The way we live our lives has changed drastically in recent years with the use of technological devices soaring.Ofcomreport that in 2015 four of five homes have fixed broadband and two thirds of UK adults own smart devices. Thanks to these advances we are now able to access information in a way that was once never thought possible, especially through online training courses that supplement our careers.

One competitive industry that is seeing the benefit of online learning is project management, where candidates can up skill and increase their employability at their leisure, from the comfort of their homes or on the go using online resources.  Today we are not bound by the confines of a classroom when we want to learn, giving many the opportunities to further their careers in new, flexible ways.

Project management is the art of organising chaos. By nature, projects are a breeding ground for pandemonium and without systematic planning and organisation it can become an impossible task to drive projects to success on time and in budget. Project managers of all experience levels can gain valuable knowledge and skills through up skilling via online courses, and use the methodology learned to manage operations more effectively.

What do Online Project Management Courses Offer?

Project management is the task of effectively managing a workplace in a systematic manner. This approach allows each challenge to be met methodically culminating in consistently successful projects. The two most popular online project management courses are:

MSP Training which is an online formal qualification which equips project managers with:

• The best practices in project management.
• The ability to manage the expectations of stakeholders and clients.
• The skills to accommodate the risk and ambiguity of projects.

Prince2 Training offers delegates:

• A systematic based method for successful project management.
• The skills to increase project productivity.
• A globally recognised qualification for premier project management approaches.

How can an Online Project Management Courses Benefit my Career?

Improves Stakeholder Relationships

By investing in online project management training the chances of providing consistently successful projects to your client is improved. This is due to the methodical way in which tasks are approached, risks are managed and budgets are handled. You will learn the skills in which to communicate your objectives to your client, and how to deliver them ever time. This consistent success rate will result in positive client relationships and increase your employability.

Increased Sense of Self

One of the major benefits to gaining a formal Prince2 or MSP qualification is the confidence boost the delegate will achieve one certified. Projects are daunting tasks, regardless of experience, but equipping yourself with globally recognised best practices will allow you to guide the project to success. Of course, there is the natural confidence that comes with passing am exam, but when the methods are put into practice and quantitative results can be seen by all, this is when the real payoff is notable.

Is Online Learning Superior to a Classroom?

Online Learning brings Results

Learning online is a new way of processing information, but we are responding well to the teaching method. Thanks to the audio delivery, coupled with the visual stimulation of the online coursework learning time can be reduced by up to 50% allowing candidates to absorb more information when compared to traditional learning styles.

Don’t Just Pass Exams – Learn Applicable Skills

Often when we learn in a classroom the course is under a time restriction, geared towards a final exam. Online courses give candidates the ability to learn at their own peace without time limits. The information can be learned more thoroughly and the exam is only taken when the candidate is confident they have a deep understanding of the coursework. It’s very well passing an exam, but if the practices aren’t understood fully, they won’t be implemented in your projects then it will be a wasted experience.

Flexible Learning

One of the greatest advantages of online learning is that it’s entirely flexible. Candidates can study at home or on the go. This is extremely useful as reports explain number of UK employees working ‘excessive hours’ has soared by 15% since 2010 and lack time to attend class based training. Prince2 explain the success of their online course:

“88% of our customers opted for digital learning solutions over traditional classroom this year alone, thanks to the flexibility and proven efficiency of work-based learning”

Is Online Learning Right for Me?

Not all project managers are suitable for online learners, though by nature they should have the skills to self-motivate and manage their own time. For those who feel a traditional learning style is more suitable, class training programmes are available. However, no matter what style of learning suits you best, investing in supplementary training is an unquestionable way to drive your projects and career to success.