Project management is the process of planning, arranging and supervising a project that gives something of value to people. By using specialized knowledge, techniques, tools and skills, project managers oversee anything from the construction of a building to disaster relief to software development to the expansion of a sales market. Projects can be a wide variety of efforts to achieve short- or long-term goals. By creating value through distinctive services and products, some projects seek to accomplish solutions to immediate problems, while others may take an extended period.
An online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management from Northern Kentucky University prepares students with advanced knowledge and the tools for career advancement by allowing students to tailor their degree to focus on project management. Students can make the most of their MBA studies by utilizing one of the program’s 15 course stack combinations and exploring courses across various subjects. Students will have access to MBA degree advisors to tailor their studies and pursue a path that fits their career goals.
About Northern Kentucky University’s Customizable Online MBA Program
Students enrolled in the online MBA program can choose from popular dual-study options or work with their advisor to design their own program focus. Students can combine the Project Management stack courses with other courses from other stacks to create their own unique study area. For example, if a student is interested in project management and information technology (IT), they could combine the Project Management course stack with courses from the Cybersecurity or Data Analytics stacks, which prepares them for in-demand professional roles in the fields of business analytics, tech integration or information security.
The Project Management stack includes courses such as Designing for Project Success, Planning and Managing a Project for Success, and Managing and Leading a Project Strategically. The Project Management stack courses only total six credit hours, leaving six credit hours for students to fill with courses of their choice from other stacks.
These courses prepare students to initiate a project, understand resources, develop the project phases, lead a project, understand the process of team building, overcome obstacles, establish and implement best practices, maintain high standards and standardize the execution of projects while exploring the economies of repetition. By coupling these courses with others related to healthcare, leadership, construction, cybersecurity, global supply chain, legal studies or marketing, a student can stand out from the competition in various competitive fields.
The Numerous Applications of Project Management Studies
Project management applies to multiple industries, and positions in this area are in high demand. Project managers work in multiple fields, including IT, construction, business services, manufacturing, oil and gas, urban development, insurance and more. Projects exist in just about every area of human industry. The superior results from the systematic approach of modern project management principles are seen in various enterprises to meet goals and increase efficiency. From conception to completion, every project needs a specific plan that includes a timeline and budget.
A project manager keeps all the moving parts running smoothly to ensure it finishes on time and within the projected budget. For example, a marketing project involves the planning, organization and execution of actions that support the specific marketing effort. Marketing project management prioritizes communication with regular check-ins to ensure everyone is on the same page and reporting the budget targets.
With concerns regarding marketing efforts — such as social media, search engine optimization, content marketing, product marketing and more — it’s easy for a project to get off track. An organized and skilled project manager can ensure the project meets its goals.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Business Administration with the Project Management Stack program.
