatch: many believe that it exists, but few have actually seen it. In this case, we will demonstrate that custom application development can, indeed, be completed on time, on budget, with high levels of quality and user-friendliness! In addition, the NIS project is the first time in Capital Health that patient information has been electronically shared through multiple healthcare regions from a centralized or non-Capital Health site.
This presentation will describe some of the challenges that were encountered on the project, and the solutions that were developed to address them, with a synopsis of lessons learned that can be applied to projects in multiple industries.
Speaker: Monica Semeniuk
Monica began her career in theatre; ever since then, she has incorporated dramatic flair into both her personal and professional lives. While managing projects within the IT industry, Monica has worked with clients in government, insurance, mining, manufacturing, oil & gas, and healthcare. She has lived and worked in London, England; Toronto, Ontario; and Calgary, Alberta before returning to Edmonton 2 years ago, when Fujitsu Consulting made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Monica wrote the PMP exam in 1997, when it was still 8 hours with pencil and paper. She completed her Master of Engineering degree in the Project Management Specialization at the University of Calgary in 2002. From December 2005 to June 2007, she was the Project Manager for the Nephrology Information System at Capital Health.
It's inevitable - people will not always get along at work. Disagreements, personalities, communication styles, and unmet expectations are all typical breakdowns that create stress, uncertainty, and lost productivity. You deserve better! Facing the Tiger™ is a remarkable, simple approach to creating more honest and productive relationships. It is about 'getting into the conversation' - with steps to move from avoidance to creating a more open and sincere relationship. And, it is also about repairing relationships... before they escalate into full-blown conflict. The Results are dramatic! You will have less stress, feel more confident, and be free to focus on your work - not on the Tiger! This is a fun, interactive, and positive approach to what is normally considered an unattractive subject. And, you will be empowered with new concepts and skills to create immediate benefits at work and in your life!
Speaker: Hugh Culver
Hugh Culver is an athlete, adventurer, businessman, visionary, and someone who personally understands the incredible power of being passionate and inspired about your work. For the past 14 years, as the president of Marathon Communications Inc., Hugh Culver has been leading training programs and corporate retreats designed to foster human development in the context of work. His clients range from charter banks and credit unions to national retail stores, high technology firms, and government. As well, Hugh facilitates strategic planning/ senior management meetings for Corporations, Boards of Directors, and Municipal and Provincial Governments. Hugh spent 15 years as a professional whitewater guide and manager of the largest adventure travel company in Western Canada. He pioneered and marketed adventure tours to the South Pole, mountain climbing expeditions and even golfing at the North Pole.
As a project manager in Alberta’s booming economy, you’re faced with constantly training new staff and meeting deadlines with too few resources. How do you turn uncertainty into inspiration, or obstacles into opportunities, if you haven’t found your voice in the workplace? Based on Andrée Iffrig’s book, Find Your Voice at Work, this session will show you how to communicate effectively to manage your people challenges. The magic ingredient is storytelling, a time-honoured way for motivating employees that requires no theatrical or technical training. Does it matter if we tell stories? Yes, it does! Stories are how we connect with each other and create productive, engaging workplaces. They are the glue between managers and with your employees, suppliers and leadership. Listen as Andrée weaves wisdom about leadership dimensions into stories of typical workplace situations much like your own. Expect to leave inspired and better able to share stories that matter at work.
Speaker: Andrée Iffrig
Andrée Iffrig has listened to more than 20,000 stories in the last 20 years and told more than a few herself. Listening to stories and recording them for organizations has convinced her of the power of storytelling. Her book Find Your Voice at Work is bursting with examples of stories that any reader could tell–if only you found your voice at work. Andrée is an author and consultant with international experience in design and communications. Originally trained as an architect, today she collaborates with people to build friendlier workplace communities. Stories are her magic ingredient. Andrée is a regular contributor to Canadian Manager, elemente design magazine, and a variety of professional journals. To read examples of stories that are changing workplaces, visit www.find-your-voice.ca. You don’t have to wait until the PMI conference this Spring to begin making a difference on your projects today.
For most professionals one variable in this formula is well understood, another is misunderstood, and the sum - shouldn’t be a variable. Understand Negotiation. The ability to influence the outcome of a conversation to achieve what’s important to you is probably the single most important skill that you can possess. When multiple parties are involved in any decision - including clients, stakeholders, bosses, and colleagues – the ability to achieve a sustainable resolution becomes exponentially greater with each new participant. Very few people, who are not trained in the formal process and psychology of negotiation, can achieve consistent and sustainable results. The information contained in this talk derives from the fields such as hostage negotiation, neoro-linguistic programming, conflict resolution, marketing, neuron-biology, and other.
The talk will, therefore, explore some of the fundamental concepts that underpin all successful negotiated outcomes, including:
Speaker: Vik Maraj
Vik was initially trained as a scientist; acquiring his Masters in Science with a specialization in molecular biology and genetics from the University of Alberta. He is the former Treasurer of the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society and an interest-based negotiator-mediator. He is also the co-founder and former CEO of the Castle Rock Research Corporation, one of the largest independent educational research companies in Western Canada. During this time he helped develop and author over 15 independently published educational books. These experiences have shaped the way he has approached the field of human behaviour, organizational development, and the creation of public perception. Currently, he teaches and consults to some of Canada’s top corporations, provincial and municipal governments, and almost every federal department throughout the country. He also coaches executives on leadership, dialogue and influence, builds self-directed teams, consults on the management of change and transition, structures performance management systems, and speaks nationally about the theory and practice of human relations. Recently, his focus has turned to the study of social and corporate belief systems and their impact on perception, productivity, and innovation.