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| Keynote Speaker: | |
| Ron J. McKerlie | Topic:
Leadership in Project Management
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Abstract:
In his keynote address, Ron will share with participants a number
of areas of organizational and personal leadership compentencies
required for successful Project management.
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| Professional Bio:
Ron J. McKerlie joined the Ontario Public Service as Corporate
Chief Information and Information Technology Officer and Chief
Strategist, Service Delivery effective October 11, 2005. Ron's
mandate is to facilitate modern government through the efficient
and effective deployment of Information and Information Technology
solutions and create and implement a first class service strategy
for the provision of information, products and services to Ontarians.
Mr. McKerlie is uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between quality
service delivery and information technology support having worked
for Rogers Communications Inc. as Vice President e-Business where
he was responsible for the end-to-end automation of sales and services
via the web channel. Prior to Rogers, Ron worked for twenty years for
Bank of Montreal in a dozen roles including Vice President Electronic
Banking, Vice President Smart Cards and most recently Senior Vice
President eBusiness where he had responsibility for enterprise web
based initiatives.
Ron holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Dalhousie
University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced
Management Program. He is also a member of the Board of Directors,
Executive and Audit Committees for World Vision Canada.
Ron lives in Mississauga with his wife and has two sons in University.
In his spare time he loves to golf, travel, ski and read.
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| Speakers: | |
| Carl Sergeant, PMP | Topic:
Leading Complex Projects
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Abstract:
Have you ever taken on a project that appeared just too complex to handle?
Just trying to identify the multitude of variables, let alone to anticipate
how they might interact, can be overwhelming.
To lead the complex project requires a new way of thinking-a new approach
to applying known project management techniques and tools. Leading Complex
Projects provides an innovative approach to assess project complexity and to
deploy the best techniques to achieve success.
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| Professional Bio:
Carl Sergeant is an instructor with Nexient Learning is a Senior
Consultant with CSC Inc. A Project Management Professional as certified
by the Project Management Institute and a 26-year veteran of Canada's
telecommunications industry, Carls career started with Bell Canada in 1980,
installing residential telephones. He worked his way up through the organization
to lead a staff of some 180 Project Managers, Executives and Directors.
In early 2000, Carl joined Ericsson Canada for 14 months to harmonize
the company's Canadian project management and engineering arms. After
successfully completing this undertaking, Carl returned to Bell Canada and
was promoted to Vice President of Bell Connexim. There he lead an extensive
project management and outsourcing organization accountable for managing
business-customer contracts that generated 0.5 billion dollars of revenue
each year.
His extensive project management experience, has given Carl a unique perspective
on the entire Project Management industry. His stature was recently recognized
by the Project Management Institute, which selected him as one of the fifty most
powerful and influential PM professionals in the world. He has also had a feature
article published in PM Network magazine highlighting his people centric approach
to business.
He has been a speaker at numerous Project Management events where he has shared
his views on project communications, building a PMO and his people centric
approach to managing projects.
An avid flyer, Carl holds a private pilots license and tries to fly every
weekend that he can.
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| Ed DeGrosbois, MPA, PMP | Topic:
Public Sector Projects
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Abstract:
Government projects have many aspects that make their planning and management unique.
With over 25 years of project experience at federal, provincial and municipal levels
of government, Ed will try to identify and provide insight on some of the key factors
that ensure successful delivery of projects in the public sector environment.
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| Professional Bio:
Ed de Grosbois is Director of Business Services for the Transportation and
Works Department at the City of Mississauga, and is actively engaged in raising
the level of project management competency within the Department. He has led
major projects in infrastructure management, capital assets management, and a
city-wide review of services. Ed was a founder of the organizing committee for
the Public Sector Project Management Forum (2002 until 2005). Prior to his
career at Mississauga, Ed worked in both the federal and provincial civil services.
He is a graduate of the University of Guelph (BA 74, MA 77) and Queens University
(MPA 94), and has held the PMP designation since 2002.
In his spare time he loves to golf, travel, ski and read.
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| Paul Burns, MBA, PMP, CCC | Topic:
Exploring the Relationship
between Cost Estimation and Project Control
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Abstract:
In spite of recent attention there is not yet a strong track record regarding the
management of large scale I&IT public sector projects and the investment area
remains very high risk. International scans and overviews show that many
jurisdictions are looking closely at policies and frameworks as a way to improve
their capability to take on large I&T projects. Additionally, standards
organizations and benchmarking groups have been actively looking at the critical
supportive role that formal cost estimation and project control methodology can
have for organizations. Public Sector decision-makers will to continue to look
at their "glass house" when it comes to rules and practices for the management of
large scale I&IT projects. Participation with other jurisdictions in the standards
and benchmarks arena is a way to move forward for continuous improvement.
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| Professional Bio:
Paul Burns has worked for the OPS for 19 years and has held a range of
responsibilities in the areas of information technology, financial analysis,
project management, and project controls. He holds an MBA from The Rotman Schools
of Business (University of Toronto). He is a Certified Cost Consultant (CCC) and
Project Management Professional (PMP). He is currently the president of the
Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering - Toronto Section.
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| Donna Messer | Topic:
Common Communications Platforms for Projects with a Multinational Scope
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Abstract:
Donna Messer will share her vast experience and knowledge in the areas of Positive
Communications and provide participants withpractical strategies and action steps in
finding and defining a common communication platform or set of guidelines for
projectswith multinational scope.
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| Professional Bio:
Donna has conducted workshops and delivered keynote speeches for corporations,
organizations and educational institutions throughout the Canada, the
United States and Europe. The Power of Positive Linking is one of the most
comprehensive, interactive network training programs in North America.
She serves on the Executive Board for Women in International Trade, and
chairs Women in Food Industry Management. She volunteers her time to support
youth, the disabled and new immigrants. She is actively involved in charities
directed towards these areas.
Donna has appeared on Global TV, has been featured in The Toronto Star,
The Toronto Sun, The Globe & Mail and The London Telegraph. Her book,
Effective Networking Strategies is a Canadian best seller and is used
as a resource.
Mobilizing Mentoring has been adopted by government, industry and education
as a working template. Her business experience includes state government,
education, banking, law, journalism and the food industry. She founded
"We Choose Canada" a voice for everyone who chooses to live,
work and raise a family in Canada.
Donna lives in Southern Ontario, Canada and is a mother and a grandmother.
During her career she has connected with more than 7,000 organizations
around the world and has an active database of more than 25,000.
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| Greg Taylor, CMC, CPP, PMP | Topic:
Preparing the Implementation Scope Document
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Abstract:
Why is an Implementation Scope Document (ISD) a necessity? Who prepare it?
Who uses it?
This presentation will cover these questions and more. Areas of focus include
stakeholders expectations and legal ramifications, project budget and project
plan, gap analysis, implementation and follow up.
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| Professional Bio:
Mr. Taylor has over 20 years of experience in managing IT Professional Services
teams and projects, including several successful full-cycle implementations across
a wide range of industries. He is certified in EAM/CMMS and SAP (MM) software
applications; has a business degree; and professional designations in Supply-Chain
Management (CPP), Management Consulting (CMC) and Project Management (PMP).
Mr. Taylor lives in Mississauga and has been a member of PMI Lakeshore Chapter
for several years. He is an experienced and qualified IT Professional Services
Manager with expertise in EAM/CMMS, SAP and Supply Chain Management.
His main focus is managing IT Professional Services engagements, project teams
and resources. He leads teams for business development, client presentations,
business-process consulting, and preparation of proposals, contract negotiations
and project implementations.
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| Mufen Wang, Ph.D. | Topic:
Managing Culturally Diverse Teams
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Abstract:
Why recognition of cultural differences is important for team cohesion. Exploring
perspectives from both the team and the participant. Living up to expectations in
a new and different society. Body language, respect, honesty, tactile differences,
gender differences. Work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, asking for and
offering help. Social structure: hierarchical verses autonomy. Perceived common
courtesy, showing appreciation.
Financial perspectives: money verses job satisfaction. Definition of happiness
in relation to material achievements. Family life, discipline, trust, building
relationships, education and social status.
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| Professional Bio:
Dr. Wang is a consultant, counselor, teacher, and author of several research
publications. As a consultant, she interfaces with senior company executives,
university administrators, professors and government officials. As a counselor,
she works with culturally diverse clients, helping them in their adjustment
to Canada and in finding employment. She has been a Guidance Counselor, Youth
Employment Counselor, Settlement Counselor and Family Counselor for organizations
that include Bond International College, ACCES Community Counseling and Employment,
Woodgreen Community Centre and Havergal College.
Over the years, Dr. Wang has taught for OISE, Michener Institute, North York and
York Region Boards of Education and is currently a lecturer at the University
of Torontos School of Continuing Studies. She is author of several publications,
journal articles, conference papers, policy documents and research reports.
Her contributions have been published by leading organizations that include the
American Education Research Association, Canadian Association for Studies in
Education, Education Leadership Conference, American-Asian Associates Corporation.
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| Jian-Feng Shi, PMP, P.Eng, M.A.Sc | Topic:
World Space Exploration Strategy - Vision, Roadmap, and Schedule
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Abstract:
For 50 years, humans have gained access to space through technological advances.
The pace for space exploration reduced considerably after the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA) Apollo missions to the Moon. However, there have
been tremendous advances in the vision for space exploration in the past 5 years.
We are at the infancy of space exploration journeys that will expand human
civilization to unexplored territories.
The purpose of this discussion is to present the international roadmaps for
space exploration and Canada's role in the past, the present, and the future.
The discussion will include political, economical, and technical challenges
for space exploration, and focus on the schedules for various international
space projects. This presentation will also discuss the upcoming activities
and opportunities in the private space sector.
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| Professional Bio:
Jian-Feng is a Control Systems Engineer at MDA Space Missions.
He is currently working on the Canadarm2 project for the International
Space Station (ISS). Jian-Feng has seven years of professional experience
in the Aerospace Industry; he has worked on variety of projects including
maintenance software for CF-18 fighter aircrafts,
Flight Dynamics Software (FDS) for geostationary satellites, and Plant Research
Unit (PRU) for the ISS. Jian-Feng holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
degree in Aerospace Engineering from Carleton University and a Master of Applied
Science (MA.Sc.) degree from University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
(UTIAS). Jian-Feng is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a
licensed Professional Engineer of Ontario (P.Eng.). Jian-Feng is an instructor
for the University of Toronto Da-Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP), he
teaches advanced secondary school students in Orbital Mechanics, Space Robotics,
and Project Management. Jian-Feng is a the regional director for the Canadian
Alumni for the International Space University (CAISU), and serves on the Executive
Committee for the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) Kingsway Chapter.
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| Russell Keizere | Topic:
Does Cloud Computing Have a Silver Lining?
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Abstract:
Many industry analysts and pundits have heralded "cloud computing" as the next
big wave of capability that will lift business software development into a new
plateau. Componentized business services will be offered as services,
like electricity, that one can simply turn off and on as required. In this
presentation the promise of SaaS (software as a service) within a Cloud
Computing paradigm will be discussed, but the conclusion is that you may need an
umbrella. Real-life business projects need courage, innovation, communication,
and insight. Utility-based business services do not necessarily make any of these
automatic.
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| Professional Bio:
Russell Keziere is a former publisher and broadcast journalist as well as a
19-year software industry professional in the areas of workflow, content
management and business process improvement.
His combination of experience across communications as well as software
development, delivery, project management and industry marketing, brings a
unique perspective.
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| Sam Voorberg, PMP | Topic:
Leading with Strength and Ethics
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Abstract:
Discussion will include best Project Management Leadership practices with a special
emphasis on building trust within your team and with Senior Management. Discussion
will include examples of how the business world is changing with a new focus on trust
and ethical behaviour, following the collapse of Enron and MCI/Worldcom and enforcement
brought in through the Sarbanes Oxley act in the US. Trust in senior leaders and
Project Managers has always be spoken about but in recent times there is increasing
demand for that trust to be demonstrated through ethical behaviour. Ethical
leadership is not only in fashion but is a proven pathway to success.
The presentation will include real life examples of ethical dilemmas and sample
situations, in which the audience will be requested to form into small groups to
provide input, help resolve and then present back to the larger group. The intent of
this session is to provide the participants with some leadership guidelines but also
trigger internal reflection on how to apply the appropriate leadership skills in their
work environment.
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| Professional Bio:
Sam is the Director of Operations support at Bell ICT Outsource Solutions.
He presently oversees projects that are responsible for integrating new customers
and staff into the network management service provided by Bell ICT. Sam has led
projects ranging in cost from $60K to $42 M. He has led projects and coached Project
Managers in IT, in New Product Development and for the past two years in Outsourcing.
Sam is a strong Project Management supporter within the Bell family of companies having
participated in the creation of PMOs in two different divisions and strongly encouraging
his staff to upgrade their skills through training and coaching.
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| Jamal El Ali, MBA, PMP | Topic:
Dealing with Change
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Abstract:
We all experience change in our lives whether we like it or not. It happens and impacts
all of us regardless of our age, gender, race or nationality - no one is special. Changes
such as buying a new house, getting married, divorce, dealing with a terminal illness,
losing loved ones, starting a new job, organizational changes, job promotion, moving
houses and aging are among the many changes that we could choose to initiate ourselves
or are subjected to by others. Changes whether negative or positive have an impact on us
that varies based on many factors such as our ability to control and steer our beliefs,
thoughts, feelings and actions in the right direction.
So, why do we resist change?
It is the fear of the unknown, the loss of certainty and the desire to stay in familiar
territory. While going through change we feel lost at times, in doubt of ourselves,
discouraged, anxious and afraid of what the future holds for us.
We all have desires in life be it a good job, good health, a loving relationship, great
kids or a great family. Well, change, be it self initiated or unexpected, shakes things
up and takes us out of our comfort zone forcing us into exploring new territories-
stepping into the unknown, the black hole. We resist changing, because we're afraid
that change may make things worse. We are fearful of stepping into this new unfamiliar
territory and afraid of failure. Fear is not always bad: at times it is necessary to
have a controlled amount of fear which leads us to take action to prevent things from
getting worse. It puts us on higher alert and demands actions from us to deal with a
certain situation. It is the extreme fear of failure that pumps the bad syndrome into
our system, takes over our senses and prevents us from taking action to deal with the
situation-almost like a deer in the headlight, frozen in its place and waiting to be
hit by the coming traffic.
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| Professional Bio:
Jamal El Ali is a proven and passionate Senior IT Project Manager with over 10 years
of hands-on experience in Information Technology and Operations, and over 20 years of
client relations and international work experience.
His experiences in the IT, finance and airline industry provide a unique diversified set
of skills which include strong interpersonal skills, team orientation and the ability to
liaise effectively at all levels of the organizations across international markets. His
approach in working with every client is highly results-driven and customer oriented and
his mandate is to help organizations meet their objectives.
In the IT Finance industry, he has played a lead role in planning and implementing high
profile strategic projects and initiatives. He has a track record of delivering major
projects on time and within budget. In addition, he provided consulting services to
application development and support teams to understand CIBC's IT standards and
strategies and optimize their solutions accordingly.
He delivered IT training and consulted to many companies throughout Canada such as Aventis,
KIK Corporation, Epstein Cole, CTI, CCP, Teknion, Barringer and Remax, providing IT
strategic solutions and support.
He has also worked extensively in the airline industry with Lufthansa German Airlines
for over 17 years in North Africa, the Middle East and North America. In his role, he
interfaced with external clients and led initiatives focused on the promotion of
Lufthansa and its various worldwide products. He worked extensively with various
senior government officials and multi-national, worldwide private sector executives.
His achievements include winning the deal to fly the U.A.E National soccer team to the
1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, and flying the U.A.E. National Olympic team to the 1992
Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, on Lufthansa instead of the national flag carrier.
Jamal El Ali received his MBA from Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada in 2006. He
also attended Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada and obtained his Project Management
Professional certification.
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| Bob Ehlers, PMP | Topic:
Plan to "Fail"
A Look at the Business Continuity Common Body of Knowledge; your PMBOK Training in Use
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Abstract:
Business Continuity Management is gaining attention in corporate board rooms as organizations
focus on how to keep the business running in the face of unplanned disruptions and attempt
to deal with the mounting expectations from clients, business partners, regulators and auditors
who are seeking assurance that a disaster recovery plan has been implemented and a business
continuity program is in place. Simply put: businesses must plan for disruptions; businesses
must Plan to "Fail".
With the goal of promoting corporate business continuity and disaster recovery concepts,
this presentation will provide an overview of Business Continuity Management through a
review of the industry's international standards for Professional Practices. We will
look at what business continuity and disaster recovery entails and review the 10 Subject
Areas that make up the Professional Practices. Participants can expect to see skills gained
from PMBOK training being applied to business continuity planning and management.
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| Professional Bio:
Bob Ehlers is the Principal of Ehlers Consulting, providing project management and risk
management consulting and services. He is a promoter and champion for business continuity
management, project management and process implementation. He is currently guiding a Canadian
financial services firm in the enhancement of their business continuity management program.
Bob is a seasoned executive with 25 years experience in the financial services industry.
He has managed major projects from both a business and a technology perspective. As a Senior
Vice President with Citigroup, Bob led several key initiatives including Y2K compliance,
clearing systems conversions, implementation of business continuity & disaster recovery
plans and the development of internal controls related to risk management. He was previously
responsible for the systems development function at a leading investment dealer where he
spent ten years managing technology and securities operations teams.
Bob has a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. Bob attained a
Certificate in Project Management from the Boston University Center for Management Development
and has a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from the Project Management Institute.
He is a member of the PMI Lakeshore and Southern Ontario Chapters, and of the DRIE
(Disaster Recovery Information Exchange) in Toronto
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| Ruchira Chatterjee, MA, PMP | Topic:
Strategy Execution - Is Culture an Enabler and a Barrier?
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Abstract:
Culture in the world of strategy execution is a topic of great importance today. Many
organizations have come to the realization that the right culture can often overcome gaps
in infrastructure and process. An adverse culture can sabotage even the best process and intent.
Classic organizational culture is conditioned to operate within the boundaries of the org chart.
Initiatives cut across silos and step outside traditional practices and reward structures.
Requiring people to implement initiatives without proper values and perspective can be akin
to setting them adrift without a compass or a rudder.
This presentation will focus on sharing ideas and insights about culture from a strategy execution
perspective. Specifically we will address the following: What is the role of culture in executing strategy?
What is market intelligence telling us? How would you recognize optimum culture? How can
organizations and teams ensure that they foster the right cultural environment?
You will walk away with a full understanding of the role culture can play in executing strategy.
More importantly, you will understand some critical and practical ways to create a cultural
environment that enables successful execution of strategic initiatives.
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| Professional Bio:
Ruchira has over twenty five years of experience managing progressively larger and more complex
departments and projects. She has held positions as Program Director, Director Client Services IT,
Director Model Operations in a business unit, and managed Application Development and Business
Systems functions.
With over 20 years of direct Project Management experience, Ruchira has led a number of successful
programs and projects both in IT and business areas. She recently successfully directed the
transition of a Facilities Management outsourcing program for a Client representing $400 million
annual revenue. She was the Program Director on a $35 million program related to Wealth Management
system implementation resulting from an acquisition. She managed a program to bring about the
operational and technology transformation of a Property Casualty business division. On multiple
occasions she has held accountability for projects to bring about organizational changes, start
up new departments and implement new processes. She has also managed a variety of technology
projects related to such areas as conversions, expert systems implementations, vendor systems
selection and implementations.
Ruchira is a strong project manager with excellent organizational and strong interpersonal skills.
She has an impressive track record of successful project implementations and building strong
trust relationships with her team members, superiors, peers and clients. She has also built a
reputation as a change leader. She is an excellent facilitator and has dealt extremely effectively
with individuals at all levels, including extensively with senior executives. She combines
leadership and motivational attributes with organizational and communication skills to keep teams
focused and goal-oriented.
With a M.A in Economics from Calcutta University, India, Ruchira has also completed a Company
sponsored Executive Management training program at Kellogg, Northwest University. She is a Project
Management Professional (PMP) as certified by the Project Management Institute(PMI).
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| Darya Duma, P.Eng, PMP | Topic:
PRINCE2TM Methodology Demystified
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Abstract:
PRINCE2TM "Projects in Controlled Environments" is a project management methodology
popular in both the public and private sectors in the UK. PRINCE2TM can be viewed
as an extension of the PMBOK® principles, and in this talk we will discuss the common elements
between PRINCE2TM and the PMBOK®. PRINCE2TM is a specific project
delivery model that emphasizes the role of a "Project Board", end-of-phase reporting and
approval, and validation against a business case. This talk will provide an overview of
the methodology, present a comparison between fundamental principles of PMBOK® and
PRINCE2TM, and summarize the benefits of PRINCE2TM implementation.
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| Professional Bio:
Darya’s practice areas include PM methodology design, PM software implementation, and course
design and delivery. Darya is Program Director for our 10-day Mechanical Contracting Project
Management course at University of Waterloo, and she instructs our courses at University of
Toronto and University of Waterloo. Her corporate customers include Canada’s two largest
nuclear electricity generators, and two of Canada’s largest banks. She was a practicing
Project Manager for over 10 years, with extensive international experience, including
developing national and international standards for CSA and ISO, and managing elevator
installations for a mechanical contractor.
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| Vic Paklanis, P.Eng, M.Eng, MBA | Topic:
Execution and Implementation: - A Business Imperative
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Abstract:
According to the Conference Board of Canada's 2007 annual survey of CEOs from around the world,
"Excellence in Execution" tops the list as being their greatest concern - fully 10% higher
than profit growth!
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| Professional Bio:
Vic Pakalnis, OPS Amethyst Fellow in Public Policy at Queen's University has over 30yrs of
program and project management experience - he teaches policy implementation and project
management in the Queen's MPA program. He will reflect on the key elements of execution and
implementation. How to get the skills needed to meet this most important business imperative.
In June 2007 Vic received the prestigious Amethyst Award for excellence in public service. He is
the author of a number of papers on subjects such as: mine safety, public policy re: health and
safety issues, training and organizational design. He chaired the tri-partite Provincial
inquiry into Health and Safety in the Pulp and Paper Industry. Vic is a member of the Association
of Professional Engineers of Ontario and the Institute of Public Administration of Canada and
serves on a number of Boards.
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| Omar Kayed, M.Sc, PMP | Topic:
The Next Generation of Project Managers
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Abstract:
This presentation will cover a number of critical areas that Project Managers need to master as
core competencies that will be equired for success. Focus will be on characteristics that are
required of PMs in a rapidly changing global economy and the need for more focused eadership
skills and the applicability of leadership competencies in all aspects of the PMBoK processes.
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| Professional Bio:
Omar Kayed has 25 years of experience in information technology and business management.
Omar consulting career is rooted in early 90s, when he headed the professional service division
of Computer Associates – Middle East (CA was the world second largest software and professional
services company at that time). During the last 10 years, Omar has focused on the investment
management industry from three strategic viewpoints: information technology, client relations,
and operations.
Recently, Omar held Senior Vice president position at Dynamic Funds Ltd. in which he was
instrumental in transforming the company.
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| Susan Ksiezopolski, PMP | Topic:
Ontario Government Project Management Journey
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Abstract:
The Ontario Public Service is breaking new ground to modernize government with the implementation
of a Project Portfolio Manageent (PPM) framework and application and aligning the framework to
match Systems Development Life Cycle and other IT related drivers. The Project Management Centre
of Excellence (PMCoE) is a Branch within the Modernization Division of the Ontario Provincial
Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.
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| Professional Bio:
Susan Ksiezopolski is currently the Manager of the Project Management Centre of Excellence (PMCoE),
a corporate centre of excellence providing project management standards, training and support
across the Ontario Government. Susan’s passion for project management is supporting the ongoing
development of a project culture within the Provincial public sector through the development of
practical resources, offering advice and guidance, and cultivating knowledge sharing and learning.
She is also a Board member on the Canadian Project Excellence Board, and Project World Board of
Advisors and a Project Management Professional (PMP).
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