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Joyce Lok, PMP

Joyce Lok, PMP

R&D Assc. Project Manager, American Regent

Session Details

Transforming R&D: Accelerating Innovation in a Complex Landscape

In recent years, the concept of project success has evolved beyond traditional metrics such as time, cost, and scope, with project management teams shifting focus toward benefits realization, value delivery, and the broader impact of projects. This shift is particularly important in the pharmaceutical industry, where projects must be developed faster, with higher quality, and improved financial outcomes. To address these pressures, American Regent has implemented key strategies that have significantly enhanced project efficiency and outcomes.
A central strategy has been the integration of cross-functional teams, breaking down traditional silos between departments. This collaborative approach ensures that expertise is shared across the project lifecycle, accelerating decision-making, and addressing challenges more effectively. Another vital shift has been the adoption of simultaneous development across multiple sites. By enabling parallel workflows across sites, American Regent has reduced time-to-market and improved overall project efficiency.
Additionally, accelerating development timelines has been a major focus for R&D projects. By adopting agile project management methodologies, R&D teams can adjust quickly to changes, whether they arise from new information, regulatory requirements, or unforeseen challenges. This flexibility has been critical in an industry where speed and adaptability are essential.
Moreover, American Regent’s focus on continuous project reassessment ensures that projects align with the company’s strategic financial goals.
This presentation will provide valuable lessons for others in the industry and offer a roadmap for successfully managing complex projects in a rapidly changing environment. By embracing these innovative approaches, pharmaceutical companies can better navigate current challenges and position themselves for long-term success.

Learning Objectives

The top 3 learning objectives for this presentation could be:
1. Understand the evolving definition of project success in pharmaceutical R&D
Participants will learn how project success metrics have expanded beyond traditional baselines like time, cost, and scope to focus on benefits realization and value delivery, and how these shifts impact R&D project management.

2. Explore strategies for accelerating project timelines and improving cross-functional collaboration
Attendees will gain insights into how cross-team integration, simultaneous development across sites, and agile methodologies can shorten development cycles and enhance project efficiency in a complex, competitive pharmaceutical landscape.

3. Learn how to align project management with financial outcomes.
The presentation will cover how to prioritize projects based on benefits realization, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to maximize profitability and long-term value.

These objectives provide a clear roadmap for what participants will gain from the presentation, focusing on the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical project management.

About the Speaker

Joyce Lok has been a Project Manager with American Regent for 3 years, receiving her PMP in 2024. Before joining ARI, she worked as a Facilities technician in a Pharmaceutical start-up. She has extensive experience in R&D projects from Agriculture to Pharmaceuticals. Joyce is an avid hiker, amateur chef, and a volunteer for both PMI COC and HBA Columbus groups.

Thank you, 2024 PDD Sponsors!

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