AcentasPM

The Arden University Centre for Applied Science in Project Management

The Arden University Centre for Applied Science in Project Management - AcentasPM - is an interdisciplinary, diverse, and global community collaborating with professional bodies, project professionals, research bodies, and leading academics. Our activities are based upon a foundation of academic excellence and rigour reinforced with a cutting edge understanding of the latest developments in project management practice. We aim to advance the global project management community, while leveraging on current trends and research opportunities in the field.


Collaborative approach

Our collaborative and value driven approach is fostered through outputs around commissioned research, public policy, research publications, and white papers - to name just a few of our ongoing activities. AcentasPM also strives to create an environment of knowledge exchange for our academic and professional learners through cutting edge academic programmes. 

Serkan, Head of School of Project Management


There is a competence gap in Project Management that will cause a potential loss fo $207 billion in GDP. We aim to help to close this gap by educating the next generation of project managers

Serkan Ceylan

Research areas

At AcentasPM, we value open-mindedness, dynamism, and the ability to think differently; we drive for progress, improvement, and new ways of doing things. With this in mind, academic excellence is core to our commitment to our partners and learners. Our research strength stems from our ability to create collaborative networks and pioneering spirit. We strive for knowledge exchange, and our current research is focused around the following key themes:

  • Agile Project Management 
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and project data analytics
  • Benefits Realisation and Decision Making in the Project Environment
  • Complex Project, Programme and Portfolio Management
  • Leadership, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Project Evaluation

Current Academic Programmes

One of our key promises is to create applied science which is focused on creating innovative solutions to real-life project management challenges. Our energy is focused around the creation of 21st century businesses, which means we collaborate with a diverse global community to develop academic programmes that enhance structural and management methodologies. 

For more information on how to get involved, please email us at AcentasPM@Arden.ac.uk


Research

The broad range of disciplines and skills associated with AcentasPM enables us to develop an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis and management of project management. Our publications cross the boundaries between theory and practice and encourage project management professionals to focus on the application of our research findings to industry. 

We actively welcome new industry links and academics to collaborate with. If you are interested in our research, or if you are interested in collaborating with AcentasPM, we will be happy to hear from you at AcentasPM@Arden.ac.uk 

As an AcentasPM industry partner, there are several ways to engage with our community:

  • Provide information to become a Case Study
  • Give access to your team for surveys and interviews
  • Highlight special areas of concern that would benefit from academic investigation

The results of our collaborative approach are documented in a variety of books, academic journal articles, working papers, reports, and contributions to edited works.

We provide opportunities for knowledge integration, dissemination, and good practice by focusing on key project management elements which impact to society, people, and processes. Current research areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Complex Portfolio, Programme, & Project Management
  • Agile Project Management
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning in Complex Projects
  • Decision Making in Crisis Project Management
  • Project Big Data and Data Analytics
  • Project Evaluation
  • Project Leadership, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
  • System Dynamics
  • Knowledge-based view of project management
  • Sustainability and Project Management

AcentasPM Guest Speaker Series

AcentasPM’s guest speaker series features high profile industry figures with extensive experience and knowledge in project management.

Thomas Flimm

Event 1

Guest Speaker: Thomas Flimm

Date: 14th July 2021

Topic: Project Planning for hybrid event formats

Bio: Thomas Flimm is Director Key Account Venues EMEA. Born 1971. He has over 25 years of experience in event management  and planning. 

  
Kevan Richardson

Event 2

Guest Speaker: Kevan Richardson

Date: 26th August 2021

Topic: Project Management’s role at the heart of business

Bio: Kevan Richardson was part of the first ever Programme Team at Jaguar in 1984. Kevan is now a Director at KRe8 Solutions- a Programme Management Consultancy specialising in new product delivery.


External Events

We regularly update this page with upcoming events that you may find of interest. You can register to attend by following the links below. 

Project Management Institute UK

PMI UK Webinar: EQ (Emotional Intelligence): What is it and why you need it to become a successful leader. 

Date: 21 April 2021
Time: 12:00-13:00
Venue: Online webinar

  

APM logo

Leading successful change webinar

Date: 6 May 2021
Time: 12:30-13:30
Venue: Online webinar

    

Project Management Institute UK

PMI UK Webinar: Ditch, Dump or Delegate? 

Date: 11 May 2021
Time: 12:00-13:00
Venue: Online webinar

  

APM logo

Developing a mature risk mindset

Date: 18 May 2021
Time: 18:30-19:30
Venue: Online webinar

    

  

APM logo

Basic contract law for project managers: part 1 

Date: 20 May 2021
Time: 18:30-19:30
Venue: Online webinar

  

APM logo

Real World Project Management Webinar - Leading organisational change

Date: 16 June 2021
Time: 12:30-13:30
Venue: Online webinar


Useful research links and professional bodies

IJPM - International Journal of Project Management
The International Journal of Project Management is the leading journal in the field of project management and organisation studies, and publishes innovative research that greatly advances the project management discipline. 

PMJ - Project Management Journal
Project Management Journal is the academic and research journal of the Project Management Institute, and features the latest research, techniques, theories, and applications in project management. 

IJMPB - International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
The International Journal of Managing Projects in Business works to communicate and highlight the theory, research, and practice of all aspects of project management. 

APM - The Chartered Body for the Project Profession
The Association for Project Management (APM) is the only chartered body for the project management profession. The APM has over 30,000 individual members and more than 500 organisations participating in their Corporate Partnership Programme. 

ALEXOS - Global Best Practice Solutions 
AXELOS is a joint venture founded in 2014 by the UK Government and Capita. The aim of ALEXOS is to develop, manage, and operate qualifications in project management best practice in methodologies formerly owned by the Office of Government Commerce.

PMI - Project Management Institute
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is one of the world's leading associations for those who consider project management their profession. Membership of the association provides you with access to valuable knowledge, networks, and resources in the field. 

IPMA - International Project Management Association
The IPMA is a federation of about 70 Member Associations which develop project management competences in their geographic areas of influence, interacting with thousands of practitioners and developing relationships with corporations, government agencies, universities, and colleges. 

IPA - Infrastructure and Projects Authority
The IPA is the UK Government’s centre of excellence for infrastructure and major projects. They support the successful realisation of all types of vital projects, including railways, schools, hospitals, housing, as well as defence, IT, and major transformation programmes.


For further information please contact us at AcentasPM@Arden.ac.uk