“Future of Work in Project Management – Pakistan 2050” – Highly Experienced Professionals Share Insights with Students at Bahria University Islamabad

Tazeen Akhtar

Speakers from various business groups , Industry, Social sector shared their experiences on how to launch a project for its success in a seminar on “Future of Work in Project Management – Pakistan 2050” organized by Bahria University Islamabad Campus on December 23, 2023. The speakers recommended that new comers in business and industry should research their respective field, analyze the market, collect data, formulate a strategy, find skilled people to execute their business plan. After the research and preparation , you should give your line of action to your staff for the success of the project.

Honorable Rector Vice Admiral R. Asif Khaliq, in his keynote address, informed the students about the prospects and benefits of the topic in his keynote address. The Rector said the seminar features enlightening addresses and interactive panel discussions that delve into key facets of the future of work in project management. We at Bahria University aim to foster engaging conversations through an open forum, encouraging participants to pose question and facilitating in-depth discussion on the intricacies of the evolving project management landscape.

Dr Khalid Mumtaz Khan Principal BBS BUI enlightened the participants on Artificial Intelligence for resource management; Optimizing human and material resources and the impact of technology on remote work. He said that the core objective of this seminar is to provide valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of project management, offering a forward looking perspective towards the year 2050.

The seminar was organized by Associate Professor Project management Department Dr. Hassan Daud Butt. He mentioned the reasons why projects fail in Pakistan as Disruptive long term planning and long decision making process, Political instability,Poor Productivity, Poor narrative handling.

He said, “In the MS Project Management, our quest remains to explore avenues of knowledge sharing and dissemination. This seminar is not just an exploration of the present and future; it is a call to action.”

” Looking ahead to Pakistan in 2050, envisioning a well-planned future becomes paramount. The impact of AI and robotics on the workforce will undoubtedly shape the nation’s economic and social fabric. With strategic planning, Pakistan has the potential to harness these technologies for innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development, Dr Hassan Daud added.

The speakers emphasized on building a communication between academia and industry to not only prepare the experts for the latest demands of the market but create the jobs for the skilled youth as well. They educated the students about the impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics on the human work force. The speakers suggested not to be afraid of AI and Robotics but make the wise utilization of them instead. The topics covered in the seminar included technology integration, ethical consideration, skill development and aligning projects with SDGs.

Leading people from different walks of life including Corporate – Business – Banking – Pharma – Social Work shared experiences with the students . The students found an in-depth exploration of proven strategies that yield impactful results. They enhanced their expertise and connected with influential figures in the industry. The participant youth also seized the opportunity to transform their approach that pave the way for innovation.

The distinguished speakers included Dr Nadeem ul Haque VC PIDE Chairperson RAC, Ms Fajer Rabia Pasha Executive Director Ministry of Human Rights , Dr Khalid Mumtaz Khan Principal BBS BUI, Dr Umm e Habiba Assistant Professor ,Dr Fatima Khushnud COO Pact Capital AG, , Sajjeed Aslam Partner and Co-Founder at Spectreco LLC & Ventures Exnonomy LLP, Usman Nazir Director Business Systems & Business Analysis S&P Global, Faad Waheed VP Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, Syed Javed Gilani Muslim Hands, Mr Hisham of Shaigan Pharma, Asad Malik Mehmoodand others.

Ms Fajer Rabia Pasha Executive Director Ministry of Human Rights shared her views on smart working and work ethics in Artificial Intelligence led projects in NGO sector.

Dr Nadeem ul Haque briefed the students about why projects fail and succeed in the Public Sector in Developing Countries and how technology and Artificial Intelligence can help execute projects in Pakistan especially in PPP Projects.

Usman Nazir shared his presentation on Future Ready Talents, Technology Lead Growth and touched the topic Ethical considerations in Al-driven project management.

Syed Javed Gilani apprised the students about how to start and accomplish a project in social sector. He mentioned 3 pillars of sustainability in Project Management as 1- Economic 2- Environmental 3- Social sustainability.He recommended better planet, better business, better communities.

Sajjeed Aslam shed light on sustainability and green project management and how technology and AI help embrace ESG in projectized organization.

Dr Fatima Khushnud shared her vision on Resilience and Adaptability in the age of automation in energy sector projects.

Faad Waheed elaborated AI-powered decision support systems for project managers and how to improve the ECO system.

Asad Malik Mehmood shared the ideas on future ready talents – technology led professional growth.

Mr. Hisham of Shaigan briefed the participants about project management in Pharma: Industry insights.

Ms Fajar Rabia Pasha termed the seminar fantastic that was not only engaging but also truly thought provoking, giving the students an excellent opportunity to create debate and explore future. She appreciated Dr Hassan Daud and his team for their efforts to introduce students to industry experts and learn about real work life.

She said ,”This is a duty on our universities to introduce and prepare young people for real life challenges and the seminar would go a long way in this direction.”

The experts helped students understand the evolving landscape of project management in the age of AI and robotics, that empower the new entrepreneurs to shape a future where technology serves as an ally rather than a threat.

The participants had in depth knowledge from the speakers that how reforms are necessary to ensure education systems equip students and ongoing learners with the skills needed to succeed in a constantly changing job market dominated by technological advancements.

The seminar was sponsored by Energy China, Shaigan pharma, HG, Jazz, Muslim Hands,alBaraka Bank, OGDCL, CHEF International, ACTED, Monarch International.