Understanding functions and skills in MSc Project Management for a productive career

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The science of MSc Project Management is not new to humans. It’s been in practice since old times. But how did it gain significance; from the informal way of handling tasks?

With businesses and technologies becoming dynamic, project management started gaining importance. People started realizing the need for new tools and techniques for:

• Planning and allocating resources 
• Meet the complexities of projects. 

Demand for professionals with project management skills increased across sectors, for diverse activities, and to benefit people. Several institutes and universities offer project management degree programs to prepare students to face challenges and improve their skills.

If you are looking for a career change or getting promoted to senior-level positions, you should consider pursuing a degree in MSc Project Management. It will give you a substantial advantage and boost your career growth.

It can be evolving technologies, introducing innovative products, or revamping systems project managers are essential for every business. Businesses need projects executed and delivered, devoid of conflicts, within the specified:

· Duration

· Requirements 

· Budget 

Projects add value to people through their unique features and service. It’s a team effort entirely. As a Project Manager, you need to:

· Guide, motivate, and successfully lead your team to meet expectations 

· Allocate and utilize available resources to improve efficiency

· Employ various skills, tools, and strategies to meet your goals 

Managing the complexities associated with each project is not an easy task. You can be a fresher or someone with years of experience in the field. You need to understand that each project is distinct with diverse challenges. And every project requires a hands-on approach; you will be working on tight deadlines to meet expectations.

That said, let’s look at the responsibilities of project managers:

Conceive and Plan

Did you know that many projects fail due to poor planning? Planning is vital. You begin the process by conceiving and developing a detailed plan, defining its scope, and allocating available resources. You need to coordinate with your team and clients, discuss expectations, set schedules and monitor its progress. A project’s progress can take an unpredictable turn. Learn to fine-tune and bring it to success. 

Guide your team to success

Project managers should give importance to every aspect of the project. And that includes leading a dynamic team. You will be responsible for recruiting suitable people, training, guiding, and motivating them to work with you. Form excellent working relationships with your team by adopting a transparent and open communication style. 

Delegate wisely

Delegation is one aspect where you, as a leader, should get the hang of and excel eventually. You will be involved in dividing tasks based on their priority and assigning tasks to your team based on their skills and abilities. 

Monitor progress & achieve deadlines

The project’s ability to meet deadlines determines its success. Hence you should be able to set pragmatic deadlines, monitor the progress, consistently communicate them to your team and ensure the team works with their true potential to complete the tasks on time.

Preventive action

You will be the first person your team or client approaches when something goes off-track. You need to take preventive measures and ensure your project doesn’t get derailed. 

Have an alternate plan

You need to be meticulous in your approach and identify potential risks. There are chances midway during the process you face obstacles, required to redesign certain aspects or make way for expansion. You need to have an alternative plan with the necessary justification and arrange for additional resources with minimal impact. 

Managing expenses

Learn the art of completing projects within budgetary limits. Excessive spending also leads to project failure. Be practical about the cost involved and communicate the same to all the stakeholders involved in the project.

Evaluate performance

In addition to building a dynamic team, you also need to ensure:

· The team works in symmetry by giving them regular feedback

· Evaluate efficiency, identify weak areas and provide support

· Make your team members understand their responsibilities and empower them

Client coordination

One of your primary responsibilities as a project manager is to keep your clients happy. To ensure this, you must interact with them regularly, give them frequent updates regarding the process and progress and get their feedback.

Managing reports

A comprehensive report of all project requirements, processes, people, and expenses involved with the timeline must be prepared and submitted to the client. It also lets you identify weak spots and plan for ways to take preventive action in your future projects. Highlight achievements and rewarding team members for their contributions and efforts will go a long way in building great teams.

Pursuing the MSc Project Management degree program will guide you on the various functions a project manager gets to handle on a day-to-day basis.

Skills of great project managers

Since the responsibilities of project managers are diverse, you need to acquire a wide range of skillsets to succeed in your field. And they include:

• A clear understanding of the business process
• Accept accountability
• Efficiently manage risks
• Excellent social and communication skills
• Assertive leadership skills
• Ability to manage a team and work in diverse environments
• Ability to associate with people at any level of business
• Effectively delegate tasks
• Organized and follow a systematic process
• Capability to adapt to situations as required
• Capable of monitoring budgetary spends
• Skilled enough to work decisively and handle pressure
• Ability to think big and give appropriate solutions
• Exceptional critical thinking and analysis skills

A certification program will help you cultivate these specific skills to be a successful project manager. Texila American University Zambia (TAU) offers the best MSc Project Management degree programs.

Eligibility to join our certification program

A student or a working professional with any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is eligible to join our degree program.

Yearly earnings of Project Managers

Project managers can earn high salary packages. It mostly depends on their educational qualification, experience, team size, and industry.

Career pathway

There is demand for project managers across sectors like education, construction, software development, healthcare, information technology, consulting, and marketing. Jobs after MSc Project Management include:

• Project Manager
• Program Manager
• Project Consultant
• Business Operations Manager

How to apply for MSc Project Management Degree:

Log into our website https://tau.edu.zm/admissions/ and fill in your details in the online application form, upload relevant documents and remit the application fee. Your details are verified and evaluated. The students were shortlisted based on online test scores. If shortlisted, you will receive an email with guidelines on further procedures. Moreover, you will receive dedicated support to guide you through the process.

Key Takeaways

Several projects fail with poor planning. A good plan will ensure projects adhere to their timeline, specification, and budget. Faced with dynamic growth, demand for skilled project managers to handle complexities associated with business projects increased. TAU is one of the leading universities which offer MSc Project Management degree programs. We aim to nurture your skillsets to face global business challenges.

Gain knowledge in various skills, tools, and strategies to achieve your goal. And exposure to assertive leadership, critical analysis, decision-making, problem-solving, and controlling expenses. Get to explore several; job opportunities after pursuing the MSc Project Management degree program at TAU.

Become an all-rounder and build vibrant teams!