Specialised Project Management Course
Specialised Project Management Course
The course addresses strategic elements by covering the role of projects in the implementation of strategy and the balanced matrix approach to project selection. Operational elements are addressed through topics like operationalisation of Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate Return (IRR), project budget allocation, managing lag relationships, and exploring Earned Value Management (EVM). This comprehensive approach ensures that participants understand how to align projects with organizational strategy while managing the operational demands .
The inclusion of an MS Project workshop enhances the educational experience by providing practical, hands-on training in widely-used project management software, which can significantly improve a participant's ability to efficiently plan and execute projects. This practical application ensures that students can directly apply what they learn in theoretical lectures to real-world situations, thus reinforcing and expanding their project management skills .
The Specialised Project Management course at the University of the Witwatersrand is distinguished by its focus on advanced insights into specialized project management applications, which are designed to improve competency in managing complex projects efficiently. It builds on foundational knowledge from introductory courses by covering topics such as the operationalisation of Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), the balanced matrix approach to project selection, and Earned Value Management (EVM). Furthermore, it includes practical components such as a workshop in MS Project, which differentiates it from basic courses .
Participants may choose the Specialised Project Management course at the University of the Witwatersrand due to its unique combination of advanced theoretical insights and practical applications, like the MS Project workshop. The course is taught by specialist lecturers from the School of Economic and Business Sciences, ensuring high-quality instruction. Additionally, it offers articulation possibilities with further academic programs and issues a joint certificate from Wits Plus and the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, which can enhance professional credibility .
Participants must consider several logistical details: the course fees must be paid before registration, and participants need to bring proof of payment on Registration day. They must also obtain a Visitors Access Card at a cost of approximately R140 per year, and arrange for parking disc fees if needed. Furthermore, if a course is cancelled due to low registration, participants are eligible for a refund, though the process may take at minimum 30 working days .
Participants who cancel their enrollment after lectures have commenced are financially responsible for the full amount of the course fees, regardless of the reason for cancellation. This policy underscores the importance of commitment once enrolled and reflects typical financial commitments in professional educational arrangements .
The assessment structure of the Specialised Project Management course includes attending lectures, undertaking tutorial work, submitting an assignment, writing a test, and an examination. Students must achieve a minimum of 50% to meet the program requirements and obtain a certificate of competence. This varied approach ensures that students are evaluated on a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge pertinent to specialized project management .
The course facilitates future academic and professional development by providing a certificate of competence that is recognized for articulation with other courses, adding value to participants' qualifications and enhancing employability. Additionally, it prepares participants for managing complex projects, which is a valuable skill in the professional field. For those interested in further academic pursuits, successful completion and alignment with prerequisites can allow for credit towards a BCom degree .
The University's policy to cancel courses with insufficient registration numbers ensures economic viability and the optimal allocation of resources. This policy may inconvenience participants who had planned to take the course, as it might delay their educational progress. However, the offer of a full refund ensures that financial loss is mitigated. It also reflects a pragmatic approach to resource management within educational institutions, emphasizing sustainable program offerings .
Admission prerequisites require participants to have completed the Fundamentals of Project Management Theory and Practice course or an equivalent. For those seeking to carry credits towards a BCom degree, they must also meet all the Wits BCom entry requirements and all prerequisites for Management III, ensuring that participants are adequately prepared for advanced study .