August 2016 Dinner Meeting – Rancho Cucamonga Managing Project Risks and Change

August 16, 2016
5:30 PM PDT to 9:00 PM PDT

Antonino's Ristorante Italiano
7945 N Vineyard Ave D-7
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
http://www.antoninosrestaurant.net/
Directions

Presentation Title: Managing Project Risks and Change

Presented by: Michael “Mike” Bissonette

PDU Category: Technical Project Management

Presentation Abstract:

Problem Statement: Complex projects are inherently risky. In today’s business world where organizations strive to “do more with less” PMs are typically “challenged” to sign up to aggressive (and many times, unrealistic) commitments. In many of these situations project stakeholders do not appreciate the risks involved and refuse to accept issues that materialize – i.e., have very low risk tolerance. Further, project sponsors tend to want the ability to change requirements with no impact to the other key project constraints (i.e., schedule, budget, scope, and product quality), and are many times very skilled at successfully negotiating these changes. This scenario can put a project manager and his or her team in a tenuous situation, to say the least. It can lead to poor morale and organizational dysfunction, if allowed to perpetuate.

Presentation Objective: As a PM, manager of PMs, and corporate executive in different industries, the speaker has a solid perspective of this kind of situation, and has attacked this type of problem with relatively good success. It takes a fairly high level of capability, and diligence, but there are some tried and proven ways of tackling this issue. Using sound risk management processes and diligence in managing changes, one can champion a methodology which can foster improved project performance, and a better work environment. It does take some organizational buy-in, and a genuine desire to improve.

Key takeaways:

• Understand the driving factors and recommended approaches to effectively manage risks and changes
• Gain insight into the “Best Practices” to consider for your project(s)
• Gain a better appreciation of how to implement (in a practical way) the more advancedproject management techniques that are available.

Speaker Biography:

Mike Bissonette is a seasoned business executive, author and instructor. He is currently a Global Sr. Director at Western Digital Corporation (WDC), where he heads up the solid state devices (SSD) PMO and System Engineering groups. Before returning to WDC, he was a Sr. VP with AeroVironment, Inc (AV) – most of that time serving as General Manager of the Efficient Energy Systems division. He was with the company for 7+ years, and led AV into the world of safe and practical charging solutions for modern day Electric Vehicles. Prior to working to AV, he held executive level positions directing groups within Engineering, New Product Development, Product Assurance, Procurement, and Project and Product Management at Western Digital Corp. (computer hard disk drive industry). This succeeded almost 2 decades in the Aerospace industry – where he worked in key positions within Program Management, Business Development and Strategic Planning. In total, Mike has over 20 years of direct experience as a PM or in managing PMs. He holds a BSEE from Clarkson University, an MSEE from Long Beach State and an MBA from University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Mike is considered an industry Thought-Leader, has spoken at numerous events, and has taught many PM related company courses. He is currently a UCI Extension instructor within the Project Management curriculum. And he has recently published his first book “Project Risk Management: A Practical Implementation Approach” through PMI’s publishing arm. His unique experience in Aerospace, Commercial Electronics and IT related areas afford Mike a broad/diverse perspective of Project Management and what it takes to be a not only a successful PM, but also what it takes to be a successful company in introducing competitive products and services in the marketplace.

Originally from northern New York, Mike has been a resident of Orange County for 37 years. He is married, with 4 children, is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys oil painting.

Agenda:

• 5:30-6:00 Check-In
• 5:30-6:15 Upcoming Event Loop
• 6:00-6:45 Dinner
• 6:15-6:45 Dinner Meeting Deck
• 6:45-7:00 Break & Speaker Presentation Setup
• 7:00-7:50 Speaker Presentation (Part 1)
• 7:50-8:00 Break
• 8:00-8:50 Speaker Presentation (Part 2)
• 8:50-9:00 Wrap-Up & Raffle
• 9:00-9:30 Networking

Tickets

$30.00 PMI CIE Member

$35.00 Non-Member

$15.00 Presentation Only / Student (no dinner)

$15.00 Presentation Only