Modern technologies enable networking and support across the globe. A good example is the immediate response through social media after the devastating earthquakes in Nepal. It was overwhelming to see the support shown for the people in Nepal, expressed in prayers, ecouragement, donations and reconstruction tips. Even a kind of virtual coaching was offered to project managers of the Nepalese Project Management Association, being active onsite. However, geographical distance is a challenge for IPMA to support PM´s in developing nations, such as Nepal or others in Asia, Africa or Latin America.

This is why IPMA and Gower Publishing started a cooperation, providing 400 subscriptions of the GpmFirst virtual PM Book Library and PM Community of Practice (CoP) for the development of project manager skills and capabilities in developing nations. Gower Publishing is a specialist in Project and Programme Management . Founded in 1967, it offers more than 120 titles from classic project management books through to the most challenging and cutting edge works. The authors are drawn from the most respected institutes and industries worldwide. GpmFirst subscribers enjoy online access to Gower’s full library of 120+ (fully searchable) project management books – as well as access to a rigorously moderated, expert CoP featuring author extras, articles, templates, checklists, slides, training tools, models, videos, podcasts, workshops and facilitated discussions – designed to be accessible online and via smartphone. Subscribers can create a personal profile and make ‘playlists’ from all this content and share it inside and outside the site.  New users can explore the more than 1,200 book chapters and curated PM materials – or they can view others virtual reading lists or ‘playlists’ in the PM area that interests them most. Reading lists recommend both Gower and non-Gower titles.  Tools include specially commissioned training downloads to enable PMs to reflect on what type of Project Management professional they are and what they would like to be. For further information visit www.gpmfirst.com or www.gowerpublishing.com/projectmanagement.

IPMA will continue to drive forward the international PM agenda by providing monthly guest editorials on GpmFirst and will be nominating the 400 named, individual subscription beneficiaries either directly or via the Member Associations in the countries concerned. The Executive Board of IPMA will meet next week in Malaysia and decide on the nomination process. Nominations will be made where access to learning resources are often constrained by either logistics or funding. GpmFirst’s complex online delivery design enables the continuing professional development of local PMs with minimum infrastructural outlay.

Reinhard Wagner, President of the IPMA… ‘Moving the project management profession forward means learning from best practices as well as sharing our own experiences with others. This is why GpmFirst is a great tool for IPMA and its member associations around the world. IPMA is pleased to be collaborating with Gower Publishing in delivering articles and editorials to share our experiences in the world of projects, programs and portfolios. In return, we enable our member associations to gain insights to Gower’s exceptional offering e.g. the broad spectrum of books as well as featured articles from thought leaders. Together, we will form an international Community of Practice.’

Jonathan Norman, GpmFirst Sponsor and Publisher at Gower…. ‘The challenge for project organizations is to develop intuitive, reflective employees who are able to make decisions, tackle uncertainty, innovate; understand and balance the needs of the business, the users and project owners. GpmFirst is a tool for developing these social and intellectual capabilities and I am delighted that we share the vision of the IPMA for the future of project management as well as our belief in a collaborative approach as the way forward.’