Gain the Right Knowledge to Become a Successful Project Manager

No business is static.  Throughout a year, a corporation may have plans to roll out a new product, implement a new IT system, or open a new plant.  For successful implementation of both large and small projects, many companies utilize the principles of project management in their workflow processes for greater success.  The project management profession is expected to grow by 33% between 2017 and 2027, adding 22 million new jobs, according to a Project Management Institute report.

Unlike the management of daily operations, project management focuses on a specific task with a start and end date to complete its goal.  By taking a project management approach, enterprises take control of a project by following a specific methodology and framework that outlines specific activities, resources, and timelines.

Project management is gaining importance for its value to clearly define project scope, establish and maintain schedules, maximize resources, control costs, and provide positive outcomes.  Industry studies report that 97% of organizations believe project management is critical to business performance and organizational success.   Even when supported by project management software, program success depends on the right leadership and skills from the project manager.

Project management certificate programs such as those offered by Norwich University can introduce or deepen skills needed by new and experienced project managers for greater success and career opportunities, especially as industry demand for these leaders grows.

Importance of a Project Manager

Without the right project manager leading important projects, the risk of failure is greater. Deadlines, costs, and communications across teams are noted as top project management challenges in the 2017 State of Project Management in Manufacturing Report. A project manager who serves as the leader of a corporate program can help avoid these potential problems by taking responsibility for its planning, design, execution, tracking, control, and closure.  Some of the key responsibilities of this role include:

• Project planning that includes defining project scope, objectives, stakeholders, resources, and timelines in meeting the defined goals.
• Cost estimation and budget development to define capital investment.
• Team structuring to identify resources and create a cross-functional team with relative strengths that can work together towards a common goal.
• Defining activities so team members understand their responsibility to ensure the project progresses smoothly.
• Risk assessment and mitigation to anticipate potential and avoid problems.
• Project monitoring of progress, costs, and team performance.
• Communications with team members, stakeholders, and executives.

Project Manager Skills

As projects become complex and represent large investments of time and money, the future of project management requires individuals to have a mix of soft and technical skills including:

• Leadership in providing guidance, motivation, and inspiration in taking the team in the right direction.
• Oral and written communications to convey the right messages to different audiences including team members, stakeholders, and executive management.
• Planning and organization to manage tasks in the right order with the right people.
• Time and cost management to ensure enough time to complete every task and that activities remain within budget.
• Critical thinking to anticipate and resolve issues.
• Technology savviness to remain current on the latest software programs. The 2017 State of Project Management in Manufacturing Report noted that more than half of manufacturers use a combination of project methodologies such as water, agile, scrum and critical path.  

How Norwich University Prepares for the Future of Project Management

A Project Management Certificate from Norwich University can deepen knowledge for individuals already in a project management role or introduce new competencies to those looking to enter this field.  This online certificate program is ideal for anyone who works in a field that relies on project management approaches.  Courses include:

• Project Management Overview helps identify gaps in project management skills while explaining the benefits of different project management techniques. Students become more confident in using the language of the profession for interviews and on the job.
• Applied Psychology in Project Management evaluates an individual’s personality type using Myers-Briggs and Big Five Assessments to determine how it can hinder or help in their role as a project manager.
• Business Essential for Project Managers focuses on how to create stronger business cases, managing global projects, calculating ROI and using cost vs. benefit to influence decision-making. Techniques are taught on how to measure project performance using the Earned Value Management technique.
• Managing Complexity teaches how to apply agile project management approaches and employ design-thinking methods and other problem-solving strategies. Real projects are analyzed to explore why they succeeded or failed.

Gain a Competitive Edge with a PMP or CAPM Certification

Complementing this curriculum is Norwich’s online preparation course for the Project Management Professionals (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exams.    These certificates provide individuals with a competitive edge in advancing careers or finding new jobs.  According to Project Manager Salary Statistics 2019, the average annual wages of a project manager are $90,139, depending upon location, experience, and certification.  Those holding a PMP or CAPM certification earn around 16% more than their non-certified counterparts.

The Project Management Institute reports that the demand for project managers is growing faster than any other occupation.  By 2027, project management roles will grow by 33% or nearly 22 million jobs in 7 project-oriented sectors. Top industries employing project managers include construction, Information technology, finance, energy, and healthcare.

A Project Management Certificate from Norwich University can better position those interested in pursuing or advancing in this growing and lucrative field.  Find out more about this online program here.  Planning to take your PMP or CAPM Certification exam?  Get familiar with questions and test formatting by attending the online Norwich Preparation Course.   With two start dates annually, you can sign up immediately here.

For information on Norwich Pro’s complete roster of certificate programs that develop and deepen professional skills to get ahead in careers or enter new ones, visit https://pro.norwich.edu/.

Have questions? Contact Norwich at https://pro.norwich.edu/contact or by email at norwichpro@norwich.edu.