The Project Management landscape is highly complex and ever-evolving. Here’s what you need to know to navigate it smoothly.  

You may be used to day-to-day routine operations of existing processes in your line of work and working with familiar people - but that changes when you are thrust into the unknown with a new initiative to see through. 

Projects can range in size, complexity and timeline. They may require a cross-collaboration between parties who have never worked together before (even more so with digital transformation and remote work), posing unique challenges as new ground is uncovered by the project team. 

Importance of Project Management in corporations
Project Management (PM), usually led by Project Managers, is the process of ensuring the smooth workflow and delivery of a specific set of tasks to complete a deliverable - be it once-off or over a prolonged period. This process includes management tasks like scoping, planning, scheduling, staffing & procurement, task allocation, progress measurement, quality control, troubleshooting, expectation management and reporting. 

Real world applications of PM are not just limited to IT or tech projects alone (e.g. developing a new software etc), it includes the building of a new physical structure, establishing urgent contingency plans or establishing the infrastructure that funnels online target audiences into targeted demographics.

Every project constitutes a dedicated team, strict budget, tight schedule and set of rules. In the bigger picture, companies embark on projects to build towards their desired area of growth - be it in terms of profitability, knowledge advancement for employees or other key focuses. 

Project Managers are leaders who can help these projects reach their respective goals as efficiently as possible. A McKinsey survey saw nearly 60 percent of senior executives mentioning that building a strong project management discipline is a top-three priority for their companies. To address this, the Project Management Institute (PMI) which was introduced in 1969, provides formalised training in project management tools with certifications recognised by various industries. 

Changes in the Project Management landscape for 2024
PM grows increasingly challenging as the world evolves with globalisation, digital transformation, remote working (and hiring) takes root post-pandemic. 

While technological advancement such as the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation births new project ideas and initiatives, it also changes the project management landscape with the introduction of new PM tools powered by AI, automation of certain tasks and consequently the evolution of the PM job roles to accommodate new tasks and the usage of new technologies. 

Here are just significant developments in the field of project management to keep your eye on as you embark on your PM journey:

1. AI and Automation: Companies today use AI to automate manual project tasks to facilitate simultaneous learning from real-time performance insights. Other use cases for automation can include complex scheduling, data visualisation and interpretation, tasks delegation and reporting. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, PM tools and methodologies have been more heavily automated to cope with the need for remote communication and work. While automation may be useful, it has posed ethical and security threats that require stricter security frameworks in place - frameworks and compliance that Project Managers need to adhere closely to. 
2. Advanced PM systems: With a predominant shift towards remote work and hiring since the pandemic, PM systems and collaborative work management software are increasingly important to manage all aspects of workflow in the absence of face-to-face communication. This way, KPIs can accessed easily in real-time, and reports can be generated automatically with less hassle which improves communication with team members around the world. 
3. Hybrid PM Methodologies: Two popular approaches to PM are Agile and Waterfall. Key differentiators are that Waterfall follows a sequential approach where one step should be completed before moving on to the next - as opposed to Agile’s allowance for concurrent work on different steps simultaneously. While some companies adhere to strict project frameworks that follow protocols set in stone, others have since adopted hybrid strategy for projects, and would consequently be looking for Project Management Professionals (PMPs) who are well versed in more than one methodology. 

What do Project Management jobs entail?
A study by the Anderson Economic Group has projected that 22 million new project management roles would be created worldwide between 2017-2027, to bring the global demand for PMPs to a total of 88 million jobs. PMPs are mainly differentiated by project scale and here are some common roles to explore:  

1. Project Manager
Usually considered the head of every project, your role as a Project Manager is to ensure that each stage of the project sticks to the timeline and budget allocated. You will also: 

1. Channel project resources effectively
2. Carve out budgets necessary for procurement and hiring
3. Monitor progress at every step of the project 
4. Communicate closely with relevant stakeholders to keep everyone up to date, set expectations and identify issues to be addressed
5. Ensure project execution and outcome abides by processes, vision and goals of company

Project Managers are in demand across a range of fields - including construction, IT, HR, and marketing. Prerequisites of Project Manager roles would typically include a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Business, on top of several years of experience in the relevant line of work with increasing responsibility. People who progress into being Project Managers typically start off as Project Coordinators (see below).  

Courses that can help you keep in touch with the current PM developments include the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which NTUC LearningHub provides.

2. Scrum Master
A scrum master is a trainer / facilitator who leads a project team through stages of project’s development by following the Scrum framework - where phases of the project are packaged into time-boxed ‘sprints’ with daily standups to keep everyone on track. Scrum masters make core decisions to facilitate the necessary changes dynamically, with consideration given to blockers that the team faces. This facilitation of collaboration aims to help everyone achieve higher efficiency in their tasks, as compared to the typically strict top-down approach of a project manager. 

Modernisation has resulted in a flatter hierarchy in job roles, where Scrum Masters and Project Managers manage a project from different perspectives but are not necessarily higher in the hierarchy than the other. Consider a Scrum Master Certification as your path into this role.  

3. Project Coordinator
Project Coordinators support the Project Manager in ensuring that the nitty gritty details, checklists and protocols are all in order. Typical Project Coordinator roles and responsibilities include: 

1. Working closely on with other team members on the specified projects to monitor progress and understand any project blockers
2. Ensuring that the project abides by designated timelines and schedules 
3. Arranging timely check-ins with the team for progress updates
4. Helping team members align with goals and priorities of the organisation
5. Utilising tech-savvy ways (such as using spreadsheets and PM software) of keeping tabs on work done and tracking a project 
6. Keeping and organising financial files and documents, contracts, and any reports or invoices organised
    

Courses to pursue Project Management in 2024
NTUC LearningHub is an official training partner of Project Management Institute, DevOps Institute, ICAgile, Scaled Agile and Axelos to help ensure these courses are carefully selected while considering the latest advancements in project management methodologies. 

If you are ready to embark on your new project management journey - regardless of whether you are looking to enhance your project management expertise or considering a mid-career switch into this thriving industry, you may consider signing up for some of our recommended courses below:

a. NICF – ITIL 4 Foundation (SF) (SYNCHRONOUS E-LEARNING)
This preparatory course will familiarise you with the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) 4 Foundation exam - an IT service management certification for project managers to handle full operating models in invention, implementation and improvement of high-tech products and services. 

Learn more about this course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/nicf-itil-4-foundation-sf-1

b. NICF – Project Managemenr Professional (PMP)® (SF) (SYNCHRONOUS E-LEARNING)
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is recognised worldwide as the standard certification of the profession, and proof of the certified individual’s core knowledge in and grasp of critical Project Management concepts, principles, and techniques. 

Stand out in your applications to Project Management roles with the PMP® certification here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/nicf-project-management-professional-pmp-sf

c. ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP) (SF)
This International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile) accredited course helps to define the roles and responsibilities of team members involved in Agile projects, and cement your understanding of specific practices used in Agile. 

Get the full details here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/icagile-certified-professional-icp-sf 

d. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® (SF) (SYNCHRONOUS E-LEARNING)
This course is suited for any entry-level individuals wishing to enter the project management profession or for current project team members, project support staff, team leads, functional managers seeking an international-level credential. You will attain a thorough understanding of Project Management Institutes (PMI) approach to project management, and all sections of “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)”. 

Find out more about this course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/nicf-certified-associate-in-project-management-capm-sf

e. DevOps Foundation (SF) 
DevOps is a model that merges cultural philosophies, practices, and tools to elevate and accelerate an organisation’s ability to deliver applications and services at high speeds. The DevOps model has also been used to help improve and mature products at an accelerated pace as compared to companies using traditional software and infrastructure. 

Get ready to apply them to real-life scenarios. Learn more here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/devops-foundation-sf

f. Leading Safe (Certified Safe Agilist) (SF)
Gain a thorough understanding of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and apply it when leading large-scale complex projects and programs. After this course, you will be able to implement SAFe in an enterprise including leadership, program execution and governance. 

Find out about this course in detail here:
https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/leading-safe-certified-safe-agilist-sf