Self-test: Is a course at the "Project Manager (MAS-FH or IPMA Level B)" level the right one for me?

A project manager with IPMA Level C certification leads through a session.
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Analysis of the functions/activities of project managers

For which people is a course at this level suitable?

  • Project managers who are responsible for the project results in a multi-project environment
  • Project manager of internationally oriented and complex projects

What does the day-to-day work within these functions look like? Which activities are carried out and how often?

Project managers or senior project managers are responsible for the coordination and supervision of challenging projects in an international environment within a company or public authority. They manage complex projects indirectly via the project management team and are responsible for monitoring the achievement of objectives and the most important deadlines. This includes tasks such as prioritizing projects, allocating resources, conflict management or contacts with the public, maintaining customer relationships, partners and stakeholders in the project environment as well as asserting project interests internally and externally.

Job descriptions in job advertisements for project managers:

Main tasks Frequency in %
Responsibility for defining and approving new projects, monitoring project planning, project organization and formulating process objectives 20%
Management of own projects, management and coordination of complex large-scale projects via the personnel and technical management of the overall and sub-project managers 40%
Contact management, cooperation with internal and external interfaces, customer acquisition, travel activities to international customers, suppliers, parts of the company 25%
Responsibility for the company's project strategy, collaboration on the design of the project portfolio, development of internal processes and guidelines in the area of project management, etc. 15%

The weighting of the individual areas of responsibility can vary greatly depending on the company.

Typical requirements in job advertisements:

  • Degree in the subject area, preferably a Master's degree (Uni/FH)
  • Several years of experience in project management with a proven track record in complex project environments
  • Certification in project management according to IPMA Level B or equivalent
  • Perfect knowledge of German and very good written and spoken English (any other Swiss national language is an advantage)
  • Ability to develop and implement pragmatic and creative solutions
  • Independence, high self-motivation, flexibility and strength of implementation
  • Analytical, structured and systematic way of working
  • Serious and self-confident demeanor, professional and cultivated manners, communication skills at Group management level
  • Enjoy traveling and experience in an international environment

Question 1:

Do the activities of project managers correspond to my expectations?

Course description "Project Manager MAS-FH or IPMA Level B"

The most important key points of courses at "Project Manager MAS-FH or IPMA Level B" level are described here:

Course description "Project Manager (MAS-FH or IPMA Level B)"

Question 2:

Are you generally interested in a course at this level?

Requirements at the time of commencement of studies / certification

  • IPMA Level B: 5 years of project experience, including 3 years managing complex projects, in the last 10 years. Proof of a reference project must also be submitted and described or reflected on in a project description and a project report.
  • MAS-FH: Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of professional and management experience in the specialist area
  • CAS-FH: University degree at Bachelor level, in exceptional cases qualified professional experience can be recognized as equivalent

Question 3:

Do I meet the requirements?

Financing of further training

The course fees for a course or the certification "Project Manager MAS-FH or IPMA Level B" are to be paid either at the beginning or by semester. However, in individual cases it is also possible to agree individual installment payments.

Question 4:

Are you able to finance between CHF 9,000 and CHF 29,000 yourself, depending on the course and procedure, for the course, teaching materials, final examinations, certification plus expenses for travel and meals?

Time spent on classroom teaching and learning (homework)

The certification covers a period of 6 to 12 months. This includes four half days of group lessons or individual coaching. The preparation of the certification documents is expected to take approximately 14 working days.

The part-time Master's course lasts three semesters plus the Master's thesis. The time required for classroom teaching is 4-5 days per month (in seminar blocks). The learning effort for own learning achievements amounts to an additional 10-12 hours per week. The Master's thesis is written during the 4th semester and is calculated at 300 working hours.

The certificate course (CAS) lasts 1 semester and is part-time. The time required for classroom teaching is 1 day per week. The workload for your own learning achievements (eLearning, project and group work) is approx. 12-15 hours per week.

Question 5:

Can I cope with the time and effort required for the face-to-face lessons and homework?

Conclusion

Will I graduate?

IPMA Level B: The following documents must be provided and submitted for certification: Project description (8-10 pages) on project content, role and complexity of the project management task and 2 references as well as a project report of 15 to 25 pages referencing at least 28 elements of project management competencies. Subsequently, a 2-hour interview on the project report must be passed.

MAS-FH: The Master's degree program consists of three modules (CAS) and the diploma is awarded when all three modules (examinations, own work, project presentations) have been completed and the diploma thesis has been accepted

CAS-FH: Three assessments must be completed in order to be awarded the certificate: Project homework, written examination 2 hours and project presentation in the final module

Question 6:

Do I have the confidence to pass the exams and certificates of competence?

Have you already made up your mind?
Or would you like to know more?

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