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Project management program for government has profound impact on Pennsylvania By Harry Zimbler
Damon Anderson of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources makes a presentation during a project management program conducted by Penn State Management Development Programs and Services for state government personnel. Pennsylvania government personnel from a variety of departments participate in a project management program conducted by Penn State Management Development Programs and Services. “Together, the faculty and the participants were able to make a real difference for the citizens of Pennsylvania.” —Dr. Wesley E. Donahue Director, Management Development Program and Services	In a management development program that could have long-lasting and meaningful implications for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, decision makers from a variety of state agencies came together for a custom-designed project management program. It is expected the program will continue to serve Pennsylvania government workers for years to come and stand as a national model for all state governments.   Designed by Penn State Management Development Programs and Services, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Office of Information Technology and Erin Shannon, Continuing Education representative from Penn State Harrisburg, Capital College, the program was delivered to individuals from the Department of Transportation, the State Police, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Health and other agencies.   Participants brought real-world projects to the class experience and were able to work on solving current challenges that have major dollar implications for their departments.   “The group was composed exclusively of managers from the state of Pennsylvania,” Harry Johnson, associate professor of Management Development and lead faculty member for the program, said. “This gave them the opportunity to discuss—candidly and openly—issues specific to the state. The participants really appreciated this aspect of the program.”   Shannon agreed, noting her office places great importance on meeting the varied and unique needs of clients from state government.   “What was most impressive was the wide variety of projects that were being managed throughout the course of this program,” Dr. Wesley E. Donahue, director of Management Development Programs and Services, said. “Together, the faculty and the participants were able to make a real difference for the citizens of Pennsylvania.”   The program was scheduled two days per month over a six-month period.   “The participants were able to apply the concepts and tools learned between sessions,” Johnson said.   One of the great benefits of this program was the cross-fertilization of ideas that comes from bringing together so many diverse groups. At the conclusion of the program, each participant was asked to present to the group the specific plans of a project that they were managing.