Why Hong Kong lags peers in project management

In Hong Kong and Singapore, as two of the most advanced Asian economies, knowledge-based work is increasingly important. At the same time, the number of business, charitable and government initiatives which are delivered through projects are increasing. So why is it that we still regard project management as a role--a job to be done by any manager or qualified professional--and not as a profession in its own right?

APM Hong Kong, a local branch of a global professional body in project, programme and portfolio management, is trying to change that perception.

Through rainings, publications, events, blogs, website, and webcasts, it promotes knowledge-sharing and a vision of what professionalism means, based on 5 dimensions:

First is Accountability that is based on a Code of Professional Conduct; next is the Commitment to Continuing Professional Development – recognising that knowledge to be a professional doesn't end with University.

Third is Achievement that is based on an internationally recognised qualifications framework from new entrant to Programme or Project Director

Fourth is Depth which is based on a 166 -factor Competence Framework and finally, Breadth, which is provided by a comprehensive methodology supported by a Body of Knowledge, now in its 6th edition.

Despite this expertise on our doorstep, we seem to think that project management is somehow obvious, intuitive and easy.

The number of mega-projects grows each year and Hong Kong’s biggest economic sectors of: Logistics and Transportation, Tourism, Financial Services and other Professional Services, all depend on projects; to deliver new value, to respond to the needs of the global economy and to exploit opportunities.

Yet we still do not see delivering the benefits from this on time and to budget as a professional role. In other advanced economies this is being increasingly recognized as not just essential, but as a source of competitive advantage.

Perhaps it’s time we relied less on low-trust contracts with risk being passed down the line, to a better way of working in which projects are led by professionals to the benefit of the community at large?

After all, would you like your next operation to be carried out by someone not qualified as a surgeon but who simply works at a hospital?