Volta River Authority Launches Project Management Community of Practice

Studies have shown that workers spend a third of their time looking for information and are five times more likely to turn to a co-worker rather than an explicit source of information such as books, manuals, or database (Davenport & Pusak 2000).

Nonetheless, the time involved in searching for information is saved significantly by conferring with members of a Community of Practice. Members of the community have tacit knowledge, which can be difficult to store and retrieve outside. For example, one person can share the best way to handle a situation based on his experiences, which may enable a colleague to avoid mistakes and shorten the learning curve.

To promote the practice of information sharing among colleagues, the Volta River Authority has launched its Project Management Community of Practice (PMCoP) aimed at offering staff the platform to openly discuss and brainstorm a project, which can lead to new capabilities and also allow staff bridge the gap between knowing what and knowing how.

Launching the Authority's Project Management Community of Practice (PMCoP) on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority Ing. Isaac Kirk Koffi, the Deputy Chief Executive (E&O) Ing. Richard Bagder noted that the VRA PMCoP would provide the platform for staff involved in project management to brainstorm on project management best practices, share experiences and create new knowledge to catalyze successful project delivery in VRA.

He said it should provide recommendations, and support for on-going projects and also serve as a point of contact for potential Project Managers and Project Team members to source for relevant knowledge and to avoid re-inventing the wheel.

Ing. Badger admitted that Project Management in the Authority had come a long way and it was Management's expectation that the PMCoP would bring on-board good experiences and knowledge required on VRA projects to realize the expected value-adding-change. "I am grateful to the Director Project & Systems Management Department, his team and urged all stakeholders to own and market the PMCoP, for it takes hard work to foster and sustain Communities of Practice". He indicated.

Ing. Richard Bagder challenged each to take up the responsibility of attaining the real benefits of the PMCoP, which he noted is to add Value through Effective Project Delivery in VRA.

The Director, Project & Systems Monitoring Department (P&SMD), Mr. Bright Seayor recounted the efforts that went into the planning and the execution of the Project Management Community of Practice (PMCoP) and lauded management for their support.

Mr. Seayor observed that the Authority has been into project management over the years and was confident the PMCoP would go a long way to help staff share their diverse experiences. He disclosed of plans by the Authority to replicate the PMCoP in other sectors of the Authority's operation.

Speaking on the rich human resource within the Authority, the Director Human Resources Department Mr. Isaac Aidoo said the Authority has been blessed with a lot of human resources that continuously crave for more knowledge through the pursuit of further studies.  

Other management staff who spoke at the launch commended the Authority for the initiative and urged staff to take advantage of the Project Management Community of Practice (PMCoP) to ensure it achieves its intended goal.

 

A group photograph of participants after the launch.

A section of staff at the launch.

 

In other news (December, 2014)

• Press Release: Closure of Kpong Dam Access Road.
• Tribute by the Volta River Authority to the Late Ing. Dr. Louis Casely-Hayford.
• Volta River Authority holds rememberance service for the late Ing. Louis Casely-Hayford.
• VRA honoured by College of Engineering.
• VRA Rolls out Second Career Guidance and Counselling Programme for its Scholarship Beneficiaries
  
• South Sudan National Legislative Assembly Delegation visits Akosombo Generating Station.

 

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