Project Management Methodology Research Articles

Customising Hybrid project management methodologies

Despite the growing popularity of Hybrid project management methodologies (combining Plan-driven and Agile methodologies), research guiding project managers on integrating various methodologies into their project management approach is limited. This gap in understanding managers’ choices and their implications is important as mismatches between the project and its methodology can adversely affect project success. This paper examines how project managers customize Hybrid project management methodologies by selecting aspects of both Agile and Plan-driven approaches. An abductive approach grounded in both theory and practice was used, drawing on Contingency and Coordination Theories together with empirical data including interviews, document analysis and observations from 10 case studies. Results suggest two key characteristics of projects that impact project managers’ decisions when customizing project management methodologies: Team type and project goal. The paper advances our knowledge on how practices from various project management methodologies can be integrated by method or by phase into a Hybrid model.

Polychronicity fit and turnover intentions in projects: the mediating roles of exhaustion and work overload

PurposeDespite the deployment of state-of-the-art methodologies for project management, employee turnover in projects remains high. Such turnover has significant costs in terms of replacing personnel, potential deadline overruns and financial expenditure. Employee turnover in project contexts may stem from time-related issues associated with multiple parallel projects and short deadlines. Using person–environment fit and time congruence theories, this research examines the relationship between employee turnover intentions and individual–organizational (I–O) polychronicity fit, which captures the degree of match between individuals’ and organizational preferences for focusing on multiple tasks simultaneously.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 309 software project employees in Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using polynomial regressions and response surface modeling.FindingsI–O polychronicity fit is related to turnover intentions. Turnover intentions are lower when I–O polychronicity fit occurs on the lower end of the polychronicity continuum, whereas turnover intentions are higher when fit is observed on the higher end of the polychronicity continuum. The relationship between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions is significantly explained by exhaustion and perceptions of work overload.Practical implicationsThe study’s insights provide recommendations for organizations to optimally manage multitasking to help retain project employees.Originality/valueThese findings extend our understanding of the underlying mechanisms between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions. Furthermore, this research expounds on how employee exhaustion and perceptions of work overload explain the relationship between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions.

Estimating the influence of research and development expenditures on the income of companies revenue in the field of engineering of innovative developments under the conditions of changing project management methodology

Estimating the influence of research and development expenditures on the income of companies revenue in the field of engineering of innovative developments under the conditions of changing project management methodology

Integrating project management with advanced cooling solutions for data centers: A path to enhanced energy efficiency

Data centers play a crucial role in modern digital infrastructure, but their energy consumption and associated carbon footprint are significant concerns. Among the various energy-consuming components of data centers, cooling systems stand out as major contributors. This paper explores the integration of project management principles with advanced cooling solutions to enhance energy efficiency in data centers. By effectively managing projects and implementing innovative cooling technologies, data center operators can achieve significant reductions in energy consumption and operational costs. The integration of project management practices with advanced cooling solutions involves several key steps. First, project management methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall are applied to plan and execute the implementation of advanced cooling technologies. This includes assessing current cooling systems, identifying suitable advanced solutions, and developing a timeline for implementation. Next, advanced cooling solutions such as liquid cooling, containment systems, or free cooling are deployed to reduce the energy required for cooling data center equipment. One of the primary benefits of integrating project management with advanced cooling solutions is enhanced energy efficiency. Advanced cooling technologies can significantly reduce the energy consumed by data center cooling systems, leading to lower operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, the use of project management methodologies ensures that the implementation of these technologies is carried out efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, this integration can lead to improved data center performance and reliability. By optimizing cooling systems, data center operators can ensure that IT equipment operates within optimal temperature ranges, reducing the risk of overheating and downtime. Additionally, the implementation of advanced cooling solutions can future-proof data centers against increasing heat loads from high-density computing equipment. In conclusion, integrating project management with advanced cooling solutions offers a promising path to enhance energy efficiency in data centers. By adopting this approach, data center operators can achieve significant energy savings, reduce their environmental impact, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Research on the implementation degree of agile project management methodologies in Russian IT–companies

In the dynamic development context of the information technology sector, especially crucial for Russia at the moment, the adoption of agile project management methodologies becomes a necessary step for companies to effectively respond to changes, enhance product quality, and achieve market success while maintaining competitiveness. Therefore, the aim of this research is to assess the degree of implementation of agile project management methodologies in IT companies in Russia. The study was conducted through online surveys of practicing specialists in the field of managing innovative projects. Specialists were asked a general question about their application of agile methodologies, as well as four questions regarding specific aspects: requirements gathering, planning, communication with clients, and team communication. The article describes which aspects of agile project management methodologies are practiced by surveyed specialists. In conclusion, it is noted that employees tend to use hybrid project management approaches more frequently than pure agile methodologies. Agile principles are more commonly integrated into client communication and team communication, and less so in requirements gathering and planning.

Artificial Intelligence in Project Management: Enhancing Efficiency and Decision-Making

This thesis explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in project management practices to improve efficiency and decision-making processes. As organizations increasingly rely on project management methodologies to execute tasks, deliverables, and achieve objectives, the role of AI in enhancing these processes becomes pivotal. Through an examination of existing literature, case studies, and theoretical frameworks, this thesis investigates the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of incorporating AI technologies in project management. It aims to provide insights into how AI can optimize project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Additionally, the thesis explores the ethical considerations and societal impacts associated with the adoption of AI in project management. By analyzing real-world applications and theoretical perspectives, this research contributes to the understanding of how AI can be effectively utilized to streamline project management practices and drive organizational success in diverse industries.

Managing Legislative Drafting Projects by Applying Project Management Techniques

Abstract One of the most utilized methodologies in achieving goals out of projects is through project management methodology offered by Project Management Institute. It has shown tremendous positive outcomes and high control in planning, executing, and closing of projects, which made it a mandatory in operating many projects and monitoring large teams within a specific period. In the legal sphere, project management has been introduced to support law firms and in-house legal department in organizations, however, the legislative field in legislative bodies of many states in the world has not yet introduced this mean of management in their projects. The legislative drafting project goes through many stages and interacts with several stakeholders, which requires a high sophisticated management and control of deliverables on a timely manner within allocated budget. This paper will explore how project management could apply to the process of managing the legislative drafting work, starting from the planning stage until the appraisal of the legislative draft for Royal approval. It has been applied as per the Saudi government procedure for drafting legislative proposals in a way that introduces this technique of management in detailed stages to enhance the efficiency of such intellectual projects. Although it has been applied to the Saudi governmental structure, it could be utilized to fit different states that want to better manage legislative drafting projects. Aiming to show the usefulness of project management methodologies in legislative drafting projects by introducing project management (PM) way of administration to the field of legislative drafting.

Copula: a decentralized solution for construction project monitoring using blockchain

PurposeThis study aims to introduce and evaluate the COPULA framework, a construction project monitoring solution based on blockchain designed to address the inherent challenges of construction project monitoring and management. This research aims to enhance efficiency, transparency and trust within the dynamic and collaborative environment of the construction industry by leveraging the decentralized, secure and immutable nature of blockchain technology.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a comprehensive approach encompassing the formulation of the COPULA model, the development of a digital solution using the ethereum blockchain and extensive testing to assess performance in terms of execution cost, time, integrity, immutability and security. A case analysis is conducted to demonstrate the practical application and benefits of blockchain technology in real-world construction project monitoring scenarios.FindingsThe findings reveal that the COPULA framework effectively addresses critical issues such as centralization, privacy and security vulnerabilities in construction project management. It facilitates seamless data exchange among stakeholders, ensuring real-time transparency and the creation of a tamper-proof communication channel. The framework demonstrates the potential to significantly enhance project efficiency and foster trust among all parties involved.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the study provides promising insights into the application of blockchain technology in construction project monitoring, future research could explore the integration of COPULA with existing project management methodologies to broaden its applicability and impact. Further investigations into the solution’s scalability and adaptation to various construction project types and sizes are also suggested.Originality/valueThis research offers a comprehensive blockchain solution specifically tailored for the construction industry. Unlike prior studies focusing on theoretical aspects, this paper presents a practical, end-to-end solution encompassing model formulation, digital implementation, proof-of-concept testing and validation analysis. The COPULA framework marks a significant advancement in the digital transformation of construction project monitoring, providing a novel approach to overcoming longstanding industry challenges.

USE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGIES IN CONTEMPORARY HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

This systematic review explores the application and effectiveness of project management methodologies within the context of modern higher education institutions (HEIs). The study investigates a spectrum of methodologies, ranging from traditional to customized models, with a focus on identifying success factors and challenges. Employing a rigorous search and selection process, the research synthesizes key findings from existing literature, ensuring methodological robustness. The results of this study offer insights into the prevalent project management practices adopted by HEIs and their consequential impact on universities. By exploring methodologies such as Agile, Hybrid approach, Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Scrum, and Scrumban, the study sheds light on the adaptability and suitability of these approaches in the unique landscape of HEIs. This systematic review contributes to the academic discourse by providing a nuanced understanding of the integration of project management methodologies in higher education settings. The findings serve as a benchmark for current practices and offer practical guidance for educators and administrators seeking to enhance project management processes within their institutions.

A review of sustainable project management practices in modern LNG industry initiatives

This paper presents a comprehensive review of sustainable project management practices within the modern LNG industry, aiming to analyze the strategies, challenges, and opportunities associated with sustainable development in LNG initiatives. The literature review encompasses an examination of sustainable project management principles, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability in LNG projects. Case studies from various LNG initiatives worldwide are analyzed to identify best practices and frameworks for integrating sustainability into project management methodologies. These studies highlight innovative approaches such as carbon footprint reduction, community engagement programs, and economic diversification strategies, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of sustainable project management in the LNG sector. Methodologically, this review adopts a systematic approach, utilizing established criteria for selecting and analyzing relevant literature and case studies. Data collection methods include extensive literature searches and case study analysis to gather insights into the implementation and effectiveness of sustainable project management practices in the LNG industry. The findings reveal a growing trend towards the adoption of sustainable practices in LNG projects, driven by regulatory requirements, investor preferences, and stakeholder expectations. However, several challenges persist, including technological limitations, regulatory complexities, and cost implications. Nonetheless, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and collaboration, fostering the development of new technologies and strategies to enhance sustainability in LNG project management. In conclusion, this review underscores the importance of sustainable project management in the modern LNG industry, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address environmental, social, and economic concerns while meeting energy demands. The insights provided offer valuable guidance for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers seeking to advance sustainability objectives in LNG initiatives.

THE ROLE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN THE FORMATION OF THE MARKET VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

Intellectual property (IP) significantly influences the construction industry, which thrives on innovation to meet the escalating demands for environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and project uniqueness. This article elaborates on the critical role of IP in enhancing the market value and competitive edge of construction companies, alongside a detailed exploration of various IP forms prevalent in this industry, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. The narrative underscores the essential role of patents, which protect technical innovations such as new building materials and construction technologies that offer improved thermal insulation, durability, and even self-healing properties. These patents safeguard the inventor's rights and fortify the company's market position by enabling a temporary monopoly on innovative products. Copyrights are highlighted as vital for protecting architectural designs and project management methodologies. These legal tools ensure that the artistic expressions and unique designs remain exclusive to the creator, thus fostering a culture of innovation and protecting the economic interests of the designers. Trademarks are discussed in the context of their importance in branding, significantly impacting a company's image by distinguishing it from competitors. The article also emphasises the strategic importance of managing IP effectively, noting that companies with a robust IP portfolio are more likely to attract investment and less likely to encounter financial instability. This management involves protecting innovations from competitors and leveraging these assets to secure financial resources and explore new market opportunities. Furthermore, the article advocates adopting comprehensive IP management strategies to ensure long-term business growth and success. Effective IP management is presented to navigate the competitive and challenging landscape of the construction industry, highlighting the potential of IP assets to drive innovation, attract investments, and enhance the overall market value of the companies involved.

Navigating the Future: AI-Driven Project Management in the Digital Era

This research paper explores the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in project management within the digital era. It investigates the evolution of project management methodologies, the key concepts and technologies driving AI integration, real-world case studies showcasing AI implementation, challenges, future directions, and opportunities in AI-driven project management. The findings reveal that AI offers significant benefits, including improved resource allocation, risk management, and communication, yet pose challenges such as ethical considerations, data privacy, and integration hurdles. Future directions suggest emerging trends in AI adoption, potential innovations, and opportunities for research and development. Overall, the paper highlights the transformative potential of AI-driven project management while emphasizing the need for addressing challenges to ensure successful implementation and maximize benefits.

Improving approaches to product quality management at large manufacturing enterprises.

Dynamic conditions of the market environment force companies to seek and apply more progressive methods of quality management. While small companies are more flexible and can quickly adapt to new challenges, large enterprises find it more difficult to change their approaches due to the large number of internal standards, approval parties, and the degree of influence of quality standards on production operations. A reasonable combination of QMS approaches according to the ISO:9001:2015 standard and Lean principles improves the situation and helps improve production quality. However, in the conditions of modern competition, when production deadlines have a direct correlation with the financial wellbeing of the company, there is a need to introduce more modern, adaptive management technologies, for example, to make a transition to project management models even in such conservative areas as shipbuilding and construction. In this context, managing departments responsible for quality requires the manager not only to know the basic principles of forming and using project teams, but also to have the skills to apply these methods. The focus is gradually shifting towards “soft skills”, since the project management methodology, at its core, implies the correct distribution of roles between participants, identifying their strengths, which in turn is the result of a reasonable and professional approach to searching and hiring employees. Mental qualities and way of thinking prevail over applied knowledge and are more valuable for the leader and the company. This article analyzes the problems and challenges facing managers and the reasons for the decline in the overall quality level of large companies. In addition, the article provides practical examples indicating tools for improving the quality management system and describes the economic effect of introducing these tools.

Applying Lean Principles to Eliminate Project Waste, Maximize Value, Cut Superfluous Steps, Reduce Rework and Focus on Customer Centricity

With increasingly complex demands, dynamic environments, and rapid technology changes defining business landscapes, project management methodologies are prime for disruption. Traditional project models – characterized by rigid, sequential stage-gates and siloed functional groups – struggle with wastefulness, reactive mindsets, and misalignment to customer purpose. As such, practitioners are turning to lean philosophies pioneered in manufacturing but applicable across sectors. This paper examines deploying lean principles to project environments to eliminate activities that do not directly add customer value (waste), amplify learning, decide slowly but deliver quickly, empower teams, and continuously improve. Core facets of lean covered include Value Stream Mapping to visualize workflow and identify waste; Kanban systems to limit work-in-progress, facilitate pull-based work authorization, and surface bottlenecks; Root Cause Analysis to get to the heart of problems; 5S activities for well-organized, mistake-proof workstations; and Kaizen events for rapid iterations. As illustrated through integrated case studies, these tools and mindsets facilitate lean’s primary aim within projects – determining what matters for the end-customer and optimizing all activities to directly serve this purpose. Tactics covered include defining value from the beneficiary standpoint early on, focusing on enhancing workflow from end-to-end rather than functional silos, and instilling learning and improvement mechanisms at all levels – from C-suite leadership to ground floor production. The paper closes by delineating a gradual implementation methodology – factoring in change management challenges – as well as outlining skills development required for staff to transition toward cross-functional, accountable, lean-oriented teams. While specifics vary across industries and project types, overarching insights suggest the principles represent the future of project delivery – cutting waste-related costs by upwards of 30%, accelerating timelines by over a third, minimizing scrap/rework to near-zero levels, and serving customer goals substantially better. For leaders to position projects and organizations for increasing marketplace complexity, leanness is pivotal.

LEVERAGING PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN HVAC OPERATIONS: A PATH TO CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Efficient management of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is paramount for mitigating energy consumption and enhancing climate resilience in modern infrastructure. This review explores the significance of leveraging project management tools to optimize energy efficiency within HVAC operations, thus fostering a pathway towards climate resilience. The integration of project management methodologies offers a systematic approach to address challenges associated with energy consumption in HVAC systems, thereby facilitating informed decision-making processes. Firstly, the review delves into the pressing need for energy conservation in HVAC operations amidst escalating concerns over climate change and its adverse impacts. The imperative to minimize energy consumption in buildings, particularly through HVAC systems, is highlighted as a pivotal step towards achieving climate resilience and sustainability goals. Subsequently, the review outlines the role of project management tools in orchestrating effective strategies to enhance energy efficiency within HVAC operations. By employing techniques such as project scheduling, risk management, and resource allocation, project managers can streamline the implementation of energy-efficient measures, thereby optimizing HVAC system performance and reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of data analytics and technological advancements in augmenting the efficacy of project management tools for energy efficiency in HVAC operations. Leveraging real-time data monitoring, predictive analytics, and IoT-enabled devices enables proactive maintenance and continuous optimization of HVAC systems, thereby maximizing energy savings and bolstering climate resilience. Furthermore, the review elucidates the potential benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of project management tools for energy efficiency in HVAC operations. While improved cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and operational performance emerge as primary benefits, challenges such as initial investment costs, technological complexities, and organizational inertia necessitate careful consideration. This review advocates for the integration of project management tools as a viable approach to foster energy efficiency in HVAC operations, thereby paving the way towards enhanced climate resilience and sustainability in built environments. By embracing innovative methodologies and technological solutions, stakeholders can mitigate energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and fortify infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.
 Keywords: HVAC, Climate Resilience, Project Management, Energy, Review.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

In the face of rapidly changing climate conditions, the field of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system design and project management is confronted with a myriad of challenges. This review delves into the critical importance of assessing the impact of climate change on these aspects and highlights key considerations for industry professionals. Climate change poses multifaceted challenges to HVAC system design and project management, primarily due to its influence on temperature patterns, extreme weather events, and evolving energy demands. Rising global temperatures necessitate innovative approaches to cooling systems, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable practices. Furthermore, the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves and extreme cold spells demand HVAC systems that can adapt dynamically to fluctuating environmental conditions. The review underscores the significance of incorporating climate projections and future-proofing strategies into HVAC system design. By leveraging predictive modeling techniques and climate data, engineers can optimize system performance, minimize energy consumption, and enhance indoor air quality amidst changing climatic conditions. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal technologies is explored as a means to mitigate the environmental impact of HVAC systems and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Effective project management in the context of climate change entails proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Project managers must anticipate potential disruptions arising from extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes influenced by climate policies. Adopting adaptive project management methodologies enables stakeholders to respond swiftly to emerging challenges and ensure project resilience in the face of climatic uncertainties. This review underscores the imperative for industry stakeholders to embrace a proactive approach towards assessing the impact of climate change on HVAC system design and project management. By prioritizing resilience, sustainability, and innovation, professionals can navigate the complexities posed by climate change and contribute towards a more resilient built environment.
 Keywords: Climate Change, HVAC, Project Management, System Design, Review.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR ACCELERATING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN HVAC SYSTEMS AMIDST CLIMATE CHANGE

Amidst the escalating impacts of climate change, optimizing energy efficiency in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems emerges as a critical imperative. This review explores project management strategies aimed at accelerating energy efficiency in HVAC systems amidst climate change challenges. In response to climate change, the urgency to mitigate energy consumption in HVAC systems has intensified. Project management plays a pivotal role in orchestrating systematic approaches to address this challenge. Firstly, effective project management entails comprehensive planning. This involves conducting thorough energy audits and assessments to identify inefficiencies and prioritize improvement opportunities. Utilizing advanced technologies such as Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) can enhance data collection and analysis for informed decision-making. Secondly, stakeholder engagement is essential for successful project implementation. Collaboration between building owners, facility managers, engineers, and contractors facilitates alignment of goals and resources. Clear communication channels and regular progress updates foster accountability and momentum throughout the project lifecycle. Thirdly, project management methodologies like Agile or Lean can streamline HVAC efficiency initiatives. Iterative development allows for continuous improvement, enabling teams to adapt to evolving requirements and incorporate feedback effectively. Moreover, risk management strategies are vital to anticipate and mitigate potential obstacles. Contingency plans for supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and unforeseen technical challenges ensure project resilience and minimize disruptions. Lastly, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are indispensable for tracking project performance and verifying energy savings. Utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance benchmarks enables stakeholders to measure success and adjust strategies as needed. Effective project management strategies are indispensable for accelerating energy efficiency in HVAC systems amidst climate change. By emphasizing comprehensive planning, stakeholder engagement, agile methodologies, risk management, and continuous evaluation, organizations can navigate challenges and realize substantial energy savings in HVAC operations.
 Keywords: Project Management, HVAC, Climate Change, Energy, Efficiency, Review.

Empirical exploration of predictive maintenance in concrete manufacturing: Harnessing machine learning for enhanced equipment reliability in construction project management

Predictive Maintenance (PdM) in concrete manufacturing, particularly when viewed through construction project management, is increasingly recognized for its significance. The potential for PdM to predict structural inadequacies and systematically plan machinery maintenance is essential for seamless construction workflows. The primary focus of this investigation was to utilize the capabilities of machine learning (ML) algorithms to develop and validate sophisticated predictive models. These models aimed to proactively identify maintenance needs, thereby reducing unexpected downtimes and malfunctions in machinery vital to the concrete production cycle. Within this investigation, seven predominant ML classifiers –Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Categorical boosting (CatBoost) and Random Forest (RF) – were thoroughly evaluated. Their effectiveness was gauged using several metrics, including the F1-score, Accuracy, Recall, and the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Notably, the CatBoost surpassed its peers, achieving an F1-score of 0.985, an accuracy of 0.984, a Recall of 0.983, and an ROC curve area of 0.984. Additionally, certain indicators (i.e., 24-hour mean vibration, 24-hour mean pressure, Error3-count, and 24-hour mean volt) were identified as pivotal in predicting machinery failure within the concrete manufacturing framework. Insights from this empirical study further underscore the importance of embedding ML into construction project management methodologies. Insights from this empirical study further emphasize the importance of embedding ML into construction project management methodologies. Such integration enhances the precision of maintenance forecasts and bolsters equipment dependability, ensuring that the concrete manufacturing paradigm is both effective and optimally beneficial.

Driving sustainable growth in SME manufacturing: The role of digital transformation, project, and capture management

In the landscape of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the manufacturing sector, achieving sustainable growth amidst increasing competition and evolving market demands presents a significant challenge. This abstract delves into the pivotal role of digital transformation, project management, and capture management in fostering sustainable growth for SME manufacturers. Digital transformation has emerged as a transformative force, offering SME manufacturers unprecedented opportunities to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and expand their market reach. Through the adoption of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, SMEs can streamline operations, improve product quality, and swiftly adapt to changing consumer preferences. Moreover, effective project management plays a crucial role in driving sustainable growth by ensuring timely delivery of products, cost optimization, and resource utilization. By implementing robust project management methodologies such as Agile or Lean, SME manufacturers can mitigate risks, enhance collaboration, and accelerate innovation, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, capture management, encompassing the identification, qualification, and pursuit of business opportunities, is instrumental in securing long-term growth for SME manufacturers. By strategically identifying target markets, understanding customer needs, and developing tailored solutions, SMEs can effectively capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen their market position. However, harnessing the synergies between digital transformation, project management, and capture management requires a comprehensive strategic approach. SME manufacturers must invest in cultivating a culture of innovation, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and nurturing talent equipped with the requisite digital and managerial skills. Driving sustainable growth in SME manufacturing necessitates a holistic approach that integrates digital transformation, project management, and capture management strategies. By embracing technological advancements, optimizing operational processes, and seizing market opportunities, SME manufacturers can embark on a trajectory of sustained success in the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing.

Making bioinformatics training FAIR: the EMBL-EBI training portal.

EMBL-EBI provides a broad range of training in data-driven life sciences. To improve awareness and access to training course listings and to make digital learning materials findable and simple to use, the EMBL-EBI Training website, www.ebi.ac.uk/training, was redesigned and restructured. To provide a framework for the redesign of the website, the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles were applied to both the listings of live training courses and the presentation of on-demand training content. Each of the FAIR principles guided decisions on the choice of technology used to develop the website, including the details provided about training and the way in which training was presented. Since its release the openly accessible website has been accessed by an average of 58,492 users a month. There have also been over 12,000 unique users creating accounts since the functionality was added in March 2022, allowing these users to track their learning and record completion of training. Development of the website was completed using the Agile Scrum project management methodology and a focus on user experience. This framework continues to be used now that the website is live for the maintenance and improvement of the website, as feedback continues to be collected and further ways to make training FAIR are identified. Here, we describe the process of making EMBL-EBI's training FAIR through the development of a new website and our experience of implementing Agile Scrum.