Road Town, Tortola - Project Engineer with the Project Support Services Unit (PSSU), Mr. Kevi Potter, is encouraging public servants involved with projects to consider project management as a means to get projects done right the first time.
Mr. Potter said this to participants at a recently held workshop entitled, “Basics in Project Planning and Management.”
“This year, the Project Support Services Unit’s motto is ‘Do it Right the First Time’,” said Mr. Potter. He also told participants: “Too often we execute projects and because they are not done the right way, we have to hire someone to go back and fix it. This costs money.”
The workshop was held last Wednesday at the Conservation and Fisheries Department’s conference room. Topics covered included the roles and functions of the PSSU and the importance and benefits of project management. There were over 20 participants who represented various Government departments.
Mr. Potter explained, “Project management is a formalised structure and method, focussed on delivering project objectives. It is a way to manage change.”
He continued, “With every project, we try to change something and the hardest ones to manage are the ones when we manage people, who vary with attitudes and culture.”
The project engineer also advised participants to carefully plan. He said, “Do not rush into a project with a half-hearted attitude. Know that you can execute. Take your time and plan and do it right once.”
According to Mr. Potter, one of the major benefits of project management is financial management. He explained, “The reason why the PSSU is in the Ministry of Finance is because project management ensures proper financial management. This way, we do not overspend on projects.”
With regards to the role of a project manager, Mr. Potter said, “As project manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that works are being done correctly, coordinated properly and a quality product was received.”
He continued, “Overall responsibility does not equate overall authority. Being the project manager does not give someone the authority to spend how they wish. Before spending is even considered, they should sit back and carefully plan. This is the only way to achieve goals.”
The project management workshops are in line with the Government’s plan to ensure effective and efficient management of all Government projects, with the goal of achieving optimum value for dollar.
Public servants interested in registering for upcoming training sessions can contact Mrs. Deborah Maddox at 468-3701 ext. 4249 or Mr. Kevi Potter at ext. 4254.
British Virgin Islands News