Online Short Course on Project Management Principles, Practices and Scheduling

Please note that we recognize prior learning, and if you are unsure whether or not you should enrol, we require a CV that includes information about your highest school qualification – subjects taken and results per subject – all courses taken after school, and relevant work experience.

While we aim to limit the risk that an applicant will not be able to finish a course successfully, we also attempt to be inclusive. The Online Short Course on Project Management Principles, Practices and Scheduling earns credit towards any of the 3 alternative PPM presentation modes, and candidates who obtain good results are admitted to any of the 3 PPM alternatives. We, therefore, attempt not to exclude anyone who stands a reasonable chance of success.

English language proficiency and basic numeracy to deal with some basic calculations and interpret relatively simple graphs are, however, required. People with a Grade 12 qualification that includes a subject such as Accounting or Mathematics – or an equivalent qualification – should not experience any difficulty related to numeracy. Applicants must also note that studying online requires the discipline to work consistently and diligently on one’s own.

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. (Click here to view an example certificate)

Our short course is presented by Prof Herman Steyn, a renowned expert with over 20 years of industry experience and a distinguished author in the field. Prof Steyn's blend of practical knowledge and academic expertise enriches our course, offering valuable insights and real-world examples. Benefit from his deep understanding of project management principles and stay updated with the latest scientifically proven methods. Learn more about Prof Herman Steyn.

Upon completing the course, you'll possess a globally recognised certification, enhancing your employability and paving the way for career growth. By enrolling in our project management online short course, you open up a world of exciting career opportunities, including but not limited to:

• Project Coordinator:
  Assist project managers in planning, executing, and monitoring projects.
• Project Scheduler:
  Develop and maintain project schedules, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
• Project Analyst:
  Analyze project data and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Junior Project Manager::
  Take on greater responsibilities in managing small-scale projects.
• Project Support Officer:
  Provide administrative support to project teams and stakeholders.
• Project Assistant:
  Assist in various project-related tasks and facilitate smooth project operations.

While some project management software is demonstrated during lectures to illustrate concepts, the Online Short Course does not include hands-on computer training.

Our project management training takes a unique and practical approach to skill development, ensuring real-world application and effectiveness. Each candidate participates in hands-on assignments, crafting project plans tailored to their workplace context, fostering immediate implementation and learning.

The training goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Practical work takes place in the learners' workplaces, allowing for customization and relevance to individual work environments. While some projects may be used as examples, the emphasis is always on adapting the training to suit each candidate's unique circumstances.

Our Online Short Course is open to individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. We offer training in generic project management principles, not limited to specific fields like Engineering, IT, or Construction. This inclusive approach ensures that our graduates are equipped to excel in any industry or domain.

Our comprehensive modules on project management principles, practices, and scheduling aim to equip learners with essential skills and knowledge for successfully initiating and managing projects in their work environments. By the end of the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Introduction to Projects and Project Management:
  Gain a solid understanding of project fundamentals, including key concepts and principles of effective project management.
• Initiating Projects and Stakeholder Analysis:
  Learn how to initiate a project and conduct a thorough analysis of stakeholders to ensure their active involvement and support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Project Lifecycle, Phases, and Milestones:
  Familiarize learners with the different phases of the project lifecycle and key milestones that guide project progress.
• Scope Development and Stakeholder Engagement:
  Enable learners to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop a well-defined Scope Statement for projects, ensuring alignment with stakeholders' expectations.
• Scope Change Management:
  Equip learners with the skills to manage changes to project scope effectively, ensuring project objectives are maintained while accommodating necessary adjustments.
• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Work Packages:
  Learn how to create a structured WBS and break projects into manageable work packages, facilitating resource allocation and project planning.
• Roles and Responsibilities:
  Identify and assign roles and responsibilities to team members and other stakeholders for efficient project execution.
• Project Scheduling and Resource Allocation:
  Master project scheduling techniques and resource allocation strategies to optimize project timelines and resource utilization.
• Basic Project Plan Development:
  Develop a comprehensive project plan, including a Scope Statement, WBS, Work Packages, Schedule, and a basic Resource Workload Histogram.
• Basic Project Control:
  Acquire skills in basic project control to monitor project progress, identify deviations, and implement corrective measures.
• Introduction to Project Management Systems:
  Understand the fundamental principles, benefits, and limitations of widely-used project management systems like MS Project and other relevant tools.

Explore our comprehensive learning outcomes

Upon enrolment into the Programme in Project Management (PPM) Online, access is provided to the university’s online platform. All material is provided, including a textbook that is sent by courier to each participant (all costs are included in the course fee).

Click here for information on the textbook

During the module, learners will engage in practical application exercises and case studies to test their comprehension and problem-solving abilities. This includes:

1. At least three syndicate exercises to encourage collaboration and real-world problem-solving skills.
2. Several individual exercises where learners will solve problems independently and then discuss their solutions in class.
3. Brief discussions of relevant cases to enhance understanding of practical project management scenarios.

To evaluate learners' understanding and application of concepts, an individual assignment will be given in the workplace, accounting for 100% of the final grade.

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.