IT sector embraces project management
04 - 12 - 2003

The Government values the adoption of project management methodologies in assuring the quality of government projects and is actively promoting the practice in the private sector, Information Technology Services Director, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said today (December 4).

Opening the Project Management International Conference 2003, Mr Wong said the Government adopted established project management methodologies and tools in the planning, implementation and review of projects, particularly in the building, construction, engineering and IT fields.

He said the Government placed particular emphasis on project control and quality assurance in the development of its IT projects.

All government IT projects are managed under internationally recognised or commonly used project management and quality management methodologies incorporating industry best practices.

Government contractors are also required to adopt project management tools to ensure the quality of service delivery.

Noting that although the IT industry was less mature than its counterparts in the construction and engineering industry in the deployment of formal project management methodologies, Mr Wong said that IT practitioners were becoming increasingly aware of its importance and were keen to upgrade their capabilities.

To promote the adoption of international quality standards such as ISO 9000 and the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) by the local industry, the Government has established a number of funding schemes, including the CMM Assessment Grant.

Other funds include the Innovation and Technology Fund and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund, which support local enterprises in conducting research and development, overseas promotion, training and development.

Mr Wong said that project management was among the range of professional services that gave Hong Kong companies a competitive edge to extend their operations into the Mainland and to capture the business opportunities presented by the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

Last year, the Government established the Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme with an allocation of $100 million, with a view to providing financial support for activities that enhanced the standards and competitiveness of Hong Kong's professional services sector.

Fifty-five projects, with total funding of $22.6 million, have been approved under the scheme.

Organised by the Hong Kong Chapter of the Project Management Institute, the conference forms part of the institute's program to promote project management as a profession and upgrade the standard of project management in Hong Kong.

The two-day conference is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. It showcases the latest trends in the development of new tools and skills in project management. It also provides a forum for project management professionals, business executives and industry practitioners to exchange knowledge and experience.

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