MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP / opening lectures

Chair: Mladen Radujkovic & Reinhard Wagner, Alma Mater Europaea ECM/Germany

CAPABILITIES FOR DELIVERING PROJECTS IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

Opening by Prof. dr. Mladen Radujkovic (AMEU ECM/Croatia) and Reinhard Wagner (AMEU ECM/Germany)

Invited lectures:

Prof. dr. Arvi Kuura (University of Tartu/Estonia):
25 Years of Projectification Research and Some Possibilities for Enrichment

Prof. dr. Vladimir Obradovic (University of Belgrade/Serbia):
Integrating circular economy principles with project management   methodologies for sustainable societal development

During the last couple of years, the number of projects/ programmes and their importance for the development of our society has significantly increased. In project management research this trend is called “projectification” and some experts already foresee a “project society”. Projects are a means of resolving complex challenges, and as our society is faced with many challenges, such as climate change, global risks, poverty, urbanization and migration, capabilities for delivering projects on all levels of society seems to be in need for the good of society. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are setting the bar high for all parties involved in decision making and execution of projects/ programmes. However, far too many projects are still failing, are running out of time and budget, or are clearly missing their original development goals. In parallel we are witnessing that each project, even small ones, influence the community by some aspects or the community influences a project. Projects can be seen as a tool for transformation and improvements. Many stakeholders are affected, and expectations far too often follow the motto “better-bigger-faster”. Project and programme management was developed in the business world and has achieved amazing results there, now we believe it is necessary to achieve the same efforts in the context of societal development.