ROBERT BEST Project managers need to focus on a success-building mindset in the mining sector
Africa’s status as a continent of abundant resources crucial to global development has prompted foreign investors to increase their presence in Africa to capitalise on growth opportunities, says Project Management South Africa (PMSA) director Robert Best, adding that project leaders need to focus on a success-building mindset if they are to capitalise on these opportunities as well.
This mindset fosters the development of proactive, forward-looking problem-solving, which is important because “in a fast-changing world, thinking that we created the problems we are facing will not generate the solutions that we need”.
Best adds that the ever-changing world necessitates adaptable leadership, specifically leadership which aims to address structural changes such as technology, institutions and social values.
“Disruptive change is a norm in the industry and, as a result, there needs to be innovative capability to address these issues using new mindsets, attitudes and behaviours from the project managers.”
Best stresses that PMSA, which has been granted professional designation status by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for the project management discipline, can assist in engendering these mindsets.
He explains that this status enables PMSA to assesses the competency level of a project manager and allows for a path towards career recognition.
Moreover, PMSA can offer to assess the competency of an organisation’s project management team or department within the mining industry as of this year.
Best notes that the quality of a project often depends on the quality management system in place, adding that the system should be congruent with international standards.
Additionally, the PMSA, through SAQA, supports the Project Manager Competency Development Framework, as well as SAQA’s role in establishing credibility in the industry.
Best adds that, while these frameworks and guidelines exist, the primary issue is that the enforcement of project management regulations by the main stakeholders in the mining industry is not always consistent.
Stakeholders in the mining industry need to ensure that project managers and project management companies are aligned to international best practice through their alignment with the South African competency framework.