| Research conducted by the Project Management Institute shows that almost all -- 97 percent -- of employers and hiring executives feel that program management skills are valuable to their organization. These skills encompass the ability to oversee all aspects of company projects, including bid negotiation and contracts, budget management, cost control, cost estimates, risk assessment, and performance reporting. So it's no wonder that project management skills are in demand, as more and more organizations are using teams and project-based methods to get work done. Under the triple constraint of a project's deadline, budget, and scope, project managers figure out which tasks are critical and when they need to get done. To make this happen, project managers use computer software packages that employ management science to create detailed plans and diagrams. Aspiring project managers must have strong business and management skills, as well as experience with current technologies. Project management training enables you to identify, analyze, and respond to project risk; project management training also prepares you to coordinate human resources and links among people, information, and ideas. In addition, project managers may choose to take courses in construction science, engineering, or IT, depending on their target industry. |