Session Abstract

Pragmatic GeoSpatial Project Management: Planning the Plan

The discipline of Project Management is not new, but the application of formal Project Management philosophies and techniques in the geomatics sector is still immature. Ad hoc Project Management may be suitable for smaller, low risk projects, but innovative and pragmatic styles are required to address increased project complexity and risk. Classic Waterfall approaches are fitting for projects with minimal uncertainty or with a production focus, but these techniques rely heavily on a priori knowledge of project process and risk. Agile methods tend to be better suited for software and highly dynamic projects typifying innate uncertainty.

There is no ‘silver bullet’ in managing GeoSpatial projects and the success of any one project is reliant on many factors. Leveraging a high-level project analyses, Project Managers can identify a myriad of techniques from an assortment of Project Management styles to best address project requirements. Several case studies will be abstracted to identify suitable Project Management approaches, considering underlying business requirements and key factors of success.

Speaker Biography

Jim Bowen

Mr. Bowen holds a M.Sc. in GIS and Resource Conservation. He is a Certified GIS Professional and a member of the Project Management Institute. Mr. Bowen is the current President of InfoJim Inc. and CEO of WhereInfo Inc. He is the former owner of GAIA Consultants Inc. and has overseen and managed over 165 GeoSpatial projects. Mr. Bowen is an active member of GITA and AAG and is currently obtaining his PMP certification.