Marco Nel on the Project Management Concepts course
In August 2021, Marco Nel passed the online Project Management Concepts course after maintaining a consistent study habit along with his colleagues in the Global Sourcing team at Bell Equipment. Here’s what he said about his experience.
What Project Management insights that you gained during the course have been most useful to you?
I have better awareness that new projects should always contribute to our corporate strategies and [have] realistic business objectives. Effective communication will contribute to the success of projects on multiple levels.
Have your writing skills improved as a result of the course? If so, in what way?
Yes. The terminology that I use in both my written as well as my verbal communication is more consistent and professional. I have found that my communicated information now tends to be more concise. The consolidated List of Terms that our team have been working on definitely contributes to this.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how comfortable were you with reading basic schedule information* before the course and by the end of the course?
6 before and 10 by the end.
* Schedule information refers to plans drawn up in project scheduling software such as Microsoft Project, using the Critical Path Method (employing a network diagram), and Gantt charts.
What personal changes have you made as a result of the course?
The Rule for Risk has definitely struck a chord with me and now has a strong flavour in all of my projects. I now make sure that as much risk as possible is identified, monitored and communicated throughout the different phases of a project. I ensure that key stakeholders are invited and encouraged to contribute to the success of a project.
What advice do you have for others to prepare for the exam?
Read and understand the feedback which is provided at the end of the Summative and Formative Tests. Do the Practice Exam at least twice—this will give you a good feel with regard to time management in the Exam.
How would you describe your overall experience of the Project Management Concepts course?
Very positive. The course has taught me to speak the correct “language.” Although the course is aligned with project management, I feel that this will be of benefit to me in any professional environment.
How did this course and method of learning differ from other formal studies which you’ve done (or which you’re doing right now)?
The focus is definitely on understanding the content and improving the skills of the student. Other formal studies tend to test your recall of a subject, which does not always ensure that you have actually mastered the subject.
At only R3,910, Project Management Concepts is a unique gateway to personal growth in the world of Project Management. Find out more.
