PDU Code C011-021207

Presentation materials

Presentation Abstract

Presentation Objectives:

The purpose of the presentation is to provide non-profit organizations and volunteer project teams effective project planning and management techniques, supporting the organization goals and objectives.

Presentation Abstract/Description:

The more a volunteer based organization becomes familiar with the process of project management and aware of its benefits, the more they will encourage and even require its application. Adoption of effective methods for managing projects provides organizations and volunteers the opportunity to achieve project success and communicate effectively.

Speaker Biography

Diane Ruiz Cairns is a staff member with Lawrence Technological University . Her responsibilities include the development of online degree programs and university courses, along with managing evaluation of programs delivered online. The evaluation program supports quality learning experiences for students, continuous improvement of teaching effectiveness and curriculum content. Diane's teaching responsibilities include courses in project management and management information systems. She also serves as coordinator of the College of Management , Graduate Certificate Project Management program.

In her previous positions, Ms. Cairns responsibilities included the management of industry and company regulations supporting international health agency data reporting requirements; international training programs incorporating consistent company practices and health agency regulations; development and implementation of a department policies and procedures compliance program; implementation of a document management system supporting new drug applications and international legal licensing agreements; and organization of international business meetings.

Diane Cairns is currently principal of Cairns Management, LLC. Cairns Management is a performance improvement and training development consulting business.

Her MCWTF board position initiatives include the development and implementation of education and awareness programs to increase the number of girls and women obtaining degrees and working in the area of computer technology. This includes the girls' technology camp held each year on the Lawrence Technological University campus. Additionally she has been instrumental in the development of the Foundation's GET-IT (Girls Exploring Together, Information Technology) program, which provides middle and high school students with experiences in the field of computer technology.

Ms. Cairns earned a bachelor's degree in business from Cleary College , and an MBA from Lawrence Technological University . She is currently attending Wayne State University , College of Education , for a Ph.D, in Instructional Technology, with a professional focus in Performance Improvement and Training. Expected completion is 2007.

Diane is a founding board member of Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation. She also serves on the Lawrence Technological University Alumni Association Board.