SYNOPSIS

Project success has always been one of the most significant concerns of project managers. Engineering is a complex and ever-evolving industry, so engineering project managers need to be adaptable and up to date on all of the latest best practices. That includes engineering practices related to the project at hand, as well as overall management skills.

This 1st homemade Malaysia MPV model has been on the market since 2009. To date, no new MPV model has been managed to be developed locally to replace it by the new shareholder of this automotive company after 13 years. What are those key factors that made this automotive project very successful and profitable until now yet saleable? They must be a group of engineers who managed to make it from the beginning of the project with flying colours. More than 150 engineers were involved to perform this task where no prototype models were produced to ensure this model was launched on time, new platform and international safety standard compliances. More importantly good quality and meeting the cost target.

“The Exora was an engineering feat for PROTON as it was developed in merely 18 months (a record) from the time PROTON fixed the design (model-fix) to the production stage. This feat has gained us much respect from our peers in the automotive industry,” he said. “It indicates our success in not only producing cars but also in developing a pool of capable and experienced engineers and skilled workers in the Malaysian automotive industry. We have proven that the impossible is now possible with hard work and determination.” PROTON Holdings Berhad Managing Director Dato` Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir (2009).

For engineers, project management includes careful planning and communication of that plan to a team of engineers. It involves the identification of project goals and milestones as well as the development of multiple scenarios and contingency plans. It’s an important process for any engineering team because otherwise, the unexpected can arise and derail the work of dozens or even hundreds of people. Engineers, in general, are found to be good at attention to detail, problem-solving, numeracy, risk management and analysis.

So what motivates engineers to depart from their more-technically-oriented career paths and make their way to the boardroom?


ABOUT SPEAKER

Izhar Bin Mohd Noor has more than 23 years of working experience in engineering field. Izhar holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manchester University, United Kingdom in 1992. He has been fully trained in Project Management Principle with Project Management Institute and has many experiences in new PROTON Exora development projects, Electric Hybrid Vehicle and KL Monorail Project etc. He is a certified HRDF Trainer and Certified Professional Facilitator with Malaysia Institute of Management (MiM). He has worked with Proton Berhad Shah Alam under the Engineering Research & Development (R&D), Project Management Team, Human Resource, and Group Corporate Strategic Planning Team. He developed his area of expertise in Presentation Skills and Project Management Skills and has also been invited to conduct a series of motivational talks, team building and people skills within industries, engineering societies and universities. Izhar was awarded as Proton best trainer in 2009.

NOTE: Limited to 45 seat only