Ask anyone at the top level of the major information technology service providers what the biggest challenge that they face everyday, and they well probably tell you that the biggest challenge is project management. The success of any information technology project depends on efficient and successful management. However, training in IT project management has traditionally been underemphasized.
Software and Information Technology projects differ considerably from classical construction projects; accordingly, effective training for an IT project manager should reflect those differences. As one example, in many cases IT projects comprise differently skilled workers located around the world. Training to manage an information technology project must reflect this and other differences between IT and "brick and mortar" projects.
Most colleges don't offer degrees in project management. Although college catalogs will often list courses in project management, they are not part of a specialized degree program. Because of this deficiency, IT companies are hard-pressed to find trained, certified project managers to hire. Since IT companies are only able to produce software as good as the project managers they employ, it is imperative that they provide their own training programs to bring these people onboard quickly.
Strategies covered in project management training that centers on software projects include time scheduling, task allocation, management information, and total quality management. Modules of such training courses should cover organizational behavior, communications strategy, employee engagement and motivation, and other related subjects to help the project run smoothly.
To start any IT project management training, it is important to build a solid understanding of software engineering processes. New hires are usually trained in the software firm's management style. They gain an appreciation for processes and protocols that are there for smooth integration of work with a distributed global delivery system.
Project management taxonomy training will also be provided to the workers. Having workers well versed in project management taxonomy allows the firm to more readily standardize their project management efforts. To ensure senior managers are aware of new ideas and practices in the project management taxonomy field, a firm may want to hold refresher classes from time to time.
Obviously, the success of any information technology initiative is dependent on organized, resourceful and efficient project management. There are different types of project management training programs for different occupations. Software project management training is very different from other project management training for instance construction management project training. Strategies covered in project management training that centers on software projects include time scheduling, task allocation, management information, and total quality management. The students also receive training in project management taxonomy. When beginning IT project management training, it is necessary to develop a strong understanding of the software engineering process.
It Project Management Training
Here are some ideas for identifying the most appropriate project management training for an organization or individual:
1. Align Project Management Training to Current Challenges
Organizations must be clear on where they are on the project management maturity continuum and match Project Management Training to individuals to accomplish overall objectives. For individual professionals, looking at specific challenges, such as gathering clear requirements for a project, can be the best place to start. In the case of an organization, care must be taken to determine if project management training on a particular project management methodology or framework is appropriate, and individuals must likewise determine whether this strategy at the individual level might help them contribute to their organizations.
2. Select Best Delivery Methods
As a second step, it is necessary to consider preferred delivery methods for project management training. The typical delivery methods include classroom, audio, and online project management training.
Classroom training
Classroom-based project management training enables students to give full, undistracted attention to learning. Within an organization, it can also serve as a team building exercise! For individuals, it can provide in-person access to the instructor and students for both learning and networking. On the down side, classroom training is expensive, often involves travel, requires loss of work time, and must be scheduled. Students must participate in ALL topics, which may not be a good use of time for those with good skills in certain areas.
Audio project management training
Audio Project Management Training is becoming more popular for its convenience. Audio project management training can also be a good supplement to other training. Sometimes the visual aspect is missing, but more visual learning is being incorporated as in PDA-based programs. The ?anytime, anywhere? aspect of audio project management training for situations such as walking or driving a car, assuming that the audio alone is still effective, is very attractive.
Online project management training
Online project management training has many desirable aspects. Some online project management training is instructor assisted, and some is simply pure, or ?on-your-own?, online training. For instructor facilitated online project management training, the training is live and over the internet at a scheduled time. Such training usually includes the ability to interact online with the students and instructor during the class. Pure, unassisted, ?on-your-own? online training, by contrast, is self-contained, is available 24x7, and the student can filter for topics of greater interest. Often online project management training includes an on-demand online mentor to contact for help. Both organizations and individuals can benefit from the cost savings and variety of online project management trianig.
3. Project management training topics
There are many appropriate topics for project management training. For example, Microsoft Project training might be a good topic for project managers who need to learn about a project management tool. A new PM with a technical background might like project management training on transitioning from more technical functions to project management. Others in the IT field, for example, might enjoy IT project management training. There are many other project management training topics, especially in the soft skills areas like leadership and management, and where a Project Manager can find just the right course at the right time to take skills to the next level.
4. Taking Action right Away
For an individual, once the choice is made, it is beneficial to take the selected project management training as soon as possible to have the maximum impact! Realizing the benefit from project management training lies in applying the knowledge right away, and this also makes that knowledge one's own for the long haul. This is true at the organizational level also, but the timeframes are realistically more extended.
In summary, the way to get the most out of project management training is to choose a topic or approach closely related to personal or organizational interest, ideally something that will produce the highest benefit quickly. Picking from among classroom, online, audio, self-paced, or other courses involves a number of considerations, and it may be best for individuals and organizations to choose a combination. The most important thing, however, is giving full focus and attention to the project management training and its intended benefits!
Both George Purdy & Pmtraining5 are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Pmtraining5 has sinced written about articles on various topics from Information Technology. John Reiling, PMP, PE, MBA is an experienced Project Manager and certified Project Management Professional. John's web site, Project Management Training provides onl. Pmtraining5's top article generates over 2400 views. Bookmark Pmtraining5 to your Favourites.
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