IT Project Management Training: Filling The Gap

Ask anyone at the top level of the major information technology service providers what the biggest challenge that they face everyday, and they well probably tell you that the biggest challenge is project management. The success of any information technology project depends on efficient and successful management. However, training in IT project management has traditionally been underemphasized.

How exactly does software project management training differ from construction management project training, or project training in other industries? Unlike projects in most other businesses, IT projects are often being worked on by many groups of people in delivery centers scattered at many distant locations around the world.

Most colleges don't offer degrees in project management. Although college catalogs will often list courses in project management, they are not part of a specialized degree program. Because of this deficiency, IT companies are hard-pressed to find trained, certified project managers to hire. Since IT companies are only able to produce software as good as the project managers they employ, it is imperative that they provide their own training programs to bring these people onboard quickly.

The topics to include in compiling materials for project management training for software projects are: strategies for time scheduling, strategies for allocating tasks to employees, management information systems, strategies regarding requirements elicitation, strategies for throughput evaluation and strategies for total quality management. A few other topics such as office productivity solutions, employee motivation and organizational behavior can be addressed in other modules.

To start any IT project management training, it is important to build a solid understanding of software engineering processes. New hires are usually trained in the software firm's management style. They gain an appreciation for processes and protocols that are there for smooth integration of work with a distributed global delivery system.

Project management taxonomy is another major part of the curriculum, as firms can standardize project management efforts more efficiently once they understand the taxonomy. In addition, senior managers can also benefit from periodic refresher courses in project management, so that they can keep up with recent developments and best practices in the field.

The biggest difficulty faced by the major information technology service provider is of project management. Different occupations need different type of project management. The software project management training is very different from construction management project training Most of the colleges offer course in project management but full fledge degree is difficult to obtain. Success of any project depends on the efficiency of the project manager. It is very necessary to understand the process of software engineering while starting IT project management training. Refreshers courses help senior managers to understand new trends and innovations in the field.

About the Author

G. Purdy recently published articles on IT project management training. He's a public speaker and writer. Look for info on IT project management training or be an expert in project management training.