What tools do I need to learn for a career in project management?

What is project management and why does it need tools? 

Project management is the use of different skills, methods, and processes put together to organise and complete a project/task effectively. Most projects require coordination between different teams and skill sets to produce exactly what your client has asked for. A project manager must do all of this and more, and to ensure the best possible delivery they often rely on project management tools. 

Project management tools are basically software that can help a company organise and manage their projects and tasks in an easy manner. An important part of any project manager’s work, they can be used by an individual or an entire team. Most project management tools offer a way to visualise the progress of your project and what changes, tasks, and alterations need to be made in a systematic manner. 

Two of the most popular project management methods include Agile and PRINCE2. 

What is Agile? 

When it comes to software development, Agile is a popular method used to ensure customers get their value through a series of frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban. 

As part of this methodology, teams deliver work in small increments rather than delivering the work altogether. The works is constantly monitored and evaluated between each increment, so that if there are changes to be made, they can be done immediately rather than having to go back to the drawing board all over again. 

Instead of work going from one person and then to the next, in Agile, different teams can communicate and collaborate. By creating a continuous loop of feedback, Agile ensures there is improvement in every step of the way.  

Find out more about the importance of Agile and how it offers great benefits to organisations, teams, and customers alike:

What is PRINCE2? 

One of the most popular project management certifications in the world, PRINCE2 is also used by the United Nations for their projects across the globe. PRINCE (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) was first created in 1989 and was later updated and renamed PRINCE2 in 1996.  

This process-based approach is a scalable method, wherein each process has a defined input and output, with the goals that are to be achieved. The PRINCE2 method comes with Six Aspects (or performance goals, such as scope, risk, quality, etc.); Seven Guidelines (such as Learn from Experience and Focus on Products, among others); Seven Themes, which are basically what tools to use under each theme; and Seven Processes, which include steps from start to finish.   

Because it is highly customizable, PRINCE2 is one of the most popular project management tools in the world. 

Where can I study these project management tools? 

One of the best ways to understand how to use these project management tools and to get an idea of the context where they must be used is to do an MSc in Project Management. The Cambridge Education Group offers a part-time, online MSc in Project Management that’s validated by London South Bank University. 

The programme can be studied from anywhere in the world, so due to its flexible nature, you can graduate in just two years while working alongside your studies. 

Learning with peers from across the world and being taught by experienced academics and real-world experts gives you greater insight into the importance of these tools and sets a precedent as to what you’d like to do when you enter the workforce. 

As part of this course, you will do the following modules, and end the course with a final major project: 

• Project Management Fundamentals  

• Projects in Global Environments  

• Leadership  

• Sustainable Development Principles and Practice  

• Project Management Methodologies 

• Project Management in Context 

Project Management Methodologies covers the PRINCE2 and agile methodologies of project management, along with other frameworks, offering you knowledge and practical skills that you can apply to your organisation. 

To enter the world of project management armed with the right knowledge, explore our online, part-time MSc in Project Management: