Presentation of the next group of the Project Management Program of the Duke University of the United States, implemented with the technical support of the Baku Higher Oil School (BANM) and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution, a leading international project management training company was held.Welcoming the guests and group members, BANM Rector Elmar Gasimov said that in today's rapidly changing world, people must constantly improve their knowledge and skills: and I am sure it will continue to play an important role. Participants from different companies in the program will receive module classes from professionals for 8 months.Gunash Aliyeva, BP's External Relations Manager for the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey region, said that BP, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Azerbaijan, is the operator of the most strategic energy projects and the author of many corporate social responsibility projects. He said that the international project management program is one of the most successful and sustainable projects of the company on corporate social responsibility.Emphasizing that the Baku Higher Oil School is a successful educational institution, Fariz Jafarov, Director of the e-Government Development Center, added that this project implemented at BANM also contributes to the development of careers, knowledge and skills of the participants. BP provides a major boost to human resource development in Azerbaijan by funding the International Project Management Program.Zafar Gurbanov, Vice-Rector for Education and Science of the Baku Higher Oil School, one of the participants in the new group of the International Project Management Program, noted that BANM provides high-quality education and constant support for staff development. The vice-rector said that the fact that more than 10 employees of the University graduated from this program is an indication of that support.Zemfira Huseynbeyli, Deputy Chief of Staff of Azersu OJSC, Ramin Guliyev, Chief of the Absheronneft Oil and Gas Production Department of the Azneft Production Association, and Faig Nasibov, Head of BP's IT Group, wished success to the project participants.It should be noted that the current M-10 group of the international program on "Project Management" includes Baku Higher Oil School, Xalq Bank OJSC, DOST Agency, BP, Absheronneft Oil and Gas Production Department of Azneft Production Association, Participants from various senior positions at the e-Government Development Center and Azersu OJSC participated.During the course, which will last until November, participants will receive 8 modules - "Project Management", "Cost Control", "Risk Management", "Agile and Lean", "Project Leadership, Management and Communication", "Contract Management", "PMP Exam Preparation" , "Negotiation skills for project managers" modules will be held. The trainings were conducted by international professional teachers.As a continuation of the very successful activities of the School of Project Management, the program has already been raised from the academic to the professional level. As a result, graduates receive a certificate of Professional Project Manager from Duke University, one of the strongest universities in the world. At the end of the project, participants are awarded certificates.

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted an admission ceremony of a new “M3” group of students of School of Project Management (SPM). SPM is an initiative jointly implemented by BHOS and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company (UK). The SPM’s Master teaching program is based on the curriculum of the George Washington University (USA). Opening the ceremony conducted at the Higher School’s campus, BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov noted that “M3” became a fifth group of trainees admitted to the School of Project Management. He told about graduation ceremony of the first two groups of SPM students, which took place last month. As the rector informed, upon successful completion of the training course, they were awarded Master certificates of the George Washington University. “I am confident that at SPM you will gain deep theoretical knowledge and obtain practical skills in the field of project management, which will be useful for you not only in your business activities, but also in your daily life,” he said. Then the program participants representing leading companies operating in the country introduced themselves. Speaking to the new SPM students, the rector Elmar Gasimov wished everyone to excel in their studies. The group “M3” is comprised of 25 persons from various companies and organizations including, among others, SOCAR, BP, Azerigas Production Union, Azersu OJSC, Azneft Production Union, Expro Eurasia, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC, AzerTürk Bank and SOCAR AQŞ. The training program offered by SPM is based on an interactive, modern teaching methodology, which gives participants the foundation, experience, techniques and tools to manage each stage of the project life cycle. It has been tailored to meet a growing demand in national specialists in project management trained according to international standards. Within the program, which consists of seven modules, the participants study courses such as Project Management, Leadership and Communications, Risk Management, Scheduling and Cost Control, Quality for Project Manager, and Negotiations Skills for Project Manager. Upon successful completion of the program, the SPM graduates receive Master certificates from the George Washington University.

In the frames of cooperation between Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS), BP and Twenty Eighty Execution company, the opening ceremony of the School of Project Management (SPM) was held. The event gathered BP management, SPM graduates, business community representatives – AMCHAM (American Chamber of Commerce), BBG (British Business Group), AHK (German – Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce) and foreign guests. Opening the meeting Mrs.Tamam Bayatli BP-Azerbaijan spokesperson welcomed the guests and briefed on the project in question. In his speech Mr.Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli,BP Communications, external affairs, strategy and region vice president, underlined the significance of cooperation between higher educational institutions and the leading companies. “At this new stage of the project we, as the executive part, will cooperate with “Twenty Eighty Strategy Execution”, one of the leading international training companies in the field of project management and well-known Baku Higher Oil School. We hope with these new collaborators SPM will gain greater achievements”, said Mr. Aslanbayli. BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov talked about close cooperation existing between BHOS and BP and pointed out the interest of the higher school in development of cooperation with the transnational companies. He specially emphasized that the functioning of SPM at BHOS will open excellent opportunities for every individual involved in business world. Accordingly to rector, “Functioning of SPM at BHOS will be one more recognition of achievements of our higher school and we are proud of the fact that future SPM graduates distinguished by US George Washington University will have the opportunity to gain knowledge at BHOS”. Mr. Ed Hughes Twenty Eighty Strategy Execution programme manager, underlined the high level of conditions and opportunities offered to students at BHOS. He said that “Everyone involved in SPM will have a great chance to get profound knowledge concerning the aspects of project management, planning and budget control, risk management, quality and leadership in management”. The speeches followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between parties. It should be pointed out that SPM programme was founded in 2011 by BP and its partners in order to meet local requirements in terms of managing of projects in line with international standards. The programme, technically supported by Twenty Eighty company together with local partners, comprises 7 modules envisaging the award of master certificate from US George Washington University. Up to now, 1-3 stages of the project have been realized engaging specialists from diverse local and international, public and private sectors. From the very start, more than 300 specialists from 98 diverse organizations joined the programme. Of them 129 people were awarded master certificate, 192 – became the owners of other certificates. With the support of BHOS realization of 4thstage of the project has started. On this stage 52 specialists will be trained then BHOS will be entitled to realize the programme independently.

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted an official opening of School of Project Management (SPM), which is jointly set up by BHOS, BP in Azerbaijan and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company. The ceremony gathered management of the Higher School, SOCAR and BP, representatives of national universities and large international companies operating in Azerbaijan, and 26 SPM trainees. They include staff members of SOCAR, BP, Atlantic Waste Solutions, PAŞA Həyat Sığorta ASC, Pasha Holding, Gilan Tekstil Parkı, Baku City Circuit, and Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan. Opening the ceremony, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov said that establishment of such an educational center, which aims at fulfilling national specialists’ potential and developing their managerial skills, is an important event for Azerbaijan. The Rector also emphasized a key role to be played by the SPM in training local managers, whose qualification would meet international requirements. As SOCAR Vice president for HR, IT and regulations Khalik Mammadov stated, the School of Project Management was set up with the purpose of developing national scientific and educational potential of the country. Establishment of this school made it possible to initiate training of top and middle level managers capable to carry out projects for various sectors and industries, he said. Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President for Geology and Geophysics Bahram Huseynov and Vice President for Field Development Yashar Latifov expressed their congratulations to the SPM trainees and all project participants on the start of the program and wished the students every success during their education at the School of Project Management. They emphasized that study at the SPM would be conducive to the graduates’ further successful career development. In the words of BP communications, external affairs, strategy and Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey region Vice president Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, the School of Project Management is the most successful initiative on training local specialists and developing their skills and knowledge in project management among similar initiatives sponsored by BP in cooperation with partner companies. In his words, the SPM has already become one of national educational institutions, which carries out activities in compliance with international standards. Representative of the TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company, Master of Business Administration in Economics and Information Technology, trainer Didier Estibals highly praised the efforts taken by BHOS at the School of Project Management to create all necessary conditions to hold various training courses including aspects of project management, planning and budget control, risk management, quality and leadership in management. He also reported that at the initial stage, educational subjects at the SPM would be taught in English language, but in two-three years, all courses would be held by local trainers in Azerbaijani language. The SPM program was founded in 2011 by BP and its partners in order to meet local requirements in terms of managing of projects in line with international standards. The program, technically supported by TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company in cooperation with George Washington University (USA). The academic program comprises seven modules for training of managers. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees will be awarded master certificate from the George Washington University. Up to now, three stages of the project have been implemented and more than 300 specialists from local and international companies of public and private sectors have been trained. The fourth stage has commenced with support from the Higher Oil School. After its completion, BHOS will carry out the educational program within the project single-handedly.

Baku Higher Oil Schoolhosted a meeting dedicated to next admission of trainees to School of Project Management(SPM) jointly set up by BHOS, BP in Azerbaijan and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company. The meeting gathered representatives of BHOS, SOCAR and BP management, and SPM students. Opening the gathering, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov said that first SPM trainees already passed course exams and received certificates of successful completion of the first training module. Speaking about the Higher School latest developments and achievements, he informed that BHOS graduate Riyad Muradov, who received a Bachelor degree in Petroleum Engineering, obtained a scholarship from Stanford University in the USA, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and will pursue a Master’s degree there. The Rector also emphasized that BHOS management regularly arranges the students’ internship at SOCAR, BP and other large companies, which, in their turn, provide job opportunities for the bright and most talented students. SOCAR Vice president for HR, IT and regulations Khalik Mammadov told about significance of SPM and similar initiatives for training of local specialists according to the best international standards. He expressed his congratulations to BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov on the accomplishment of the first module’s training course and wished all SPM students every success in the future. BP Vice president for communications, external affairs and strategy for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey region Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli highly praised progress in the SPM project implementation. He said that it is particularly important to develop similar initiatives today, as the number of the projects implemented in various spheres considerably increased. On behalf of SPM trainees, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population of Azerbaijan Metin Kerimli congratulated the Rector Elmar Gasimov and SPM students and said that education is important for every person at every age. In his words, opening of the School of Project Management at BHOS is a new milestone in successful development of the Higher School. Speaking at the meeting, instructor from TwentyEighty Strategy Execution John Pelham said that he was very pleased to come to Baku and participate in the SPM project. John Pelham was specifically invited by the TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company to conduct training courses at SPM, as he has more than 20 years of project management experience in various fields including retail, banking, IT, and construction. The SPM program was founded in 2011 by BP and its partners. The program is technically supported by TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company in cooperation with George Washington University (USA). The academic program comprises seven modules of training. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees will be awarded master certificates from the George Washington University. Up to now, three stages of the project were implemented and more than 300 specialists from local and international organizations of public and private sectors were trained. The fourth stage has commenced at the Baku Higher Oil School. Upon its completion, BHOS shall carry out the educational program within the SPM project single-handedly.

Students of School of Project Management (SPM) set up at Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) successfully completed next scheduled training course of the core curriculum. SPM is a joint public-private partnership initiative implemented with financial support from BP and its partners, organizational support from BHOS and technical support from TwentyEighty Strategy Execution, leading international company providing education in the field of project management. Opening the meeting Mrs.Tamam Bayatli BP-Azerbaijan spokesperson welcomed the guests and briefed on the project in question. In this Risk Management course, participants learned how to identify threats and opportunities and weigh their relative value in their project, control multiple risks using limited strategies and make risk and opportunity integral components of their next project plan. Using effective tools, including TwentyEighty Strategy Execution’s highly regarded risk assessment model, participants learned how to evaluate and respond to risk at the project and task levels. The training course was conducted by representative of the TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company, Master of Business Administration in Economics and Information Technology, trainer Didier Estibals, who was invited to Baku to teach the course.

Second group of students of School of Project Management (SPM) functioning at Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) passed course exams and received certificates of successful completion of the first training module. Presenting the certificates, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov expressed his congratulations to the program participants and wished them every success in the further studies. The group of SPM trainees consists of staff members of various companies and organizations including SOCAR, BP, Atlantic Waste Solutions, PAŞA Həyat Sığorta ASC and Pasha Holding. Within the course entitled “Scheduling and cost control”, the students learned how to identify, assign, and tabulate resource requirements; predict costs and work time using specific levels and estimate types; plan for contingencies and anticipate variations; and monitor changes and close out projects on time. They also learned a sound, logical framework for scheduling and controlling project activities and mastered techniques for estimating, forecasting, budgeting, monitoring, controlling, analyzing, and reporting costs and interpreting the meaning of earned-value data. The course was conducted by instructor from TwentyEighty Strategy Execution John Pelham, who has more than 20 years of project management experience in various fields. The SPM is a joint public-private partnership initiative implemented with financial support from BP and its partners, organizational support from BHOS and technical support from TwentyEighty Strategy Execution, leading international company providing education in the field of project management. The academic program is taught to professionals in various fields and is comprised of seven training modules. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees will be awarded Master certificate from the George Washington University. Recently, SPM announced admission of a next group of trainees.

From October 6-8, School of Project Management (SPM) set up at Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) conducted one of SPM training courses entitled “Project Leadership, Management and Communications”. The School of Project Management was established with organizational support from BHOS, sponsorship from BP and partner companies and technical support from British companyTwenty Eight Strategy Execution(Stratex). Training courses at SPM are developed on the basis of programs of The George Washington University, the USA. The training course is conducted by Peter O’Neil, one of the best professionals of Stratex company. Peter is an international expert and trainer with more than 25 years of experience in Project Management. He works at BP's Global Projects Institute and spends more than 50% of his time on coaching and training. In the past 10 years, Peter O’Neil has delivered public programs for Strategy Execution in Europe, Middle East and Africa and worked on in-company programs with major companies including BP, Nasdaq, Solvay, SNP Lavalin, Saudi Aramco and Unilever. This course helps the program participants to learn how to lead project teams through more effective communication, identify motivational value systems toimprove productivity and cooperation, recognise the role of business and personalethics in leadership, identify appropriate leadership strategies for each stage, and create a Leadership Development Plan. BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov met with the program participants and wished them to achieve more successes in their future work. He also expressed his gratitude to Peter O’Neil for his visit to Baku.

School of Project Management (SPM) successfully continues its activities at Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS). It has been established with financial support from BP and its partners, organizational support from the Higher School and technical support from British companyTwentyEighty Strategy Execution(Stratex). All SPM training modules are developed on the basis of teaching programs of The George Washington University, the USA. Representatives of state organizations and private companies express a strong interest in study at SPM, which helps the students obtain theoretical and practical knowledge of various aspects of project management. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees are awarded with Master certificate from The George Washington University. Two SPM courses of core curriculum were conducted at BHOS new campus, which was officially opened with participation of President of the Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev in May this year. TheQuality for Project Managertraining for “Stream 16” group was conducted by John Pelham, one of the most experienced instructors of Stratex. The participants learned how to integrate project quality management into the entire project life cycle, plan effectively for project quality management, assess and improve their organization’s current quality capabilities to ensure that projects will meet specified quality standards, ensure customer satisfaction by monitoring results using project quality control tools. The trainees also attended practical lessons and participated in group discussions. At the same time, Stratex instructor Didier Estibals, who was invited to Baku to teach the module, conductedRisk Managementcourse for “Stream 17” group. The trainees were taught to use a practical, eight-step process to manage project risks, identify threats and opportunities and weigh their relative value in their project, control multiple risks using limited strategies, and make risk and opportunity integral components of their next project plan. Upon the training completion, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov presented students of the “Stream 16” group Associate’s Certificates in Project Management. The certificates are jointly awarded by Twenty Eight Strategy Execution and The George Washington University upon completion of first three training courses of the core curriculum of Project Management program.

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted a ceremony of admission of a new “Stream 18” group of trainees to School of Project Management (SPM), which is a joint initiative of BHOS, BP and company partners, British company TwentyEighty Strategy Execution and еру George Washington University (USA). The event gathered the Higher School Rector Elmar Gasimov, First Deputy Chairman ofAzersuOpen Joint-Stock Company (OJSC) Teyyub Jabbarov, and BP communications, external affairs, strategy and Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey region Vice president Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli. SOCAR Deputy Vice president for HR, IT and regulations Asif Shafaggatov, Chief of Staff of OJSCAzersuMohsin Guliyev, and newly admitted students also attended the ceremony. In his welcoming speech at the opening of the ceremony, Elmar Gasimov told about remarkable achievements attained by SPM. He introduced the guests and expressed his gratitude to them for attention and continuous assistance to the School of Project Management, which operates with organizational support from the Higher School. Speaking at the gathering, Teyyub Jabbarov, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli and Asif Shafaggatov emphasized the important role played by SPM in training of project managers and wished the new trainees every success in their study. At the end of the ceremony, the students of the “Stream 18” group introduced themselves and their organizations including, among others, SOCAR, OJSCAzersu, BP, CBMC, CNFA, Ernst&Young, “Neftqaztikinti”, “Azərkimya”, “Azneft” Production Union and Worley Parsons. Interest of state organizations and private companies to the School of Project Management has grown considerably last year. They send their best specialists to study at SPM so that they can become project managers in the future. The SPM curriculum, which comprises seven modules of training, is based on Master degree academic program of the George Washington University. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees will be awarded Master certificates from the university.

Project Leadership, Management & Communications course completed at School of Project Management (SPM), which is a joint initiative implemented by BHOS, BP and its partners, and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution (STRATEX) international company. The course for “Stream 17” study group was conducted by one of the most experienced trainers of STRATEX John Pelham. During the three-day interactive course, which is designed to provide a solid foundation in key leadership competencies, the students learned how to lead project teams through more effective communication, identify motivational value systems to improve productivity and cooperation, recognize the role of business and personal ethics in leadership, utilize a powerful four-stage collaborative negotiation process, and create a Leadership Development Plan. Many state organizations and private companies show interest in the activities of SPM, which provides the students with deep knowledge in the field project management. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees will be awarded Master certificate from the George Washington University (the USA), which also is a partner of SPM initiative.

One more training course of School of Project Management (SPM) is completed at Baku Higher Oil School. The course entitled “Project Management Applications” was conducted by Didier Estibals, an experienced trainer from the British company TwentyEighty Strategy Execution. Representatives of BHOS and various companies including SOCAR, BP, Paşa Siğorta, Atlantic Waves Solutions, Pasha Holding and Pasha Life Insurance attended the lessons. During four-day training, they were taught how to select the level of staffing, resources, and management support; estimate time and costs and present a project plan; assemble a project team and gain commitment on project objectives; create a project binder documenting each stage of the project; and assign tasks based on work breakdown structure and lessons learned. Courses offered by SPM raise an interest both from state organizations and private companies. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees receive Master certificates from the George Washington University (the USA).

School of Project Management (SPM) continues its activities at Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS). It has been established in cooperation between British companyTwentyEighty Strategy Execution(Stratex), and BP and its partners. Representatives of state organizations and private companies express a strong interest in study at SPM, which helps the students obtain theoretical and practical knowledge of various aspects of project management.Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees are awarded with Master certificate from the George Washington University (the USA). At the moment, the participants of the SPM’s first groups namely Stream 16 and Stream 17 are on the final stage of the program. Having started classes in May and July 2017 respectively, they pass the last module out of seven modules comprising the training program. The participants have already made their choice between two options, which includePMP (Project Management Professional) PreparationandNegotiation Skills for Project Managersmodules. ThePMP Exam Preparationmodule is conducted by Stratex's professional instructor Didier Estibal, andNegotiation Skills for Project Managersis conducted by George Sifry. The former module, which lasts four days, focuses on topics such as project management, time management, quality management, budget management, labor management, risk management, communication management and a test exam on these topics. The latter module allows the participants to learn how to use advanced methods of restoring frozen negotiations, using competitive and collective negotiation strategies, carrying out effective negotiable skills for effective cost and graphic implementation, and to develop collaborative relationships and management strategies critical for the projects. It should be noted that the participants of the SPM’s two groups include senior managers of BHOS, SOCAR, BP, Pasha Insurance, Atlantic Waves Solutions, Pasha Holding, Pasha Life Insurance, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, SOCAR Polymer, Azersu, Worley Parsons, CNFA and CBMC. This, in turn, once again confirms the need in preparation of national professional project managers for various spheres. Stream 18 group of the School of Project Management has already started their training course, and registration of new groups of the participants has commenced

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) held a ceremony dedicated to admission of new “M2” group of trainees to School of Project Management (SPM), which is a joint initiative carried out by BHOS in cooperation with British company TwentyEighty Strategy Execution and the George Washington University (USA), and with organizational support from BP and company partners. The event took place at the Higher School’s new campus and gathered the Higher School Rector Elmar Gasimov, Communications, external affairs, strategy and region Vice President, BP Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey region,Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, the new group of SPM students and BHOS staff members. Opening the ceremony, the rector Elmar Gasimov said that the Master program in Project management, which is conducted by SPM at the Higher School, is one of the BHOS most remarkable achievements. In his words, the School of Project Management plays an important role in the training of modern managers capable to meet challenges today. Then new SPM students were introduced to Elmar Gasimov who congratulated them on the beginning of the training course and wished them every success. In his speech,BP Communications, external affairs, strategy & region vice president Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli expressed his satisfaction with successful continuation of this joint project. As he emphasized, more business spheres require now thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of project management. The vice president informed that every group of SPM trainees includes BP staff members who would apply acquired skills for more effective and productive work. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli also extended his gratitude to BHOS personnel and the rector Elmar Gasimov for excellent management of the educational process at SPM. The new group of SPM students comprises representatives from many companies including Azerbaijan Caspian ShippingCJSC, Azərsu OJSC, BP, SOCAR, «Gate Baku» LLC, «Aztexnika» MMC и Baku City Circuit. The School of Project Management was set by BP and partners in 2011 to meet a growing demand in national specialists in project management trained according to international standards. The SPM curriculum, which comprises seven modules of training, is based on Master degree academic program of the George Washington University. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees will be awarded Master certificates from the university.

Rector of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) Elmar Gasimov hold a meeting with Business Development Manager of British company TwentyEighty Strategy Execution (STRATEX) Ed Hughes. Program Manager of School of Project Management (SPM) Narmin Hajiyeva also attended the meeting aimed at discussion of the issues related to arranging a teaching program for “Stream 18”, which is the next group of SPM students. Elmar Gasimov and Ed Hughes also discussed STRATEX proposals to include new courses from the company portfolio into SPM curriculum. In the framework of the cooperation between BHOS and STRATEX in implementation of the SPM project and upon successful completion of the study, the participants receive Master certificates from the George Washington University (the USA). The program offers the participants seven main courses including, among others, Managing Projects, Risk Management, Schedule and Cost Control. All lessons of the program, which continues from 10 to 12 months, are conducted in English by experienced trainers from STRATEX company.

“M1” group of students continues their training at School of Project Management (SPM) which is a joint public-private partnership initiative implemented by Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS), BP and its partners, and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees will be awarded master certificate from the George Washington University.Recently, the program participants competedRisk Managementtraining course, which was conducted by a professional instructor, Acting Director of the Monitoring Center for Labor Relations at the Azerbaijani State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fariz Jaffarov. The trainees were taught to use a practical, eight-step process to manage project risks, identify threats and opportunities and weigh their relative value in their project, control multiple risks using limited strategies, and make risk and opportunity integral components of their next project plan. BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov met with the students including staff members of SOCAR, Azneft, Azərikimya, Neftqaztikinti, OJSC Azersu, Ernst&Young, WorleyParsons, and Caspian Business Management and Consulting and presented certificates to those participants who successfully completed the previous course entitled “Project Management”.

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted a graduation ceremony of Stream 16 and Stream 17 groups of students of School of Project Management (SPM), which is a joint initiative of BHOS, BP and its co-ventures and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution (Stratex) company, UK.Master Certificatesfrom the George Washington University (USA) were given to 52 specialists from 24 companies and organizations. Among others, they include SOCAR, BP, Pasha Holding, Pasha Insurance,AzneftProduction Union, SOCAR AQŞ, SOCAR Upstream, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku City Circuit Operations Company, Textile Park Gilan, Azerconnect, Atlantic Waste Solutions and AzIn Telekom LLC.The ceremony held at the Higher School’s campus gathered BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov, SOCAR Vice president for HR, IT and regulations Khalik Mammadov, BP Communications, External Affairs, Strategy and region Vice presidentBakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan Farkhad Hajiyev and other officials. In the opening speech, the Higher School rector Elmar Gasimov extended his sincere congratulations to the SPM graduates. He also expressed confidence that they would effectively apply new knowledge and skills in their work. In the words of SOCAR Vice president for HR, IT and regulations Khalik Mammadov, SPM is the most fruitful initiative on professional development of Azerbaijani specialists. He expressed his gratitude to BHOS management for successful implementation of the project. SOCAR provides all necessary support for training and development of the personnel, he said. Khalik Mammadov informed that 21 staff members of SOCAR and affiliated companies became students of the School of Project Management. BP Communications, External Affairs, Strategy and region Vice presidentBakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Farkhad Hajiyev and Business Development Manager ofTwentyEighty Strategy Execution Ed Hughes who made a significant contribution to the initiative also extended their congratulations and best wishes to the SPM graduates. Speaking at the ceremony, the graduate of the School of Project Management, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population of Azerbaijan Metin Kermli emphasized that the School plays a very important role in professional development of national specialists. I am proud to be a graduate of SPM, he said. Then BHOSrector Elmar Gasimov,SOCAR Vice president Khalik Mammadov, BP Vice presidentBakhtiyar Aslanbayli and Stratex Business Development ManagerEd Hughes presented Master certificates of the George Washington University and memorable gifts to the graduates of the School of Project Management. The official part of the ceremony was followed by informal socializing. The guests and the SPM graduates had an opportunity to exchange their thoughts and impressions and take commemorative photos. Last year, the School of Project Management started to attract growing attention from national state agencies and private companies, which choose to send their best and most talented staff members to study at SPM. Its program based on the curriculum of the George Washington University comprises seven modules. They include, among others, the following main courses: Project Management; Risk Management; Project Leadership, Management and Communications; Scheduling and Cost Control; Quality for Project Manager; Project Management Applications; and Negotiation Skills for Project Manager.

Students of School of Project Management (SPM) set up at Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) passed course exams and received certificates of successful completion of the first training module. Presenting the certificates, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov expressed his congratulations to each student individually and wished all of them every in the further studies. Speaking about the Higher School latest events, successes and developments, he emphasized BHOS management is committed to improvement of the students’ skills and knowledge. With this view, we pay close attention to their professional development and provide them with all necessary support. The group of SPM trainees consists of staff members of various companies and organizations including SOCAR, BP, Atlantic Waste Solutions, PAŞA Həyat Sığorta ASC and Pasha Holding. The SPM is a joint public-private partnership initiative implemented with financial support from BP and its partners, organizational support from BHOS and technical support from TwentyEighty Strategy Execution, leading international company providing education in the field of project management. The academic program is taught to professionals in various fields and is comprised of seven training modules. Upon successful completion of the study, the trainees will be awarded master certificate from the George Washington University.

An admission ceremony of a new “M4” group of students of School of Project Management (SPM), which is a joint initiative of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company (UK), took place at BHOS. The SPM teaching program is based on the curriculum of the George Washington University (USA). The ceremony was attended by BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov and manager on Information Technologies and Services with more than 20-year work experience at BP in Azerbaijan, SPM trainer Faig Nasibov. Speaking at the ceremony, Rector Elmar Gasimov greeted the students and wished them to complete their program successfully. Then the program participants introduced themselves. The M4 group students are key staff members from the leading companies operating in the country including, among others, BP, KCA Deutag, Azneft Production Union, Azersu OJSC, Samsung Engineering, “Azertexnolayn” LLC, OJSC Akelik Group and ABB. The training program at SPM has been developed to meet the demand in national specialists in project management trained according to international standards. The curriculum, which comprises seven modules, covers various subjects including Project Management, Leadership and Communications, Risk Management, Scheduling and Cost Control, Quality for Project Manager, and Negotiations Skills for Project Manager. Upon successful completion of the program, the SPM graduates receive Master certificates from the George Washington University.

On November 1, 2018, Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) held a graduation ceremony for a new group of the alumni of School of Project Management (SPM), a joint initiative of BHOS and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution (Stratex) company, UK. It was attended by top managers of BP, SOCAR and other guests. The SPM teaching programs are based on the curricula of the George Washington University (GWU), USA. GWU awarded Master’s Certificates to 47 SPM graduates representing managers and specialists of 12 companies and organizations. They include, among others, SOCAR, BP, EY, WorleyParsons, “Azneft” Production Union, “Azerkimya” Production Union,and SOCAR’s Oil and Gas Construction Trust,OJSC Azersu, Caspian Business Management and ConsultingLLC, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC, and Gate Baku LLC. BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov extended his congratulations to the SPM alumni and noted that the School of Project Management was functioning at the Higher Oil School for nearly two years. In his words, many of the graduates already achieved significant professional growth in the course of their study. SOCAR Vice-president for HR, IT and regulations Khalik Mammadov emphasized that SOCAR’s Baku Higher Oil School became a leading technical higher educational institution attracting the most talented young people and providing them with excellent education. The language of instruction is English, and all teaching programs are based on curricula of international universities, he said. Khalik Mammadov told that SPM is an important initiative for professional development of young specialists and their efficient integration into business environment. He congratulated the graduates and wished them every success. Ed Hughes, BusinessDevelopment Managerat Stratex Company, which played an important role in the project development, also extended his congratulations to the SPM alumni. In their turn, the graduates spoke about the value of the gained knowledge and practical skills for their career. Then the SPM graduates received Master’s Certificates of the George Washington University and memorable gifts. The School of Project Management attracts growing interest from state agencies and private companies, which send their most talented staff members to study at SPM. The training program is based on modern teaching methodology. It consists of seven modules including, among others, courses on Project Management; Risk Management; Project Leadership, Management and Communications; Scheduling and Cost Control; Quality for Project Manager; Project Management Applications; and Negotiation Skills for Project Manager.

School of Project Management (SPM), which is a joint initiative of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company (UK), offers Azerbaijani specialists internationally-recognized training course based on the curriculum of the Master’s program of the George Washington University (USA). Recently, it achieved one more milestone in its activities: in total, the number of the SPM graduates reached 100 persons. The School of Project Management has all necessary conditions to provide national professionals with high-quality training in line with international standards. After completion of each study module, the trainees receive a corresponding certificate. Upon successful completion of the program, the SPM graduates receive Master certificates from the George Washington University. “The opportunity to take further steps towards professional and career growth is another advantage gained by our students. One of the best examples of this is the fact that about 20 SPM graduates out of those trainees who received Master certificates on November 1, 2018, were promoted to higher positions within a short time,” says SPM Program Manager Narmin Akhmedova. The curriculum of the School of Project Management comprises seven modules. The trainees study a number of subjects including, among others, Project Management, Leadership and Communications, Risk Management, Scheduling and Cost Control, Quality for Project Manager, and Negotiations Skills for Project Manager. All lessons are conducted by experienced teachers selected on a competitive basis by the managers of TwentyEighty Strategy Execution.

A new M5 group of students is admitted to School of Project Management (SPM) operating within a joint project of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company (UK). The M5 group comprises 26 representatives of 15 leading companies and organizations operating in the country including, among others, SOCAR,AzerkimyaProduction Union, SOCAR Petkim, BP, Bank Respublika, TP Engineering, Gilan Construction Group andDeGolyer&MacNaughton.The SPM teaching program is based on the curriculum of the George Washington University (USA). Speaking at the admission ceremony, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov said that many of the SPM graduates achieved a rapid development and impressive successes in their career. In his words, participation in this project helps Azerbaijani specialists to acquire knowledge, develop skills and obtain practical experience in the field of management, which they can effectively apply in their professional activities. The SPM curriculum has been specifically developed to meet the demand in national experts in project management trained according to international standards. It comprises seven modules including Project Management, Leadership and Communications, Risk Management, Scheduling and Cost Control, Quality for Project Manager, and Negotiations Skills for Project Manager. Upon successful completion of the program, the SPM graduates receive Master certificates from the George Washington University.

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted PMI Azerbaijan Summit 2019 entitled “Implementation of advanced project management methods and their role in contemporary management”. The event dedicated to 50thanniversary of Project Management Institute (PMI) was held by PMI Azerbaijan Chapter (Potential) with organizational assistance by the Higher School. Almost 100 managers and experts from state organizations and leading international companies operating in the field of IT, production, construction, finances, and education attended the event. Event facilitator Kanan Mammadov introduced PMI Azerbaijan Chapter (Potential) board members and provided brief information on the Chapter establishment and development. BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov in his welcome address outlined the importance of training of project management specialists and implementation of advanced management methods in all spheres. He delivered a concise speech on training programs provided by the School of Project Management (SPM) that is administered by the BHOS. He noted that all the courses taught at the school are developed in strict compliance with standards and requirements of PMI. Elmar Gasimov also added that graduates of SPM who are national specialists from large local and international companies were awarded Master certificates by the George Washington University (USA). The rector wished the Summit delegates successful and fruitful work. Chairman of PMI Azerbaijan Chapter (Potential) Emil Ismayilkhanov gave insights into the achievements, challenges and development plans of the National Chapter. Vice-president of PMI Turkish Chapter, Project and Portfolio Manager of Turkish Airlines Omur Benek made a presentation covering PMI Turkey Chapter activities and participation in regional and international PMI initiatives. PMI Azerbaijan Potential Chapter Board member Nigar Jafarova gave a speech about the new project entitled “Project Management for Kids” and its objectives. The panel session on “Implementation of advanced project management methods in public and private sectors and its prospects” was moderated by Chairman of Executive Board of Baku Stock Exchange, the Chapter Board member Vugar Namazov. Director of E-Gov Development Center Public Entity Fariz Jafarov, Project and Portfolio Manager of Turkish Airlines Omur Benek and Project Management expert Elchin Mammadov made speeches and presentations on the session topic, which were followed by views exchange, Q&A session, and discussion about prospects of project management development in Azerbaijan. Project Management Institute founded in 1969 is a non-profit worldwide organization with the aim to provide international experience, knowledge, and skills in project management. Its services include the development of standards, research, education, publications and networking opportunities in local chapters, hosting conferences and training seminars, and providing accreditation in project management. The work on the establishment of PMI Azerbaijani Chapter commenced in February 2016. In May 2017, its representatives attended PMI Leadership Institute Meeting in Rome. They were first to support and sign PMI European Chapter Collaboration Memorandum adopted at the meeting. The organization received the official status of PMI Azerbaijan Potential Chapter in Berlin after a contract between Azerbaijan and PMI was signed on May 4, 2018.

BP International Relations Manager for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey region Gunesh Aliyeva is one of the graduates of School of Project Management (SPM) administered by, and operating at, Baku Higher Oil School with technical support from TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company (UK). Its training course is based on the curriculum of the Master’s program of the George Washington University (USA). Gunesh Aliyeva sent to SPM a letter, which says: “The School of Project Management was absolutely worth attending and it has made a very strong impact on me. I genuinely enjoyed each module, which provided practical use of the materials presented. The skills and tips I gained during the course will definitely help me throughput my life, both personal and professional, and have definitely contributed to step up to the next level in my career. A module about leadership and communication particularly stood out for me.It focused on essential leadership skills such as motivating and inspiring people, and negotiation and communication skills, listening and influencing skills and building relations. It reaffirmed the fact that every successful relation is founded on respect, honesty and trust – all ultimately contributing to successful delivery of project or any other job assignments. I would like to express my gratitude to BP and BHOS for giving me this opportunity to be a part of this wonderful

A new group of students of the School of Project Management (SPM) has been formed at Baku Higher Oil School, which will be trained under the education program of Duke University (North Carolina, USA). The SPM students will be taught modules in accordance with the master's program of Duke University. The opening ceremony of a new group of SPM students was attended by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev, Chairman of the Board of the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance Zaur Aliyev, Communications and Advocacy Vice President of BP for the Middle East and Caspian Region Bakhtiyar Aslanbeyli, and SPM students.  In total, 22 people were admitted to the SPM training course, among whom there are managers and responsible employees of BP, the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham), and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Speaking at the ceremony, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov congratulated the students of the School of Project Management on the start of their studies, noting that many graduates of the SPM program, which is implemented on a regular basis, have achieved significant career success. “Companies operating in the public and private sectors show a strong interest in the School of Project Management and prefer that their employees study at this school to improve their qualification. The SPM students will be trained in 7 modules of project management based on the master's program of Duke University and will receive an international certificate,” he said. The rector noted that graduates who complete all modules of the program will gain the right to put the initials DCPM (Duke Certified Project Manager) before their names, like PMP or PhD. The training program covers modules such as “Managing projects”, “Scheduling and cost control”, “Risk management”, “Agile & Lean”, “Project leadership”, “Management and communication”, “Contract management”, “Negotiations skills for project managers” and “PMP exam preparation”. Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance Zaur Aliyev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev, Communications and Advocacy Vice President of BP for the Middle East and Caspian Region Bakhtiyar Aslanbeyli noted that among the SPM students there are many employees of the organizations and companies they represent, and that the knowledge they gain at the School of Project Management will play an important role in their future careers. At the end of the ceremony, an orientation tour of Baku Higher Oil School campus was organized.

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted a graduation ceremony for students of M7 and M8 groups of the School of Project Management (SPM), a joint initiative of BHOS and the British company TwentyEighty Strategy Execution (STRATEX).   This time, about 30 specialists from more than 14 organizations and companies graduated from the School of Project Management, which conducts training based on the curricula of the George Washington University (USA).  Among the SPM graduates were senior and responsible employees of such organizations and companies as the Ministry of Economy, SOCAR, AQŞ, Karabakh Operating Company, Umid-Babek Operating Company, SOCAR Polymer, SOCAR STP, Pasha Holding, ABB, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, BP, Xalq Həyat Sığorta, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Azercell, Agro Dairy LLC.  In his speech, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov congratulated the graduates of the School of Project Management on the successful completion of the program. He emphasized the important role of the project in training world-class specialists. “Many graduates of the School of Project Management, which has been functioning at Baku Higher Oil School for 5 years, have achieved significant success in their careers. The new knowledge gained by the graduates contributes to their professional advancement,” the rector added. In his speech, BP's Vice President for Communications and External Relations in the Middle East and the Caspian region Bakhtiyar Aslanbeyli said that BHOS is successfully implementing the personnel training process within this program. At the end of the ceremony, the SPM graduates received Master’s Certificates of the George Washington University. It should be noted that in recent years, companies and organizations operating in both the public and private sectors have been paying more attention to the professional development of their employees. Notably, they prefer that their employees undergo training at the School of Project Management. The number of graduates of the Project Management School of Baku Higher Oil School has already exceeded 100 people.