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PROJECT MANAGEMENT-CAREER INFORMATION SUMMARY
WHAT IS PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND WHO IS A PROJECT MANAGER?
Project Management is a field of study designed for individuals who require an understanding of the process of planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating complex projects and assignments within a specified time period and resources to achieve specific objectives. Students are taught a wide variety of skills including decision making, contracts and procurement management, management accounting, contract law among others.
A Project Manager is someone who studied project management and whose purpose is to manage key client projects. They oversee all aspects of projects. Set deadlines, assign responsibilities and monitor and summarize the progress of a project. They also prepare reports for management regarding status of projects.
WHERE DO PROJECT MANAGERS WORK?
Project managers work across all sectors, including Government, Banking, Construction, mining etc. For example, they work in both the Health sector, where they work on lowering costs and improving healthcare facilities. Healthcare organizations are seeking project managers with strong IT skills who are familiar with mobile devices, social media, and data analytics to unify services. They also work for Construction companies where they do the planning and managerial duties along with complex regulatory compliance.
They also work in the Information Technology sector - The technology sector is one of the most thriving industries in Zambia. In order to execute complex IT projects across the country, there's a huge opportunity for project managers with a standardized set of skills to turn strategic vision into tangible goals.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
There are certain tasks that are generally seen across the board for project managers in all areas.
Project managers coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects. They also ensure that all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget. They assist in the definition of project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility. Ensure resource availability and allocation, develop a detailed project plan to monitor and track progress, Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule and project costs using appropriate verification techniques, Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques, Report and escalate to management as needed, Manage the relationship with the client and all stakeholders, Perform risk management to minimize project risks, Establish and maintain relationships with third parties/vendors, Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, Meet with clients to take detailed ordering briefs and clarify specific requirements of each project, Delegate project tasks based on junior staff members' individual strengths, they also specifically analyze the successful completion of short and long-term goals, Meet budgetary objectives and make adjustments to project constraints based on financial analysis, they also Develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients as well as other staff members, they also attend conferences and training as required to maintain proficiency, among other tasks.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A PROJECT MANAGER?
Project managers typically follow the normal 08hrs to 17hrs office work schedule Monday to Friday. Occasionally they work out of office especially those who work for construction companies because they need to inspect the construction sites.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
Job opportunities for project managers in Zambia are very much available because the country is constantly developing. As a result, government, various companies and organisations are increasingly employing project workers who can successfully manage the development. Projects are temporary assignments that are created to achieve a specified business objective. Once the work has been done the project worker will often move on to the next project. Graduates of project management will normally work as consultants, entrepreneurs or managers of resources. They often get employed as Project Assistants and Project Engineers mostly at entry level before they become Project Managers and Project Coordinators and directors. The demand for project managers is high. Project managers are needed in a wide variety of industries. Although quite common in the field of IT, project-oriented work is also common in the business service, finance and insurance, manufacturing, construction and utility industries not only in Zambia but all over the world at large.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
A career in project management is best suited for someone who has good interpersonal skills as well as an ability to coach and supervise other staff. A good project manager should also be organised and able to multitask. In addition, leadership skills will be of great use in this career which involves a lot of managerial work.
Scroll to the bottom for a list of Institutions that offer Project Management
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Some of the subjects covered during the course of study include Business strategy, Managerial decision making, project planning, Time and cost management, Financial accounting, Contracts and procurements, and Business ethics.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Minimum entry requirements to this program are 5 O’ level credits inclusive of English and Mathematics
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A PROJECT MANAGER?
To work as a project manager, alternative qualifications are Business Administration, Economics, Strategic Management and marketing and law. A qualification in engineering such as civil, mechanical or electrical can also enable one to work as a project manager.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
Once you study Bachelor of Science in Project Management, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement. You may decide to pursue Master of Science in Project Management or Economics or Master of Business Administration. Highly experienced, specialized, certified project managers can expect to see double the entry-level salary or more and all this can happen after qualification advancement. A master’s degree gives you an upper hand when it comes to finding new jobs in competitive environments especially abroad. It’s a sign that apart from general skills, you have taken keen interest to master one area of your job more than other people. With a master’s degree one would become a university lecturer as well.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER PROJECT MANAGEMENT
MULUGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-Time
Admitting school: School
Intakes: September
Location: Kabwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 215 228004
Email: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm
CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 4 Years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-Time and Distance Learning
Admitting school: School of Business and Information Technology
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 387600 / +260 211 387601
Email: jchikonde@cavendish.co.zm
Website: www.cavendishza.org/admissions/fee-structure
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-Time and Part-Time
Admitting school: School of Business
Intakes: January
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290816 / +260 212 290815
Email: deansb@cbu.ac.zm
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees
KENNETH KAUNDA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-Time, Part-Time and Distance Learning
Admitting school: School of Business
Intakes: July for Full-Time and Part-Time, and October for Distance Learning
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 965 943695
Email: admissions@kkmu.edu.zm
Website: www.kkmu.edu.zm