Dubai project management course highlights how innovation can be rewarded

Patching, who is heading up the Masters Certificate in Project Management for knowledgenetwork (knet), the Dubai-based learning and training consultancy, states that companies in Arabia should use an incentive system to help foster innovation and employee creativity.

"There are a number of philosophies about reward systems," says Patching. "Some say the reward should be focused on personal recognition, while others feel that material rewards are more appreciated.

"Shape your incentives policy to fit the nature and size of your business, the attitude of your workforce and your budget, and refrain from applying negative incentives as they tend to lower employees' morale."

"Inspiration and innovation must remain at the top of the agenda for all good managers."

In response to the ever-increasing number of short- and long-term projects springing up across all sectors in the UAE, knet has introduced the Masters Certificate in Project Management to its curriculum.

Patching, the course director, is the former project director for the design and construction of Sydney's Olympic Stadium.

He personally negotiated the largest property deal in Australian real estate history, worth AUS$ 1.2 billion, as well as the country's largest commercial lease. He is the author of several books, including 21st Century Leadership and The Futureproof Corporation.

The Masters Certificate in Project Management modules start in September with Project Management Principles, and continue through to December. They can be taken individually, or as modules counting towards an MBA.

knet is an independent training and management consultancy, and specialises in live speaker seminars and business conferences including IHR Arabia. It provides access to a network of international, regional and local organisations, such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, Institute of Administrative Management, and the Institute of Leadership and Management as well as the Masters Certificate in Project Management from Regis University.