2024 Winners | Education and Research Awards
Project Management Apprentice of the Year | Missy Tyson, Sellafield Ltd/University of Cumbria
Judges felt that Missy’s highly commendable application demonstrated significant commitment to her apprenticeship, outstanding contributions to her organisation and the wider community, and a clear and ambitious career trajectory. Her dedication to promoting STEM careers, exceeding expectations in her academic and professional endeavours, and leadership in charity initiatives all contributed to her standing as an exemplary candidate.
Missy is a an excellent ambassador for project management with a very good focus on her career development.
Project Management Graduate of the Year | Georgia Taylor, Sellafield Ltd/University of Cumbria
The judges felt Georgia was an exceptional candidate for this award. Her submission was well rounded, academically strong - graduating with a First-Class BSc Honours Degree in Project Management and also a Distinction in the apprenticeship End Point Assessment. Georgia is a great STEM ambassador and fully committed to the project management apprenticeship, promoting STEM and volunteering as an APM apprentice ambassador.
Judges commented that Georgia is a graduate who is clearly destined for great things within the profession. There was a real sense of drive for improvement . She has a very promising career ahead!
Project Management Postgraduate Dissertation of the Year | Morteza Rezaei, University of Sussex
Morteza’s dissertation is titled ‘Integrating Design Thinking in Project Management: A System Dynamics Approach for Enhanced Value Creation and Stakeholder Engagement’.
This is an innovative paper exploring the use of systems dynamics, soft systems and design thinking in project management. The dissertation brings together different, but synergistic approaches, in an insightful and well thought out case study. It provides a useful contribution to the profession by exploring the use of soft systems methods and design thinking in tackling complex project problem situations.
Project Management Doctorate of the Year | Giuseppe Sassano, University College London
Giuseppe’s study on optimism bias and its impact on estimation-based human decisions in project management presents a thorough and insightful analysis. Judges described the study as well-structured, with the findings contributing valuable knowledge to the project management domain. Recommendations for improving forecasting processes in infrastructure projects based on empirical evidence were particularly noteworthy.
Judges commented that this research lays a solid foundation for future studies in this area and underscores the importance of addressing optimism bias in project estimation effectively. The PhD research is important to the project management profession and practice and the findings are relevant and of value to academia.
Research Paper of the Year | Jose Rodrigo Juarez Cornelio, Tristano Sainati, Giorgio Locatelli, University of Leeds, BI Norwegian Business School, Politecnico di Milano
This paper presents a compelling examination of the termination of infrastructure megaprojects during the delivery stage. It challenges conventional wisdom by introducing the concept of ”Reverse Escalation of Commitment” and provides a practical checklist for assessing the health of infrastructure megaprojects.
Judges commented that Digging in the megaproject’s graveyard is a well-executed research paper contributing to project management theory and Practice. The insights provided can shape future research agendas and improve the management of megaprojects worldwide.
Developmental Programme of the Year | Nick Karamanis, AlphaPlus Consultancy Limited
Alpha Plus’ Project Management Community Development Programme covers not only their early career project managers in their apprenticeships, but also experienced Project Managers through their continuous professional development.
Judges felt that the efforts Alpha Plus implemented to drive Project Management Function and recognition of the profession should be commended.
The Judges liked the emphasis on equality and diversity as well as a focus on the Armed Forces and to see career progression at the higher end of the Project Management competency range. Project Management recruits having access to both an experienced mentor and a coach was also liked by the judges.
Project Management Educator of the Year | Dr Éamonn V. Kelly, University of Limerick
Éamonn’s extensive industry experience brings valuable real-world insights into his pedagogical approach. This experience allows him to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with relevant and practical knowledge.
Judges noted Éamonn’s dedication to fostering sustainable project management is something he should be proud of. Alignment with global challenges and incorporation of initiatives like Sustainable Development Goals, Agile Hackathons and social impact projects create dynamic and impactful learning environments.
Éamonn goes above and beyond in his role of educator. His commitment to student engagement, experiential learning, and social responsibility fosters a passion for STEM, project management, and global citizenship among students. He should be commended for his outreach to engage with schools that encourages students into the industry.
Project Management Student of the Year | Eldar Hasanli, University of Leeds
Eldar’s submission was about the Chirag-1 platform, situated on the shoreline of Azerbaijan in the Caspian Sea and his work on the Chirag Gas Lift Project team.
Judges felt that Eldar submitted a really well written summary of key points of the project, including - evidence of project Management tools and techniques, using initiative to including Agile techniques to resolve communication and engagement problems on the project. Stakeholders were also outlined clearly, and effective methods and techniques were employed to manage project delivery, including proactive strategies to address challenges like COVID-19 disruptions.