Essential Skills of Project Management Training
Project Managers Must Develop Competency Level to Achieve Success
Jan 20, 2009
Many vendors offer project management training and some courses will lead to project management certification -- notably PRINCE2 and PMI (Project Management Institute). At least one of these project manager qualifications is often asked for by potential employers. Whilst these project management qualifications are important, project managers need to develop competency in a number of areas to lead successful projects.
Project Management Certification
Given the popularity of project management certification with employers, it makes sense for project managers to achieve formal certification of one of the two leading methodologies: PMI or PRINCE2. This will equip the project manager with a formal methodology and a set of techniques for doing projects. As a formally trained skill the theory needs to be exercised in practice and used to really understand how it works and to be able to use it effectively. This may lead some to find the knowing-doing gap, knowing what needs to be done but not very effective at doing it.
Project Management Courses
Certification is a good step in the right direction for project manager skills but more must be done. Project managers need to develop a host of project management skills through a combination of specific project management courses, related courses and on the job learning. Specific project management training could be with individual topics such as project scheduling and cost control and these are aimed at deepening understanding and honing skills. In addition, related project management courses could include:
- Alternative project management methodologies such as DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method) or Agile. The purpose is to understand the ideas behind these approaches and their strengths and weaknesses. In particular, using a project management methodology as a tool and selecting the right tool for the job
- Quality management systems (QMS). Many organisations use a quality management system and a project manager must integrate this as needed into a project. Consequently, it is important to understand why a QMS is needed and how it is used, the important features of a QMS and how it needs to be integrated into a project
- Business change management. Whilst there are a number of potential models it is important to understand at least one such as Accelerating Implementation Methodology. This provides a framework for understanding the business impact of a project and how a successful project needs to do more than simply deliver technology -- it must effect business change
- Benefits Management is all about delivering value from a project and the benefits should be the driving force of a project. For a project manager, understanding the benefits is key to applying good management of project scope, requirements and change.
Project Management Training
Project management certification is good but the project management training should not stop there. In combination with on the job learning, the project manager should engage in a number of project management courses over time to develop and hone project management skills. Combining theory and practice will develop competence, experience and expertise and significantly increase the project manager's ability to lead a successful project.
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