Author: Zara Groh

Imagine walking into a room buzzing with excitement, filled with Teams of Project Managers ready to take on the ultimate challenge.

This year on International Project Management Day (IPMD), the PMI Switzerland Chapter (https://pmi-switzerland.ch/) in partnership with STS (https://www.sts.ch), the Project Management Training Company, invites you to join us on 30 Octobrer for an unforgettable SimulTrain® competition across three Swiss cities: Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne.

1. A realistic simulation experience 

From the moment you sit down with your team, you'll be immersed in the world of SimulTrain®, a leading multimedia project management simulator. This isn’t just another training session; it's a full-scale simulation that puts you in the role of a Project Manager facing the highs and lows of a real project. You’ll be making rapid decisions on budget allocation, managing risks, meeting tight deadlines, and navigating team dynamics—all in real-time. The simulation creates an atmosphere that mirrors real-world project environments, complete with unpredictable scenarios and the pressure of immediate decision-making.

2. Engage in hands-on learning

As the competition kicks off, you'll find yourself plunged into a series of challenges that require strategic thinking. Each decision you make - whether it's adjusting the project scope, reallocating resources, or mitigating risks - will have a direct impact on your project’s success. You'll see the immediate effects of your actions on key performance indicators (KPIs) like cost, schedule, quality, and team morale. This hands-on learning approach helps you understand the complex interplay of project variables and equips you with the skills to handle them effectively.

3. Feel the energy of the competition

Picture your team huddled together, brainstorming solutions as the clock ticks down. You’re not just managing a project; you’re engaging in a friendly challenge with other teams from Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne. The atmosphere is buzzing as you strategize and execute, knowing that every decision matters. The shared goal of doing your best drives you explore options, think creatively, and collaborate effectively with your teammates.

4. Learn to lead and collaborate

As you go through the simulation, you'll be honing essential project management skills like leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. You’ll experience firsthand what it means to lead a team through complex projects, motivate team members, and make difficult decisions. By the end of the competition, you’ll have gained invaluable insights into effective team dynamics and how to bring out the best in your colleagues.

5. Celebrate your achievements and network with like-minded people

After an intense couple of hours of competition, the atmosphere shifts to celebration. You’ll join other participants for a well-deserved apéro, sharing stories, insights, and maybe a few laughs about the day’s events. This is a great chance to connect with fellow project management professionals, share insights, and build valuable relationships. You’ll leave with new skills and a fresh perspective on teamwork and leadership.

6. Measure to Manage

"If you're not measuring it, you're not managing it." This key principle is at the core of project success. During the SimulTrain® challenge, you'll actively assess your team's performance across various metrics, reinforcing the importance of data-driven decision-making. Managers, including PMOs and consulting BUMs, should actively engage their project managers in objective assessments of team capabilities. By validating these assessments against real-world scenarios in the simulation, you can enhance your understanding of team performance and promote continuous improvement. It's a chance to see where your team excels and where growth is needed, preparing you to lead more effectively.

Discover more about SimulTrain, a dynamic project management simulation at SimulTrain.

Whether you're a seasoned project manager or just beginning your journey, there's something for everyone! Seats are limited, so act fast to secure your spot at one of these exciting venues:

• Zurich: Register here
• Basel: Register here
• Lausanne: Register here

We look forward to seeing you there!

Zara Groh, Marketing Manager, STS

Author: Mariia Fufaieva

Dear PMI Switzerland Members,

We are thrilled to announce a major update to our Sponsors and Partners webpages, part of our ongoing efforts to improve our website experience! This exciting initiative, spearheaded by Martin Härri, and with support from Mariia Fufaeiva, Lisa Gryzagoridis, Philippe Soupart and supported by our dedicated team, the new webpages are designed to enhance our engagement with existing sponsors and partners while attracting new opportunities to grow.

Why These Updates Matter for You

Our sponsors and partners play a vital role in advancing PMI Switzerland's mission. From supporting member-driven events to offering valuable resources for project management professionals, their contributions are key to our chapter's ongoing success. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the support of sponsors who contribute to our activities and partners who offer a wide range of support. 

By visiting our updated web pages, you will:

• Learn more about how our sponsors contribute to advancing project management professional development.
• Discover innovative partnerships and further collaboration opportunities such as talent development, networking opportunities, mentoring and many other benefits. 

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Mafalda Amaro, Oxana Herzog, Mariia Fufaeiva and Alpha Ziman, we’ve developed a range of exclusive benefits for our sponsors and partners, ensuring a mutually rewarding relationship that drives both community success and professional growth.

Your Support Drives Our Success

We encourage all members to visit the updated Sponsors and Partners webpages to learn more about these valuable collaborations and the benefits they bring and  explore how these strategic partnerships are shaping the future of project management in Switzerland, and how you, as a member, can contribute to these efforts. 

Your continued support and involvement are key to our shared success. By continuing to support and engage with our chapter’s initiatives, you help foster a stronger community of professionals dedicated to advancing project management.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance your membership experience. Together, we can make a difference!

Visit Now: Sponsors & Partners Pages

Thank you for being an active part of PMI Switzerland!

Warm regards,

Mariia Fufaieva

 Author: Simon Hilde

Navigating Project Management in Switzerland: Key Insights for 2024 and Beyond

As digital transformation accelerates across industries, project management has become more vital than ever. In Switzerland, several key trends are reshaping how businesses approach project execution. The rise of hybrid work models, the increasing demand for agile methodologies, and the growing complexity of IT projects are driving the need for highly skilled project managers. Below are some critical insights into these evolving dynamics:

• Swiss Economic Landscape 

Switzerland’s economy is feeling the weight of global pressures, with the strong Swiss franc complicating things for export-heavy sectors like manufacturing and finance. As the franc rises, international competitiveness takes a hit, especially in industries sensitive to currency fluctuations. Despite these headwinds, Switzerland's GDP continues to grow modestly. However, uncertainty is making companies more cautious about investing in growth and expansion.

• Recruitment Trends in Switzerland 

2024 has been a year of shifting trends in recruitment. The Swiss Staffing Index reports a 20.8% drop in permanent placements, driven by conservative hiring approaches across industries. Temporary staffing is also shrinking as companies focus on efficiency, often combining roles to cut costs. 

For example, many businesses are merging the roles of Project Managers and Business Analysts, reflecting a trend toward consolidated responsibilities. While IT roles have traditionally been resilient, even this sector has seen a 25% reduction in openings. However, specialized positions like Data Scientists, Software Developers, Cybersecurity Experts, Cloud Engineers, and IT Project Managers remain in high demand as companies continue to push for digital transformation and enhanced security.

• Evolving Project Management Market

Project management in Switzerland is undergoing a transformation. Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban are now the norm, particularly for software development and digital projects. Remote collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Jira, and Asana are critical for managing distributed teams.

AI and machine learning are also making a mark, enabling more data-driven project decisions. Meanwhile, sustainability is becoming a top priority, with companies seeking eco-friendly and socially responsible project practices.

How to Stay Competitive as a Project Manager

To thrive in Switzerland’s changing project management landscape, consider these strategies:

• Certifications: Earning certifications like PMP or Agile (Scrum Master) will boost your credentials and make you stand out.
• Agile Mastery: Agile frameworks are becoming indispensable. Mastering them is crucial.
• Digital Fluency: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Project is essential, especially for remote work environments.
• Networking: Attend industry events and engage with professional communities to stay connected and informed about the latest trends.
• Soft Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and adaptability will set you apart in managing diverse teams and projects.

Final Thoughts

The Swiss project management landscape is changing rapidly. By embracing new methodologies, staying ahead of digital trends, and honing soft skills, project managers can successfully navigate these shifts and keep their careers on track.

Through different initiatives SuisseCo will explore new avenues to support the professional development of project managers. Together with PMI Chapter, we will work to create a community where IT professionals and project managers alike can share knowledge, develop skills, and build meaningful connections. 

Stay tuned for upcoming joint events and programs designed to empower your project management journey.

Simon Hilde, Sales Director – SuisseCo

SuisseCo, a leading provider of recruitment and placement services for highly skilled IT professionals in Swzerland, has partnered with the PMI Switzerland Chapter. This collaboration brings together two organizations committed to advancing project management practices, while responding to the evolving needs of the Swiss business landscape, especially within the dynamic IT sector.

About SuisseCo: SuisseCo (https://www.suisseco.com/) specializes in the European-wide recruitment and placement of highly skilled IT professionals for companies in Switzerland. At SuisseCo, we connect skilled IT professionals with companies across Switzerland. Our services, including IT staff leasing, permanent staffing, software solutions, and payrolling, help businesses build and manage tech teams efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Author: Florian Ivan PMP, IPMA B, DAC, DASSM, CSP

Generative AI is often used for answering questions, but in project management, it can be a powerful tool for solving complex problems and challenging your thinking. Here’s how project managers can use AI beyond simple inquiries.

Problem-Solving Partner

Instead of using AI to gather information, present it with project management challenges. Whether you're facing a tight deadline, resource constraints, or risks, AI can help break down these problems. For example, describe a project timeline and ask AI to identify potential bottlenecks, suggest risk mitigation strategies, or recommend resource optimization. The AI can analyze your project’s scope, dependencies, and risks, offering solutions you may not have considered.

Challenging Your Assumptions

AI can help sharpen your critical thinking by asking you thought-provoking questions. After outlining your project plan, ask the AI to challenge your strategy. It might ask, “What happens if a key milestone is delayed?” or “How will the team adapt to changing requirements?” These questions push you to rethink your assumptions, explore alternative approaches, and improve the overall project plan.

Stimulating Innovation in Project Delivery

Generative AI can also drive creativity in project management. By posing it complex scenarios—like managing a multi-disciplinary team across different time zones—you can receive fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. AI can suggest methods to enhance collaboration or ways to streamline workflows, sparking new ideas to improve project execution.

Should you wish to deepen your understanding of how AI can be effectively applied in project management, we would like to invite you to attend the 1-day masterclass on November 9th. This class has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools and insights that would allow you to put AI to work in real-life scenarios.

For further information and registration, please visit the event page.