Page 30 - Procanvass

I would say newer generation has less patience, they are different fields. The way project management
very aggressive, if they get upset they could do anything implemented is different for a different industry. We
like quitting the job or anything of that sort. So the have to learn how it is applicable to our field. Also, I
expectation level of newer generation is very different. learned different tools and techniques from PMI. So
It’s not only the project management aspects of it but with that knowledge, I implemented those tools and
also soft skills aspects of it, he (Project Manager) must techniques in my own company. In my own
be far more adaptive, far more emotionally intelligent organization, we made project schedules, which were
compared to the project manager earlier where people not used earlier. We are using tools to estimate
used to stick around in a company for long time. manpower. I have been volunteering for PMI many
Nowadays, we’ve to make sure they will stick around. years. It gave me chance to try lots of things in projects.
This role changing is clearly seen in the project manager Every project (with PMI) is a challenge and many
competencies survey results. project managers work together on a project, give
different ideas which leave behind a great learning
Considering your vast experience in portfolio and
experience from these dignitaries. Things I got from
program management, would you like to share
PMI is a global experience. I love volunteering,
some on-field challenges for which every aspiring
according to me it is also a third world, where even the
project should be prepared for?
most five-star personality comes to volunteer at your
Well, major challenges in our sector (Real estate and
level. I was region mentor for south Asian region of
Infrastructure) are time and cost. Cost overrun is
PMI, my role was guiding the PMI chapters. There were
mostly a result of time overrun. The biggest challenge
a lot of challenges like leadership for chapters as they
is; project scoping, where improvement is still required.
have to confirm with lot of guidelines of PMI. If any new
Outdated data is another challenge. From Inception to
initiative is taken by PMI it’s my duty was to see that it
Proposal to Execution, especially in the execution
is implemented in all chapters, a lot of PM mind-set is
phase; the data is outdated. Handing over of land to a
required in this. Currently, I am working in member
contractor is a challenge. Land Acquisition problem
advisory group, global team. We are rolling out new
directly hits the schedule of the project. The gap
initiatives and strategizing it for chapters of PMI.
between plan and execution is a challenge. Another
major problem is planning. Indian project teams don’t You gave 15 years to Conart Engineers Ltd, you
have a culture of detailed planning as such. So we do started Cubic Turnkey. What is the story behind it?
need to spend enough time on planning. When I came back from USA where I used to work in
the construction field, then in design. My dad was
Do you think engineers can be better Project
already running a business in construction. During civil
Managers? Why?
engineering at VJTI, my technical knowledge developed.
Yes, Engineering is a technical field which trains you to
Then, I did my MS structural engineering from the US,
structure a solution for everything. Engineering
I did major in structural and minor in construction
develops a technique to get desired output. Engineer
management. Additionally, I have Structural and
thinks logically and Project Management is an
construction field experience in the US. When I came
application of logic. An engineer already has trained
here (India), my vision was to start a structural
mind-set to become a Project Manager.
engineering in my company but I couldn’t because my
You’ve been associated with PMI for around 18 father passed away very shortly after I returned. After
years, how did it influence your career? that came a lean period of about 2-3 years where I was
Being the founder member of PMI Mumbai Chapter, I struggling. I spent 5-7 years improving company after
used to attend lots of sessions from different industries, that. A midlife crisis occurs in everyone’s life i.e. doing
participate in it. I learned lots of new things and new the same things repeatedly and not doing anything
ideas came to my mind while doing this. Project different in my life.
management is a common framework applicable to

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