Online PMP Training A Flexible Option For Aspiring And Existing Professionals

By Katrina Wheeler


Project management evolved in the years immediately following World War II to expedite the efficient completion of complex projects. This relatively new discipline is now a discrete profession within the broader field of business management. It uses dedicated techniques, methodologies and processes to complete projects within budget, schedule and specifications. Online PMP training is designed for persons wanting to formally obtain the technical knowledge needed to attain professional certification. Both degree and certificate courses are offered by a range of accredited institutions.

Certificate and degree courses are available. They will be of interest to a broad range of individuals either working on or likely to be affected by projects. For example, the courses will be of value to project stakeholders. A stakeholder is essentially any person or group that has some interest in the workings or outcome of a project. This includes project sponsor(s), individuals that are responsible for completing a project, those will gain from its successful completion, those that will lose from its completion as well as individuals or groups that may influence the success of a project.

Web-delivered PMP courses will also be of benefit to project managers. The manager is responsible for planning, scheduling, monitoring and controlling the required work. The role is accountable for completing the assignment on time, on budget and within specifications. Critical to this responsibility is determining the resources required to complete the work and then managing those resources both human and physical. Also vital is the need to identify all stakeholders, understand their requirements and manage their expectations.

Investors and other individuals frequently involved in projects as a stakeholder representative can benefit by gaining insights into the inner workings of project management. This will allow them to better evaluate proposed new projects and pick the likely winners. It will also enable them to contribute more effectively to projects in which they do become involved.

The courses cover a range of topics including work breakdown structure (WBS), comprehensive plan, business case, communications strategy, charter document, progress status report, feasibility study, scope, statement of work (SOW), risk plan, root cause analysis, human resource plan as well as the all-important matters of quality assurance and quality control. They also cover how best to accomplish post-completion tasks such as the lessons learned review and final audits.

The project manager must work to ensure that all stakeholders, including the user groups, have a clear vision for the project, including a thorough understanding of how they will benefit. This vision must link the project initiative to the overall strategy of the organization. Once the project vision is developed, the manager must ensure its effective implementation. This includes securing visible support from senior management, providing adequate and close monitoring during the implementation phase.

The project manager must possess a broad set of skills. The role is that of a generalist. He or she is supported by a team of functional specialists. In managing that team, the manager must have a solid understanding of their roles. Internet-based training can help the practising professionals acquire or develop all the skills necessary to excel in the role.

A variety of accredited institutions provides online PMP training. These include community colleges, universities and private instructional organizations. Interested individuals have a wide range of alternatives available. A quick online search will identify a short list for their further evaluation.




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