Project & Portfolio Management in the Banking sector: the project carried out in partnership with UDEA University is a great success

Project & Portfolio Management in the Banking sector is one of the new training projects implemented this year by POLIMI Graduate School of Management on the management of projects and portfolios of different sizes and levels of complexity.

In recent days, we have had the pleasure of hosting a group of managers from Agrobank, Uzbekistan’s largest public bank, as part of an international collaboration programme with UDEA – University of Digital Economics and Agrotechnologies, Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Organised in collaboration with UDEA by Professor Antonio Calabrese, Director of the International Executive Master in Project Management, we had the opportunity to carry out this prestigious project aimed at professionals eager to acquire advanced skills in the banking sector.

A look at the in-depth topics:

The training project aims to develop a set of core skills that go beyond market knowledge and enable participants to plan effective strategies, achieve better returns and have a deeper understanding of the dynamics inherent in both internal project portfolio decisions (linked, for example, to business development, upgrading IT infrastructure, etc), and of customers or potential clients who are seeking funding for their own project. The topics developed within the training project are:

1 - Effective and efficient management of resources: one of the main areas of focus was the optimisation of human, financial and technological resources. Participants learned how to manage these resources strategically to maximise efficiency and productivity.

2 - Assessing the banking reliability of projects: another key aspect was the analysis of the financial reliability and sustainability of the projects, allowing participants to make informed decisions based on concrete data and in-depth analysis.

3 - Evaluation and mitigation of project risks and balancing of portfolio risks: participants acquired advanced skills in assessing the risks associated with projects and in defining strategies to balance commitments and risk.

4 - Monitoring the progress and costs of projects, programmes and portfolios: ample space was dedicated to the management of progress and costs, with tools and techniques to effectively monitor and control their progress.

5 - Engaging in negotiation processes to achieve set objectives: negotiating skills were at the heart of the programme, providing participants with techniques to tackle difficult negotiations and increase the chances of success.

6 - Improving the effectiveness of communication: the aim was to develop the skills necessary to improve the effectiveness of communication processes within the project teams.

From theory to practice: the Business Game

One of the hallmarks of the programme was the involvement in a customised business game, which allowed a realistic simulation of the decisions to be made in managing a portfolio of projects in a context that changes over time. During the activity, the participants made decisions over several rounds, based on the topics covered in the programme. This interactive approach made it possible to apply the knowledge gained and critically evaluate the decision-making process.

Each group of delegates presented and discussed their work during the plenary sessions, receiving detailed feedback from the instructors. This exchange of ideas and assessments further enriched the training experience, creating a collaborative and stimulating learning environment. 

At the end of the programme, the best-performing group was rewarded, recognising the commitment and excellence they had demonstrated during the business game. The awards ceremony was a celebration of the achievements and skills acquired, reinforcing the sense of positive competition and collaboration among participants.

As Professor Antonio Calabrese, Scientific Director of the Programme, points out: “This project represents a significant step towards excellence in the training of banking professionals. Our close collaboration with UDEA University has resulted in a high-level programme that provides advanced expertise in project portfolio decisions, resource management, and project progress monitoring. This project not only strengthened the capabilities of the participants, but also promoted an exchange of knowledge and experience essential for addressing the challenges of the sector with a strategic and innovative vision.”

As Professor Rustam Abduraupov, Rector of UDEA - University of Digital Economics and Agrotechnologies, states: “Completing the Project & Portfolio Management in the Banking Sector course marks a significant milestone on the professional journey of the participants. This achievement is a testament to the robust collaboration between two esteemed institutions, blending POLIMI GSoM and UDEA expertise and networks to deliver a valuable learning experience. The knowledge and skills gained will undoubtedly empower the participants to navigate the complexities of the banking industry with greater confidence and competence. I am deeply grateful for the support in organising and delivering the course as well as for the opportunities provided by this remarkable partnership.”