PROJECT Management explored

Why is it we don't hear much about project successes and it is always failures that grab the headlines?  It is tempting to blame journalistic voyeurism and sensationalism but if we didn't read it they probably wouldn't publish it.

I have been keeping an eye, as lots of people have, on the situation in Cumbria post the floods.  I can't find enough praise for the oft maligned folk at network rail (thinking west coast main line and many other project low points) for the great work they have done setting up a new station in under a week.  Seems simple but I'm sure the safety work, licensing, timetabling and all else were probably significant, yet essential to maximise the use of the remaining working bridge in the area.

I hope more is made of this and a review might feed some lessons learned back into their other ongoing and upcoming projects.  Actually it would be a great project for them to case study and promote as people should be doing with other successful projects both within their organisations and outside.  Possibly even an early candidate for an APM project award in 2010….

On a similar note a big up to the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in their support of the Bloodhound Supersonic car project which is trying to inspire and promote engineering as a career by getting young people involved.  My APM branch are having a talk on the subject and wouldn't it be great if there was more like this going on for Project Management or even some joint activities that could catch the imagination and positive press attention in such a way.