If your organization doesn’t already have a certified project manager, which 82% of people believe is critical to project success, here are 5 tips that could positively impact your project management experience in 2024: 

#1 – Track your Projects Effectively using Task Management Software 

Staying on top of your tasks using software sounds rather obvious, however, Project.co’s State of Project Management 2021 Report says that “Only 35% of employees use task management software to manage their to-do lists.” In fact, 44% resort to using pen and paper to track their projects. Software like Monday.com, Asana, and Wrike allow teams to sort, manage, and track every project they work on. The same study states that “80% of those who don’t create a task list feel that doing so would make it easier for them to plan out their work”, ultimately leading to increased productivity and output. 

#2 – Utilize Agile Project Management for Complex Projects 

Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may want to take advantage of different management styles. In simple terms, Agile project management is an incremental approach that prioritizes flexibility and working in increments rather than in strict phases. State of the Project Management Office (PMO) 2022 report states that over 65% of organizations use Agile methodologies, and 52% of teams utilize it to get products to market faster, according to the 16^th Annual State of Agile Report. 

#3 – Communication is Critical 

No matter the size of your team, communication between members needs to be accessible with as few roadblocks as possible. A whopping 94% of employees feel that “cross-team visibility improves productivity”, which is stated in the Project.co report. This is further supported by the fact that 68% of project professionals see communication as the “most critical skill to develop”, which is stated by the Project Management Institute. 

#4 – Stay on Top of AI and other Management Related Trends 

Companies are always going to lean toward efficiency, and AI tools like ChatGPT have a reputation for increasing the speed of certain processes. Even if you don’t plan on using AI for projects soon, you can still be well researched and informed about what tools are available. According to Gartner, 80% of today’s project management tasks will be eliminated by AI by 2030. If that’s true, you’ll want to be aware of emerging technologies even before they are released. 

#5 – Become a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) 

As an individual, obtaining PMP Certification can not only increase your ability to manage projects and teams, but can also lead to higher earnings. The Project Management Institute claims that “The median salary for PMP holders is 16% higher globally than those without certification.” There is an exam that you must prepare and apply for, and New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) offers a PMP training course through NJIT. 

Conclusion 

These tips should give you a head start on having success with project management for this year and years to come. Both NJII and NJIT see effective project management as a way to stand out amongst your competitors and create a more efficient workflow and team-oriented management style. You can learn more about what we offer at njii.com. 

The post Project Management Tips and Tricks for 2024 appeared first on NJII.

The Society for Human Resource Management conducted a survey in July 2021 on the views of employers and employees about these kinds of alternative credentials. The survey found that 94% of executives, 93% of supervisors, and 91% of human resources professionals see people without a degree and holding only alternative credentials “to be about the same or better than those who only hold traditional educational backgrounds.” Alternative credentials are already held by 45% of workers, while 49% are considering earning one.  Source: February 2, 2023, Wall Street Journal article

What characterizes alternative or micro credential learning?

Focused Content: Microcredentials concentrate on specific skills, knowledge, or competencies relevant to a particular field or industry.  Examples include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Six Sigma (Green Belt)
• Six Sigma (Black Belt)
• Salesforce Certification
• Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp

• Short Duration: They are designed to be completed in a relatively short amount of time compared to traditional degree programs. This can range from a few weeks to a few months.

• Flexible Learning Formats: Microcredentials are often available in flexible learning formats, including online courses, workshops, boot camps, or a combination of these. This flexibility allows individuals to learn at their own pace and fit their studies around other commitments.

• Stackability: Many microcredentials are designed to be stackable, meaning that they can be combined or built upon to earn larger credentials, such as certificates, diplomas, or degrees. This allows learners to incrementally build their skills and credentials over time.

• Industry-Relevant: Microcredentials are often developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure that the skills and knowledge taught are current and relevant to the needs of employers.

• Credentialing: Microcredentials may be issued by educational institutions, professional organizations, or private companies. They may also utilize digital badges or certificates to provide evidence of completion and proficiency.

• Continuous Learning: Microcredentials support the concept of lifelong learning by enabling individuals to acquire new skills and credentials throughout their careers, helping them stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market.

Considering continuing your education or training can be a daunting process.  Committing to a certificate or degree program can be an expensive and time-consuming process. This is why microcredential offerings are a great place to start. Enrolling in a single boot camp or workshop can help clarify if a targeted field is a good fit for to explore further. This is a reduced expense and lower commitment, but it is a more targeted and flexible approach to learning. This could also lead to the realization that skill development is the ultimate goal, and microcredentials enable acquisition of in-demand skills and credentials efficiently and effectively.

Individual learners, visit the NJII/NJIT course catalog here: https://www.njii.com/pce/courses/

Corporate learners, visit program options here:

https://www.njii.com/pce/group-programs/

The post What Are Microcredentials? appeared first on NJII.

These are the top 6 trends we are watching early in 2024:

1. Increased Emphasis on Remote Training:

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, and this likely impacted corporate training as well. Companies were expected to invest more in virtual and online training solutions to cater to remote or distributed teams. Current programs: https://www.njii.com/pce/courses/

2. Focus on Digital and Technical Skills:

With the ongoing digital transformation, there was an increased focus on training employees in digital and technical skills. Companies recognized the importance of upskilling and reskilling their workforce to stay competitive in the evolving business landscape. Examples: NJIT X Google Upskilling, Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp

3. Personalized Learning Paths:

The trend towards personalized learning paths continued to grow. AI and data analytics were expected to play a role in tailoring training programs to individual employee needs, allowing for more efficient and effective learning experiences. Learn more here: https://www.njii.com/pce/group-programs/custom/

4. Integration of Emerging Technologies:

The incorporation of emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) in training programs was anticipated. These technologies have the potential to enhance engagement and provide immersive learning experiences. Explore here: https://www.njii.com/pce/group-programs/custom/

5. Continuous Learning Culture:

There was a shift towards fostering a continuous learning culture within organizations. Instead of traditional, periodic training sessions, companies were expected to encourage ongoing learning and development as a part of their organizational culture. NJII can help: NJIT Corporate Education brochure.

6. Soft Skills Development:

While technical skills were crucial, there was also a recognition of the importance of soft skills. Training programs aimed at developing communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills were anticipated to gain prominence. Learn more: https://www.njii.com/courses/frontline-management/

Other trends indicate that younger generations benefit greatly from training, as 76% of Gen Z employees believe that training is a key factor in having a successful career, according to LinkedIn.

No matter what your career plans are for 2024, continued training should be one of them. NJII is here to help! Visit https://www.njii.com/pce to learn more.

The post Top 6 Trends In Skill Development We Are Watching Early In 2024 appeared first on NJII.