The VTC and WMG’s MSc in Programme and Project Management nurtures 21st-century competences

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Businesses from a wide spectrum of sectors now seek competitive advantages in an increasingly technology-enabled, globalised work environment. As companies strive to improve organisational success, deliver business goals, and meet high performance expectations, the demand for project management skills has risen.

VTC Chairman Dr Roy Chung Chi-ping says demand for project managers comes from an increase in jobs requiring project-oriented skills, rapid advancements in technology, and companies expanding their activities globally. “Project management brings together processes, systems and teamwork, all of which are key value drivers for any company operating in today’s complex and competitive environment,” notes Chung. He says that project management professionals need a combination of technical and soft skills that exemplify 21st-century “must-have" competencies. These include a commitment to lifelong learning, technical knowledge, design thinking skills, and strong cross-cultural understanding and communication skills.

Project management professionals also need to embrace the five “Ws” (who, what, where, when, and why), as these are fundamental to project management information gathering and problem solving. Chung says it is vital that project management professionals remain curious, creative and innovative. “They should never find themselves doing the same thing today and tomorrow as they were doing yesterday,” he says.

As demand for project management is extending into financial and professional services, beyond traditional sectors such as construction, engineering and manufacturing, demand for professionals with the right project management skills will continue to grow. Chung says the Belt and Road Initiative, which has already initiated a diverse range of projects, will also create more demand for project management professionals. According to the Project Management Institute, a leading international association, more than 15 million new project management roles will be created worldwide over the next 20 years.

Chung says the VTC and WMG at the University of Warwick in the UK have joined together to provide a high-quality MSc in Programme and Project Management (PPM) programme (Reg. no.: 251907) since 2009 for those seeking to enhance their employability. Both institutions share a vision of providing quality education and striving for excellence. Established in 1965, the University of Warwick is one of the leading higher education institutions in the UK. It is a uniquely successful institution, with an acknowledged reputation for excellence in both research and teaching, for innovation and for links with business and industry.