Project management skills can boost HR’s value

Singapore - With HR tasked to implement cost-saving initiatives during the downturn, developing project management skills will enable the professional to deliver results within the CEO's set time frame.

HR professionals who can complete large-scale corporate projects on time without denting the bottom line will always be a key asset for organisations. As HR heads into a more strategic role, Yee Chang Low, trainer specialising in project and risk management, says having a strong process-driven project management skill set will help boost HR practitioners boost their employee value. This competency will ensure "HR delivers its promise to its business partners on time, within budget and with minimum resistance", says Low.

Projects set by the senior management may include implementing high potentials' development programme, staff retention, pay grade renewal, green work place best practice, lean recruitment drive, and annual staff conferences.

According to Low, these initiatives which are high profile, high impact, and sometimes, cross-functional would require the HR professional see the big picture when devising the project evaluation measures. To start, Low says, "Have a system to conduct stakeholder analysis, prioritise business requirements, identify the key tasks, and perform risk management."

This system would allow the HR practitioner to deliver quality corporate initiatives within any time or cost constraints, he adds.