Planning, Scheduling, Monitoring and Control Guide launch event

To celebrate the publication of the latest PMC guide, Planning Scheduling Monitoring and Control, affectionally known as the planning guide, we had another APM PMC SIG first, a book launch.  Hosted by Gardiner & Theobald, the reception was held on Thursday 9th July at its London HQ.   Despite both the rail and tube strikes the event was well attended by around 40 people.

The reception was introduced by Stephen Jones, deputy head of project management capability at Sellafield Ltd, Chair of the APM Planning, Monitoring & Control Specific Interest Group (PMC SIG), followed by a presentation from Paul Kidston, Head of project control Taylor Woodrow Civil Engineering and lead Author of the guide, accompanied by Simon Taylor, head of programme planning for HS2 and co Author.   Tom Taylor, President of APM ended the session with an endorsement of the guide and a sincere well done to all those involved. 

The guide bridges the gap between planning theory and practice, giving practical guidance on the preparation and execution of a project and delivering it safely to budget, time and quality. Using what is called the ‘Emily test’ (Simon’s young daughter), the guide  has been written to be accessible to all levels, from students to senior project managers.    

G&T partner Daniel Wynne, who project managed the event, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the APM for the launch of its latest publication. This guide will set the framework to further develop planning as a discipline within project management. G&T is proud to support the Association through this event”.

Stephen Jones, chair of PMC SIG, said “this was another first for PMC, possibly APM, to hold an event like this to celebrate our success, but more importantly raise the awareness of this new guide.  The idea was to invite people who can introduce the guide into their companies, because it is our vision for this guide to become the industry standard for project controls.  It was written to be a true guide which you can dip in and out of, it's not academic, it was written by people who are doing this as their day job.  We sent the guide for review to over thirty people in various companies and industries who agreed this was probably the only guide like this.  The story does not end here, this is only the start, APMGroup has developed a set of exams based on the guide, the foundation level paper is currently on schedule to be launched by the end of July.  

The PMC SIG is looking forward to the publication of its next guide, Integrated Baseline Review, this has started the publication process and should be available within the next few months.  We have also started the much awaited Estimating guide, plus a refresh of the other PMC guides, including the Introduction to Project Control, and the Earned value management handbooks.”

On behalf of the APM PMC SIG, thank you to Gardiner and Theobold for sponsoring the event, and everyone who made the extra effort to attend given the travel difficulties on the day, to make this event a success.

You can order your copy of the planning guide here  from Monday 13th July.  There is a 10% discount for APM members.