Dr Carolyn Spencer

Biography

Background
Dr Carolyn Spencer is currently the Manager of Strategic Capability Performance and Risk with the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, leading activities such as

• strategic analysis and planning


• risk management


• management of the organisation's Program Management Office.

Carolyn's early research investigated the change dynamics and surrounding volatility of program environments in relation to the cognition of project managers. It was part of a leading edge awakening of interest in the management of complex projects, forming a bridge between academic learning and applied contexts.
The contribution arose from clear practitioner observation of real world contexts, and a strong intention and value to diagnose, design and apply well researched program and project solutions within 'natural' settings to achieve outcomes despite the barriers posed by these complex environments. This has led to a dual career pathway both developing and implementing significant programs/projects as a practitioner, while also developing and implementing university and occupational teaching programs.
Special Emphases
Management & Human Behaviour Certified Master Project Director and Assessor for the Australian Standards since 2003, Carolyn assesses senior Program and Project managers for professional certification; and PRINCE2 Practitioner/Managing Strategic Projects Practitioner 2007.