Kerala Chapter: Expanding Boundaries

Kerala, an emerging destination for IT companies in India, is also a growing center for project management professionals. This trend is mirrored in the growth of PMI, Trivandrum, Kerala Chapter. The chapter, formed in 2003, has grown from 25 members to 250 members now.

It all began with a handful of IT professionals getting together to start a PMI chapter in Kerala in 2003. The growth that the chapter has seen so far is the result of the consisted efforts by these pioneers. Brajesh C. Kaimal, chairman, PMI Trivandrum, Kerala Chapter is one such individual. “A few of us, who had seen the benefits of PMI certification, wanted to bring PMI to Kerala. We held a few events to promote project management and PMP certification to project management professionals here. We received an encouraging response, and hence, decided to open a chapter in Kerala,” said Mr. Kaimal.

Till recently, the focus of the chapter, located in the Technology Park, had been the IT community. Now, the chapter wants to extend its reach beyond. “The challenge has been to penetrate other industries. We have now focusing on sectors like science and research and the government. In the next couple of years, we hope to gain ground in these areas,” added Mr. Kaimal.

The activities of the chapter are governed by certain key chapter objectives. One of that is to help members get PMP certification. The other objectives include:

· Creating a common platform for project management professionals in Kerala to meet periodically and share knowledge and experience.

· Promoting globally accepted and standardized best practices of project management towards project excellence.

· Building professionalism in project management by promoting PMP certification conducted by PMI and involving more professionals in contributing towards the continued growth of the profession.

Vital statistics

· Started in 2003 with 25 members.

· Chartered on 3 March, 2004.

· Present strength 251 members.

· Produced more than 400 PMPs.

Chapter activities

· Organizes monthly seminars and networking events.

· Collaborates with other professional societies, like IEEE, CSI, Institution of Engineers, Kerala Circle, Aeronautical Society of India, etc.

· Organizes a technical talk every Wednesday.

· Provides opportunity for chapter members to earn PDUs apart from networking with fellow professionals from different industries.

· Extends support to organizations to promote project management.

· Arranges regular PMP workshop programs in association with its partners.

Chapter board

Brajesh C. Kaimal  Chairman

Sunil Plavians P  Vice Chairman

Manoj Krishna M  Director –Administration

Jaison Idicula  Director –Finance

C.Damodaran  Director -Strategic Planning and Implementation

Pradeep K Kumar  Director -  In charge of Conference

Rinosh J Kurian  Director - Communications & Publicity

Rajeev Panicker  Director - Seminars & Networking

Anil C R  Director – Training

Recent events

· Session on PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) by Sudhir Kumar on August 25.

· Seminar on the Management Challenges at the Commissionerate of Entrance Examinations by Dr. Rajoo Krishnan, on July 24.

· Session on Innovation, patents & IPR by Ajith Kumar P N, PMP, on July 14.

· Seminar on Latest trends in telecom network management on June 17.