Project Management Courses

[burger1979]

Hi Folks,

Wondering if someone can help me. I have been working in the same role now for about 8 years (estimator/quantity surveyor) and I enjoy my job. Recently I have been looking at getting more training in the field of project management. I have asked my employer about doing a training course on it and they said that they had one starting soon and that I could apply to do it. This was however back in April of this year and there is still no word on when this course would start. It was due to be run by external tutors but training would take place in head office, and would have lasted about 3 months I think.

I am there fore looking to see if anyone has done a project management course for about the same length of time that was useful to ehm, gave them the basics in project management so that they could then go out and use those skills in the working world, with that person having completed that course going on to get further training in project management to a degree/masters qualification? My employer is willing to send me on a training course and I have found that some people in my workplace have completed a PM masters course in University of Limerick, however I am reluctant to go on such a course as I may end up hating it after 1 month and it would turn me off for life. (indeed if anyone has done that particular course then let me know too please)

Anyways if anyone can advise of previous PM courses that they have done I would like to hear from you.

thanks,

burger

 

[PolkaDot]

I did this course a few years ago and found it to be good. Its aimed at Engineers/Architects/Quantity Surveyors etc.
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It might be a bit longer than what you had planned though. It runs from October to June and there are 2 exams at the end. You will receive a Postgraduate Diploma however.

This is a fairly well know course in the industry. It used to very popluar and demand for places generally exceeded the number of places available. I'm not sure if this is still the case.


Engineers Ireland run a course which is more short term. It may be more what you are looking for.
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You could always contact them for further details.

 

[burger1979]

Polka Dot - thanks for the reply. Did the TCD course include for scheduling of projects? (installation programmes etc.)
And also what sort of financial aspects did it cover?

thanks,

burger

 

[Complainer]

The international benchmark qualifications are PMP from PMI.org or IPMA. Look for certification from either of these bodies.

 

[Firefly]

The international benchmark qualifications are PMP from PMI.org or IPMA. Look for certification from either of these bodies.

I would agree with Complainer...if you're going to undertake studies in something like this then better to obtain certification. A number of years ago I completed a diploma in strategic management from The Institute of Project Management in ireland ([broken link removed]). I found the course very generic - PM principles rather than focusing on a particular industry. That in itself is fine, but for someone in your industry (estimator/quantity surveyor) it not not be very relevant. The course itslef was meant to be a stepping stone for the US PMP if memory serves. Overall I wasn't impressed with the course though and found it basic and easy. Things might well have changed though as it's been some years.