Most Effective Forms of PM Training

One of the findings from a recently conducted survey by project management training and consulting firm Project Management Solutions (led by Kent Crawford) was that not all forms of project management training are created equal - or are even effective.

The survey looked at three forms of training

• Instructor-led classroom training
• Blended training
• Technology delivered training

Instructor-led classroom training ranked #1

69% of respondents rated it as the most effective method for a variety of reasons. These included the opportunity to network, spontaneously ask questions, share experiences, and learn in an environment that tries to mimic actual project team dynamics.

"The instructors are typically seasoned project managers who have a lot of war stories," says Crawford. "They felt hearing lessons from someone who has the scars is invaluable. There are also a lot of breakout groups and exercises. Students work with each other to resolve problems and handle conflicts."

Blended Learning

Blended techniques combine instructor-led-classroom learning with some combination of self-directed e-learning, instructor-led e-learning (such as webinars), or technology-delivered training (such as CD-ROMs or podcasts), ranked second with 53% of respondents casting their vote.

Technology-delivered training

• 29% of respondents deemed self-directed e-learning to be worthwhile
• 27% considered instructor-led e-learning to be valuable
• 20% think technology-delivered training is useful

If you are looking to start your project management training, you should click here to learn more about the training forms the Institute of Project Management has to offer.