National Centre for Project Management breaks attendance records at launch event
The Tower Hotel in London, with its stunning views of Tower Bridge, was the location for the launch of the National Centre for Project Management (NCPM) on the evening of Tuesday 4 June 2013.
NCPM relocated to the University of Hertfordshire in September 2012, and the aim of this event was to showcase the work of the centre, particularly its innovative degree qualifications and training programmes and their potential for enhancing business project success through staff development.
Over 200 guests attended from a variety of professional backgrounds – a record attendance for a University business event. After a lively networking session, Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, greeted guests and spoke about the University’s business-facing values and its celebrations of 60 years of innovation. Professor McKellar emphasised how delighted the University is to be the new home of the National Centre for Project Management.
Professor Darren Dalcher, Director of the NCPM, spoke about the history, aims and work of the NCPM and its vision of promoting project management as a major discipline and profession in the UK. He reflected on the ways in which projects affect all of us, and spoke about how new learning and approaches can influence the success of projects.
Other business speakers expanded on the themes of success and collaboration. Ian Mason from the London Chamber of Commerce emphasised the UK skills need and how through working with a leading University, companies can access new ideas and perspectives. The sustainability of project management was analysed by Shane Suter of Mitsubishi Electric, who also explained the partnership that exists between Mitsubishi and NCPM to support business in the local community. Peter Swordy of Wembley Stadium then outlined the organisation of the Stadium’s diverse events programme, and spoke about the work which Wembley is doing with the NCPM to capitalise on the skills of its staff.
Feedback from the event is good; NCPM has succeeded in raising its profile and is looking forward to developing its business partnerships and working with even more organisations to improve the knowledge and capabilities of their people and the success of their projects.
NCPM’s new MSc Project Management Practice is now open for applications.
Find out more about how the National Centre for Project Management can help you and your organisation by visiting our webpages or by emailing ncpm@herts.ac.uk.