PMI Global Conference 2019

Description:
In the domain of science, Einstein understood that collaborating with those outside of your discipline was both highly valuable and extremely difficulty to do. He urged that we understand more about how to effectively collaborate across disciplines. Cross-functional project teams face the same challenges when team members must collaborate across functional divides. We will share recent research that provides insight into how successful cross-functional project teams use social identity to collaborate across that functional divide.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: (1) discuss how social identity supports effective communication across disciplines;(2) describe practical approaches to applying this knowledge on a cross-functional team.

Description:
Competitive pressures increasingly demand organizations to be more adaptive in their processes. The adaptive organization is able to respond to changing internal and external variables, using an array of modified project management processes (from the iterative or incremental development to the fully agile), in order to satisfy stakeholder needs. This session details a 2018 study showing how organizational culture and structure impact the ability to succeed with adaptive approaches, highlighting a skills gap.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: (1) discuss what adaptive methods and approaches companies are implementing and how these impact organizational performance;(2) identify the challenges that are most likely to derail agile/adaptive implementations and what strategies high-performing organizations employ to address them.

Description:
Definitions are a useful starting point, but what do you really think when you hear the word risk? How does it make you feel? What about related words like "uncertainty," "threat" or "opportunity"? Building on established neurolinguistic theories of word/image association, this session will explore underlying tensions in the way practitioners think and feel about risk. Discover the surprising truth, and compare yourself with your peers.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:(1) discuss why it's hard to include opportunities in an integrated risk management process;(2) describe their own underlying perceptions of risk, and the implications for risk management behavior.

Description:
Top researchers in the field of project, portfolio, and program management will share academic research findings and their applicability for the practitioner. Through examining multiple case studies, this session will address how research and practice intersect to shape the future of work in project management.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:(1) describe current trends in academia and the impact they have on the profession;(2) discuss how practice can benefit from the implementation and understanding of academic research in the profession.