Dharm Patel recently joined Microsoft UK as a business consultant. Prior to that, he was consulting on Microsoft Project and Project Server, implementing and supporting the solution from the client side for blue chip companies in sectors including IT, engineering, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, financial services, petrochemical, communications, electronics and government. Now that he’s with Microsoft, he notes, he views the product line — and product support — in an entirely different way.
What book are you reading right now that other project managers might be interested in?
I am currently reading a book called Hollywood Secrets of Project Management Success by James Persse. Hollywood works 2% to 3% over budget, where IT traditionally runs at 30%, 50% or even 100% off the mark. The book helps to bring the concept of project management — along with the glitz and glamour — in Hollywood into project management into IT. Lights, camera, and action!
What do you like best about attending MPUG chapter meetings?
It’s very interesting to hear how fellow users are using the product and what their pain points are. I am a fairly young user with great knowledge of the product and its functionality. However, I still like to learn how other skilled and experienced users are using Project and what features they most exploit.
What current and well-known project would you most like to work on?
The London 2012 Olympic Games is coming around very soon, and I have the pleasure of being in the city where it is all happening. Working on a project like this would be very exciting. I’d like to say that I had an active role in delivering a successful Olympic Games!
