The Future of Project Management and What You Need to Know Before Taking A PMP Course

29 August, 2016

What really happens inside project management? How do project managers spend their time at work? What kind of tools are used, and how are they used in project management? These are some of the questions you should consider before signing up for a PMP training course.

Unlike other management areas, project management follows specific methodologies with their own defined set of standards. Each project methodology has its own way of dealing with resources and business requirements. A project manager must master these methodologies in order to deliver value to the project.

The most commonly adopted project methodologies include Waterfall, Scrum, and Agile. Agile is becoming the most commonly used project management methodology due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to achieve project milestones using minimal resources.

Project Management Tools and Software Frequently Used

Project management methodologies and tools/software are two different things. Many candidates signing up for PMP course mix up methodologies and software, which results in poor performance on the exam.

Project managers have many project management tools at their disposal. Project management software helps project managers take stock of all available resources, assign them to specific projects, link milestones to team efforts and monitor the progress. The dashboard of project management software provides the project manager with necessary information like work reports, defects, tests, issues, and changes made.

Project Management is More than just Managing Projects

Almost anyone can manage a project, but only very few will earn their PMI PMP certification. In fact, research done by Wrike found that out of 1,464 workers, 94% were actively involved in project management. However, only 47% of the workforce actually hold a valid PMP certification. A lack of proper training and expertise in project management often costs businesses in terms of the project budget, schedule, and the ability to meet the project's requirements.

Project management has evolved into a domain where managers have to keep up with rapid changes. For instance, in the future, project managers will have to rely more on remote project teams. In fact, more than 40% of the workforce in an organization is estimated to be freelancers, independent contractors, or temporary employees. Project managers have to increasingly become skilled at managing a remote workforce to achieve project goals.

Likewise, in the future, from project meetings to employee onboarding, most project activities will take place virtually. Room meetings will decline in number as virtual conferences and digital workplaces will take precedence.

Project management demands that a manager is able to multi-task. Project managers must be professionals who can constantly evolve and adapt to changing scenarios. Digitally equipped workplaces and staff working remotely or from remote areas are changing the conventional ways of working on a project, which is seen as an increasing trend that is likely to become the future of project management.