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University of Pretoria

University Of Pretoria

University Of Pretoria

AI for Project Success: From Basics to ChatGPT in Action

This course blends core theory with hands-on practice of AI and Blockchain in a project management environment. Participants begin by exploring the fundamentals of AI and its key concepts. The second part focuses on practical applications, including prompt engineering with ChatGPT and understanding the role of Blockchain in project management.

Next course:

14 May 2026 - 15 May 2026

Course Number: TBA

Course fee:

R 6 500.00 (Including VAT)

Delivery Mode:
Online (live classes)

Course Duration:
Presented for 2 days

Entry requirements:
Grade 12 or equivalent

Delivery Mode:
Online (live classes)

Course Duration:
Presented for 2 days

Entry requirements:
Grade 12 or equivalent

Language:
English

Certificate:
Awarded by the University of Pretoria upon successful completion

Experienced Lecturer:
Dr Suzaan Pretorius

Testimonials:
What our students say

Certificate:
Awarded by the University of Pretoria upon successful completion

Experienced Lecturer:
Dr Suzaan Pretorius

Language:
English

Agile Project Management

Who is The AI for Project Success Course For?

Who is The AI for Project Success Course For?

This course is ideal for professionals working in or transitioning into project environments who are eager to enhance their skills with cutting-edge technologies like Generative Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain.

This course is suited for, but not limited to, the following professionals:

  1. Project Managers
  2. PMO Staff
  3. Operations Managers
  4. Program Managers
  5. Product Managers
  6. Consultants
  7. Entrepreneurs

Why Must I Study This Course?

Why Must I Study This Course?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way organisations and projects operate. This course provides a structured introduction to AI, emerging technologies, and the skills needed for the future workforce.

Participants will gain insight into the five Industrial Revolutions and the key skills required for the 2030 workplace, including critical thinking and emotional intelligence. The course also explains the core concepts of artificial intelligence and how AI technologies are applied across various sectors.

In addition, the course explores the transformative impact of AI on the project management profession, demonstrating how AI can improve project efficiency, support better decision-making, and help identify potential risks and mitigation strategies.

Participants will also develop practical skills in prompt engineering, learning how to interact effectively with large language models such as ChatGPT and use them as powerful assistants in project environments.

By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of how AI technologies can support modern project work and how professionals can prepare for the evolving digital landscape.

Course Outline:

Course Outline:

This course combines foundational theory with hands-on practice of Generative AI and blockchain in a project management.

The below Topics will be covered:

  1. The context of the five Industrial Revolutions
  2. Future Skills for 2030
  3. The new role of the project manager
  4. Background to AI
  5. Blockchain and Smart Contracts
  6. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
  7. Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs)
  8. Prompt Engineering

Course Leader:
Dr Suzaan Pretorius

Follow on LinkedIn

Prof Herman Steyn

Scroll down to download the course brochure and view the full list of learning outcomes.

Admission Requirements:

Admission Requirements:

Grade 12 or equivalent

Please note: Delegates will be required to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus for one month in order to access the necessary tools and features. The subscription can be cancelled after one month if they choose.

Payment for courses

Payment for courses

To ensure that cash flow doesn’t hinder your education, we offer flexible payment options to support you in pursuing your studies.

To secure your seat on a course, full payment of the course fee must be received. We offer the option to pay off the course fee, but the entire balance must be received at least 14 days before the course starts.

If a client cannot make full payment some time before a course starts, options exists at Mobicred or Fundi to grant a loan to the client and make the full payment to EUP on behalf of the client. The client then pays back the fee in monthly instalments to the organization that granted the loan.

To use Mobicred, you need to complete an online credit application at https://mobicred.co.za/, agree to the terms and conditions, and provide the necessary documents.
 
Fundi provides short course loans and educational finance services, catering to people seeking career enhancement through additional training. Please click on https://loans.fundi.co.za to submit an online credit application.

However, if a client itself is in a position to make the full payment (at least a few days before the course starts), it is the preferred option.

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Registration and enquiries

Mpho Rakgolela
Assistant Course Coordinator
Tel: +27 (0)12 434 2575
Cell: +27 (0)81 367 8002

More information

Contact us

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COURSE TOPICS: BRIEF OVERVIEW

1. The context of the five Industrial Revolutions

2. Future Skills for 2030

3. The new role of the project manager

4. Background to AI

  • What is AI? Key elements and model
  • Platforms or applications that use AI technologies
  • AI applications in various sectors
  • Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data
  • Machine Learning (ML)
  • Deep Learning (DL)
  • AI in Project Management (Impact, risks and how to address them)

5. Blockchain and Smart Contracts

  • Applications in project management
  • Blockchain options comparison

6. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI):

  • Key components and how it works
  • Advantages
  • Challenges and ethical considerations
  • AI Tools, including free vs paid
  • Application in project management

7. Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs)

8. Prompt Engineering:

  • ChatGPT as your PA
  • Why does ChatGPT hallucinate?
  • Basic structure of a prompt
  • Principles of effective prompting
  • ChatGPT custom instructions
  • Truth Protocol System Prompt
  • Useful prompts for project management
  • key strategies for conversation for project management
  • Metaprompting for project panagement
  • Image-generating prompt
WHAT CERTIFICATE WOULD I RECEIVE AND OF WHAT VALUE WOULD IT BE?

Delegates who successfully complete the online short course and comply with the related assessment criteria (where applicable) are awarded a certificate of successful completion by the University of Pretoria.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE DO THE LECTURER HAVE?

Dr Suzaan Pretorius is a Senior Lecturer at the Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM), University of Pretoria. Her research focuses on leadership in projects and the impact of Artificial Intelligence in project management. In addition to teaching and supervising postgraduate students, she presents professional short courses and seminars to organisations across South Africa.
Read Dr Pretorius’s full profile

WHAT IS THE TECHNICAL COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ONLINE COURSE

The online course runs on a learning management system, Blackboard Learn.

  • Delegates must have a computer with access to the internet, with sufficient data to connect to the portal and to participate in the course.
  • The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers must be used to access course material (other browsers like Internet Explorer are not officially supported).
  • The device must have a properly installed, activated and/or plugged-in microphone.
  • The course content may include videos and delegates must be able to access external sites (e.g. Youtube). The device should ideally have a properly installed, activated and/or plugged-in webcam.
WHAT NQF LEVEL IS THIS COURSE?

The AI for Project Success: From Basics to ChatGPT in Action is a certificate course offered through Enterprises at the University of Pretoria. While this course does not carry an official NQF level designation, it is recognised by professional bodies such as ECSA and SACNASP and provides CPD points.

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Professional Recognition

The PPM is recognised by the following:

  1. PMI (Project Management Institute) – USA and Globally
  2. ECSA (Engineering Council of SA)
  3. SACPCMP (South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions)
  4. SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals)
  5. PMSA (Project Management South Africa)

On successful completion of the PPM, suitable candidates may be eligible to apply for the professional designation of Project Manager (PM) conferred by Project Management South Africa (PMSA). PMSA is the SAQA recognized professional body representing the interests of project managers across sectors.

Contact Information

Simbulele Mtshotane

Course Coordinator

All Administrative Matters
Tel no: +27 (0)12 434 2603
WhatsApp: 073 760 7402
Send an email

Mpolokeng Rammutloa

Programme Manager

Prof Herman Steyn

Course Leader

All Academic Matters
Send an email

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