INTERNATIONAL  ROUNDTABLE  SERIES  2022-23

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Data Analytics for Informed Decision Making in Complex Projects

Data Analytics for Informed Decision Making in Complex Projects

The International Roundtable Series brings together senior practitioners and leading academics from around the world to explore the identified theme and harness their collective wisdom to produce new insights and practical steps that organisations can take to improve complex project success.

ICCPM Members can attend all workshops for FREE. Simply log in to waive the event fee. Alternatively, learn more about our Membership benefits.

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Data Analytics for Informed Decision Making in Complex Projects

Data Analytics for Informed Decision Making in Complex Projects

The International Roundtable Series brings together senior practitioners and leading academics from around the world to explore the identified theme and harness their collective wisdom to produce new insights and practical steps that organisations can take to improve complex project success.

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REGISTER FOR UPDATES
SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS
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INTRODUCTION

Projects and programs are becoming increasingly complex and are operating in complex settings which require sensemaking from a wide range of data points.

In a technical sense, data are a set of values of qualitative or quantitative variables about one or more persons or objects.

In general, data are atoms of decision making; they are the smallest units of information that can be used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation. Data can range from abstract ideas to concrete measurements, even statistics. Data are measured, collected, reported, analysed, and used to create data visualisations such as graphs, tables or images. Data as a general concept refers to the fact that information or knowledge is represented or coded in some form suitable for better usage or processing.

Analytics is the process of discovering, interpreting, and communicating significant patterns in data. Put simply, analytics helps us see insights and meaningful data that we might not otherwise detect.

Consequently, project data analytics, at its simplest, is the use of past and current project data to enable effective decisions on project delivery.

The topic of ‘analytics’ as defined above can also be linked to and /or associated with the concept of ‘sensemaking’ in complex social systems. Similarly, it may also be associated with the notion of emergence which is a property of systems. In the context of framing projects as complex adaptive human activity systems, sensemaking is about the observation and interpretation of patterns from feedback loops in the system. The ability to understand data, both hard and soft (quantitative and qualitative), is an important enabler for decision making in complex projects. Initially, interest in project data analytics typically focused on descriptive analytics to present project data such as budget, schedule, risk etc. in the most effective format, therefore making information accessible in real-time and for ease of monitoring and reporting. More recently, interest has expanded to include predictive analytics using past data to predict future project performance.

At a meeting of the ICCPM Corporate and Academic Partners held on the 17th of March 2022, the idea of data analytics for decision making in complex projects was discussed. It was agreed that exploration into this area would make a valuable contribution to the project management profession, particularly as a follow on from the previous Roundtable report on Harnessing Emergence in Complex Projects: Rethinking Risk, Opportunity and Resilience. In this sense, and with the framing of projects as complex adaptive human activity systems, the remit of our investigation into ‘data’ and ‘analytics’ for decision making, includes both quantitative and qualitative aspects, and the entanglement of the human experience as part of our relationship with machines.

The central questions include:

  1. Can / how can a network of intelligent human agents (human activity systems i.e., projects) and artificially intelligent agents be integrated in a way that would improve complex project delivery?
  2. Can / how can predictive analytics using past data and possibly current data in the form of ‘signals’ be used in the present and to predict future performance in complex projects?
  3. Can / how can machine learning be used to navigate project complexity?

The International Roundtable Series is a 2-year effort. The first 6 months includes working with ICCPM Corporate and Academic Partners to select the series theme, identify the Series Partner and the Anchor Sponsor, identify additional sponsors, plan the schedule of events and arrange the logistics.

Roundtable workshops will be held within the 2022-23 calendar year in the following proposed locations. The analysis and report writing will be undertaken by ICCPM and the Series Partner with the final report to be released in 2023.

Roundtable workshops (in-person) are full-day discussions facilitated by ICCPM. Workshops bring together senior project professionals and academics from across sectors to explore the theme using focus questions. A keynote speaker will kick-off each event followed by the Roundtable discussions. Key insights are recorded but contributions will not be publicly identified to encourage frank contributions.

Please refer to the table below for the in-person workshop schedule:

On the other hand, the Online Roundtable Workshops are 90-minute sessions that aim to advance the discussions of the in-person workshops. The agenda for each event will be shared with participants closer to the event date.

This thought leadership initiative aims to exchange experiences and uncover human insights not captured via data collection or observation alone. Organisations that have participated in previous Roundtable Workshops include but are not limited to:

  • Raytheon
  • Fujitsu
  • Lendlease
  • Telfer School of Management
  • Thales
  • NSW Department of Justice
  • CSIRO
  • BAE Systems
  • Aspen Medical
  • Dept Home Security US
  • Oxford University
  • Brisbane Airport
  • KPMG
  • Monash University
  • National Audit Office UK
  • Queensland Health
  • QUT
  • Lockheed Martin
  • DXC Technologies
  • Telstra
  • Qantas
  • Airservices Australia
  • Serco
  • Deloitte
  • UK Dept of Environment
  • Leidos Australia
  • IBM
  • Boeing Defence
  • Australian Dept of Defence
  • National Australia Bank
  • Jacobs
  • Westpac
  • Australian Tax Office
  • Sydney Water

ROUNDTABLE WORKSHOP

ROUNDTABLE WORKSHOP

Roundtable workshops are full-day discussions facilitated by ICCPM. Workshops bring together senior project professionals and academics from across sectors to explore the theme using focus questions. A keynote speaker will kick-off each event followed by the Roundtable discussions. Key insights are recorded but contributions will not be publicly identified to encourage frank contributions. Roundtable Workshops are subject to the ICCPM Roundtable Terms and Conditions.

To view the timetable, please refer to the workshop format.

FUTURE WORKSHOP LOCATIONS

Express your interest for an upcoming workshop and we will inform you once the venue has been confirmed. Please note the schedule may be subject to change.

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COMPLETED EVENTS

Face-to-Face Workshop - 06 June 2023

  • Schedule: 6 June 2023 from 9:00am to 4:00pm AEST
  • Registrations open at 8:30am
  • Venue: Harricks Room, 44 Market Street, Sydney NSW, 2000
  • Register here

  • Online – 30 May 2023
    • 08:00 AM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (AEST)
      3:00 PM San Francisco (PDT)
      5:00 PM Houston (CDT)
      6:00 PM New York (EDT)
      6:00 PM Toronto/Ottawa (EDT)

Registrations closed

  • Online – 19 May 2023
    • Time: 06:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (AEST)
      10:00 AM Berlin (CET)
      09:00 AM London (GMT)
      3:00 PM Singapore (SGP)
      4:00 PM Perth
      5:00 PM Seoul (KST)
      5:30 PM Adelaide

Registrations closed.

  • In-Person – Date and Time: 16 March, 2023
    Venue: 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ
    Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm GMT (Registration from 8:30am)
    Event Fee: FREE, Lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided
    Registrations close: 13 March 2023, 5:00pm GMT (14 March 4:00am AEDT)

  • In-Person – 13 March, 2023 from 9:00am – 4:00pm EDT
    Venue: Ottawa, Canada, Centre for Executive Leadership, Sun Life Financial Centre, 99 Bank Street, Suite 200, Ottawa, ON  K1P 6B9
    Event Fee: FREE
    Registrations close: 8th March 2023 5pm EST — 9th March 2023 at 9:00am AEDT 

  • Online – 29 NOV 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm – Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne (AEDT)
    • from 8:00am to 9:30am Paris (CET) | 8:00am to 9:30am Berlin (CET) | 7:00am to 8:30am London (GMT)
    • Venue: Online
    • Registrations close: 29 NOV 2022 at 3:00pm AEDT

  • Online – 06 DEC 2022 from 8:00am to 9:30am – Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne (AEDT)
    • from 4:00pm to 5:30pm New York (EST) | 4:00pm to 5:30pm Toronto (EST) | 3:00pm to 4:30pm Houston (CST)
    • Venue: Online
    • Registrations close: 05 DEC 2022 at 3:00pm AEDT

  • Brisbane (In-person event) – 02 NOV 2022 from 9:00am to 4:00pm AEST
    • Venue: Seminar 1, Level 4, B Block, QUT Gardens Point Campus, 2 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
    • Event Fee: A$65.00 incl. GST or FREE for ICCPM Members
    • Registrations close: 31 OCT 2022 at 2:00pm AEST (3:00pm AEDT)

Keynote Presentation – Data Science

The Keynote Presentation by Wayne Thompson will feature real-life examples of applied machine learning projects to real projects. It will highlight the importance of engaging with subject matter experts especially where unstructured data is involved. In addition, the presentation will discuss key lessons learnt.

Wayne Thompson, Downer Defence Systems, Manager Data Scientists

About the Speaker

Wayne Thompson is the Manager, Data Science within the Downer Defence systems who provide advanced analytics, statistical analysis, and machine learning services to Downer clients, Defence, and utilities within Australia

Earlier in his career he was a senior program manager of Jaguar Land Rover, United Kingdom for priority analytical warrant service supporting global warranty analysis across the global range of the dealership organisation. Wayne’s recent experience involves applying machine learning techniques in aerial and satellite imagery to enhance remote sensing capabilities for organisations such as the Queensland Department of Environment and Science. He has also worked with Sydney University and co-authored a recent paper on High Resolution Satellite Image Segmentation with Transfer Learning Based Multi-Resolution Feature Fusion.

  • Melbourne (In-person event) – 27 OCT 2022 from 9:00am to 4:00pm AEDT
    • Venue: KPMG, Tower Two, Collins Square, Level 36, 727 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008
    • Registrations close: 26 OCT 2022 at 12:00pm AEDT

Analysis of Lessons Learnt on Complex Projects

Eric Louw, Aurecon Managing Principal, Data and Analytics

About the Speaker

Eric Louw is the Managing Principal of Aurecon’s Data & Analytics team, which provides analytics, data engineering and machine learning services to clients. He has 30 years of experience in consulting and industry, focused on business strategy, digital transformation and analytics.

Earlier in his career, Eric was Director of Strategy and Planning for the Business division and played a lead role in establishing Telstra Ventures and Telstra Health. Recent experience includes leading a digital transformation program for a large government agency and developing a global mining company’s technology strategy. Eric has taught at the University of Cambridge and the University of Melbourne, and has co-authored three business books. He has a BSc Honours and MBA.

  • Adelaide (In-person event) – 14 SEP 2022 from 9:00am to 4:00pm ACST
    • Venue: Raytheon Australia, 1-11 Technology Drive, Mawson Lakes SA 5095
    • Registrations close: 12 SEP 2022 at 11:30am ACST (12:00pm AEST)

About the Keynote Speaker

Dr Ehsan Abbasnejad,  Director of Human-centred Machine Learning at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML)

Ehsan Abbasnejad is a Senior Lecturer and the Director of Human-Centred Machine Learning at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, University of Adelaide. He is also a Future Making Fellow at the University of Adelaide. His focus is machine learning and computer vision. He was awarded a PhD in 2017 from the Australian National University (ANU) where he worked on Decision Theory, Probabilistic and Bayesian Methods. He has been collaborating closely with various industries, including defense, agriculture, energy and sport on multiple high-profile research projects. He has also been a key member of teams that won multiple global competitions in vision, mining, and manufacturing. He has the experience of working at leading industrial research institutions such as Microsoft Research, Xerox and NEC.

  • Canberra (In-person event) – 18 AUG 2022 from 9:00am to 4:00pm AEST
    • Venue: QUT Canberra Executive Education Centre, 2 King St, Deakin ACT 2600
    • Registrations close: 17 AUG 2022 at 2:00pm AEST

About the Keynote

Organisations and communities that embrace the new ways of working brought about by technological and societal changes will become more prosperous, resilient and sustainable. While the introduction of new technology creates fear, uncertainty and doubt, if managed well it can produce a net benefit to society. In this context, “‘sensemaking’ in complex social systems” requires a belief that technology destroys jobs and not work. While there is no substitute (yet) for creativity and inspiration, shaping the future of work for ourselves and those that follow requires new ways of relating to technology and data.

Already Millenials and Generation Z (aka zoomers) are having to grapple with a range of ‘wicked problems’ or global challenges involving informed decision making in complex environments. Engaging with and teaching people how to make sense of this environment is as – if not more – important than the technological changes. This ability to make sense of an ever more complex environment could mean the difference between prospering and the dystopian view put forward by many as the inevitable outcome of this change.

John Lawrance, Team Downer MSP Director Reform & Capability

About the Speaker

John derives his energy from building, turning around and improving organisations. He is an experienced executive with 20 years international Financial Services experience and eight years consulting and contracting to Government, including Defence. Areas of expertise include delivering large complex change / transformation initiatives, risk management, developing and leading high-performing teams and governance. He seeks outcomes that are win / win / win for staff, clients and organisations based on sound decision making using the best available data and analysis.

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BENEFITS OF SPONSORSHIP

The general benefits of supporting the 2022-23 International Roundtable Series include:

  • Identify your organisation as one committed to improved project performance
  • Position your organisation to deliver complex projects
  • Be recognised as supporting the development of a skilled and connected complex project workforce
  • Support knowledge sharing across sectors and stakeholders
  • Benefit from the experience of senior practitioners and academics
  • Form or reinforce strategic partnerships, stay connected with your current and potential clients and alumni
  • Increase brand and product exposure across a global network of project experts
  • Capitalise on the use of ICCPM marketing campaigns

RECEIVE THE SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS

Join us in this Thought Leadership initiative and be recognised for supporting the knowledge and practice of complex project management. The prospectus outlines a range of packages available to you. We would be pleased to discuss these or to customise a package to suit your organisation.

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BECOME A SPONSOR

We invite you to be part of this Roundtable Series, to distinguish your organisation as one that is committed to adapting to new project environments, and one that is actively contributing to the development of a highly skilled project workforce. Express your interest to become a sponsor and an ICCPM representative will be in touch. Alternatively, contact us for any enquiries.

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PREVIOUS REPORTS

PREVIOUS REPORTS

This Thought Leadership Initiative is an integral part of the ICCPM vision and mission that aims to advance both the knowledge and practice of complex project management and accelerate capability to manage complex projects.

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