| developing capacity |
| Murray &
Roberts is maintaining its tradition as a learning organisation by
offering project managers in construction and manufacturing the
opportunity to develop their knowledge and
skills. The Murray & Roberts Project Management Development Programme was initiated in 1997 to develop the core capability of project management within the Group. To date over 120 employees have been exposed to the programme in some form or another and 26 project managers are currently enrolled. |
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The programme course consists of six modules
grouped together into three different study schools. The first study
school focuses on value management and project management, the second
covers human resource management, environmental matters, contract law and
risk management, while the third provides insight into negotiation skills
and project finance for non-financial managers. The core programme is followed by a major assignment, which culminates in a formal presentation by the study school to senior Murray & Roberts executives. The development of project managers is further supported by a series of supplementary seminars. Topics covered include project case studies, project delivery mechanisms, managing the design process, measuring project performance and a number of others. Project managers may, during their phase of development or at any other time, identify other developmental needs and a total of nine additional elective programmes have been put in place in order to provide them with the additional skills and knowledge they may require. A new initiative called Knowledge Week was introduced in 2002. Knowledge Week is an outstanding four-day residential programme that provides a high level of concentrated input on the management of projects. Representatives from key clients attended this year for the first time. The programme is managed by a steering committee and is constantly reviewed. The success of the Project Management Development Programme has encouraged Murray & Roberts to develop a Manufacturing Management Development Programme, to support managers in the Group’s Industrial Manufacturing activities. This programme will be developed by a steering committee comprising senior executives from all of the Murray & Roberts manufacturing operations, in association with an external service provider. Like the project management programme, it promises to deliver great value in the future. The development of project executives is further enhanced by participation in the Major Projects Association study school at Oxford Templeton College. During 2003 two senior Murray & Roberts project managers will be proceeding to this course. The successful development of people in any organisation is the result of a partnership between the organisation, which provides the opportunities, and employees who embrace these opportunities. With management development, technical training, executive development and
industry-related orientation, Murray & Roberts is ensuring that its
leadership is adequately equipped for the many challenges that lie ahead.
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