Editing What exactly is Project Management and why is it important?

<p>The term [http://www.thebusinessschool.co.za/programmes/short-learning/project-management <strong>project management</strong>] is one of those things which seems  to have such an obvious meaning but it's actually a bit of a mystery. When  looking closer, what actually is involved in managing a project?</p>

<p>First of  all, a project can be described as a temporary task designed to produce a  unique product, service or result with a definite beginning and end. There are  also set goals involved that are designed to add value or a positive change.</p>

<p>When  managing a project, it means that you plan, organise, motivate and control  resources to achieve these goals.</p>

<p>This might  sound simple enough, but there are always challenges involved in any project.  These can range from changing requests or additions, to making sure that the  deadline is reasonable.</p>

<p>There are  various skills that a project manager needs to have in order to be successful.  These can include:</p>

<ul>
  <li>Being able  to get involved early during planning;</li>
  <li>Involving  all stakeholders;</li>
  <li>Creating a  clear scope for the project and setting priorities;</li>
  <li>Making sure  everyone understands their role; and</li>
  <li>Having  excellent communication skills.</li>
</ul>

<p>Importantly,  project managers have seen their roles extend out of the IT sector into various  other fields. There have also been an increasing number of distributed teams  being involved in projects. Therefore, it is essential to know how to manage  such a team.</p>

<p>The Project Management programme  is offered at The Business School  at Varsity College. This programme is 16 weeks long and has a good  balance between theoretical content and practical application. The programme  focusses on the background and history of project management, economic  principles, scope management, contracts and tender documentation, work  breakdown structure and many other areas.</p>

<p>The Business School is part of Varsity College, an educational brand of  The Independent institute of education (The IIE) (Pty) Ltd,&nbsp;which is registered as a  Private Higher Education Institution with the Department of Education under the  Higher Education Act 1997.The IIE is South Africa's largest independent provider of  tertiary education.</p>

<p>If you're  interested in this programme, or any other programmes, please contact us at The  Business School at Varsity College, or [http://www.thebusinessschool.co.za/ www.thebusinessschool.co.za].</p>