SPEAKER INTERVIEW: DR. SAADI ADRA

In talks with Dr. Saadi Adra, CEO Advisors

Dr. Saadi Adra will be speaking at the Project Management Talks during The Big 5 in November. Dr. Saadi is the CEO of Advisors, he will be sharing his insight on "Portfolio Management: Balancing Adaptability with Stability"

What is the current standard of project management in the GCC?

Most government ministries and government organizations do endorse PMI standards and guidelines. Their methodologies are customized accordingly. There are limited usage for Axelos Prince 2, especially in UK related implementations, and some limited infiltration for IPMA standards. 
On the other hand, project management is widely spread, nevertheless portfolio and program management are quite needed but lack enough awareness amongst decision makers and PMOs in general. Portfolio focuses on the realization of organizational objectives through successful implementation of projects, programs and operations, while programs are primarily focused on benefits realization and management of change and transformations, in addition to Public-Private-Partnerships.

What are the biggest challenges faced by Project Managers in today’s construction industry?

The construction industry is often affected by economic and geopolitical factors, hence the industry follows a cyclical path of ups and downs of the supply and demand. This in turn affects project managers, who should continuously strive to enhance their skills in utilizing disruptive technologies and earning the capabilities to manage even more complex programs rather than mere concrete projects. Senior PMs with updated competencies and skills have not suffered the low market demand, since they do posses the capability to focus on optimization, attempting to do more with less resources, which is still scarce and needed at all times.

Outline the opportunity that these challenges present to Project Managers.

Governments are reverting more to development projects, encouraging private sector and international investors to carry on infrastructure projects that provide long-term socioeconomic values and provide thousands of jobs, hence lowering unemployment as well. PMs have to learn how to manage PPP projects, which come in multiple forms, and for those, there are a decade full of opportunities ahead.

Name one thing about project management that people always get wrong?

Heathrow airport was condemned a great failure, as it closed the second day after a grand opening, only to have lots of reworks, opening later on with high delays and cost overheads. Nevertheless, the benefits and values of the airport on both UK economy and the air-transportation industry are great and continue to deliver sustainable benefits. Hence, it does not matter that much if the project is finished on-time, and budget, if the operational outcome is not sustainable and brings on the right benefits to the community and beneficiaries. Hence PMI replaced the old Iron Triangle of Time-Cost-Scope with Leadership-Business Acumen-Technical, getting all three before under technical and mandating project managers learn business strategic alignment, benefits realization and leadership for their projects to provide a long lasting impact. 

How big is the influence of sustainability trends in construction?

For the sake of having a lower carbon footprint, or utilization of alternative power, recycling of waste or cleaner water, owners are ready to invest more, as long as there is a sound ROI that promises lower cost of ownership on the longer term. All the disruptive technologies, such as 3D printing, nano-technology for enhanced building material and AI are changing the traditional construction business. The new pms should be accustomed and relaxed to handle all these disruptions, especially the ones that offer more sustainability.

About Dr. Saadi Adra -

Dr. Adra is a PMO expert par  excellence  international speaker and thought leader. CEO of  Advisors. Saadi  has  25  years of experience in Strategy Enablement and Management Consultancy. He has developed Methodologies for  Portfolio, Program, Project , and Risk Management. He has sponsored, directed and led PMO initiation and Consulting Projects in several industries like Oil & Gas. Government, Education. Holding. Engineering. Power. Saadi has established with leading international organizations training courses and certificates/ diplomas in Project Management.

You can hear more from Dr. Saadi Adra on "Portfolio Management: Balancing Adaptability with Stability" at the Project Management Talks on 26th November, 15:00 - 15:45.

About The Big 5

The Big 5 is the construction event providing leading-edge innovation, knowledge, and business opportunities for industry players around the world to connect, grow, and succeed.

Taking place annually in Dubai since 1979, the event has launched hundreds of thousands of products boosting the expansion of emerging markets. It has facilitated partnerships, advanced knowledge and industry best practices, while serving as the gateway for international companies to access the Middle East, Africa and South Asia regions.

The Big 5 covers the full construction cycle; not only does it showcase products across dedicated sectors, it also runs alongside nine specialised events enabling industry professionals to source building solutions from around the globe for every stage of the construction projects: The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, the Urban Design & Landscape Expo, and FM Expo.

The event includes high-level summits, practical seminars, CPD-certified workshops, and The Big 5 Impact Awards to foster collaboration, support best practices, and provide effective solutions to today’s industry challenges.

The Big 5 is organised by dmg events and is free to attend for all pre-registered visitors. 

#Big5Exhibition

To know more, visit www.thebig5.ae


About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.

We aim to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant communities to create vibrant marketplaces and to accelerate their business through face-to-face events.

dmg events organises more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com.

About DMGT

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1 billion.