Qatar is facing a crisis in project management capacity that could hit Fifa 2020 World Cup preparations if not addressed, said a report.

The demand for project management skills within the construction and infrastructure sectors will further soar with over $120 billion worth of projects forecasted to be signed in the next five years, according to Meed Projects.

However, the report said much of this potential shortfall could be made up by Tafawoq Project Management Centre – an initiative that is set to provide a local source of project management talent and expertise.

Tafawoq, which means ‘excellence’ in Arabic, was established in 2011 as a result of a partnership between Qatar Petroleum, Hamad bin Khalifa University and Qatar Shell.

The integrated programme is based on the five internationally-recognized dimensions of professional competency development, originally devised by the International Project Management Association.

Moreover, the Tafawoq ‘Pentagon Model’ adopts a five-dimensional approach to competence development, stated the report.

The syllabus is delivered through a series of virtual, work-based and face-to-face trainings, all of which are based on the internationally accredited Shell Project Academy ‘Pentagon Model’ Curriculum, while drawing from Qatar Petroleum’s experience of successfully executing large-scale capital projects.

The center recently announced the schedule for its 2015 batch that will continue building competence in project management to deliver Qatar's extraordinary capital investment programme in line with the National Vision 2030.

“Human capability development is a fundamental pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030. In just two full years of operation, Tafawoq has helped to develop the project management competencies of over 350 participants, said Rob Sherwin, the deputy country chairman and general manager corporate affairs.

Out of these, many have additionally passed internationally-accredited project management exams thanks to Tafawoq,” stated Sherwin, ahead of his keynote speech on human capability development at the Meed Qatar Projects Conference to be held at the Grand Hyatt Doha on March 10 and 11.

As project management disciplines become more specialised, continuing one’s education becomes even more crucial in managing a rising career and meeting the skills demand brought about by new challenges and opportunities in the various sectors, said Sherwin.

“Critically, as a partnership between business, government and academia, Tafawoq’s programmes blend on-the-job professional experience with classroom learning,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service