Another International Project Management Association Course at the Faculty of Management and Quality Science Concludes with Success for Students

This year's edition concluded with a very good result – a further 11 students were awarded the internationally recognised IPMA certificate.

Project management is currently among the key competences expected in the modern labour market. The ability to plan activities, organise teamwork, manage risk, monitor progress, and respond to change is of particular importance in business, administration, and the public sector alike. Therefore, the Faculty of Management and Quality Science consistently develops its study programmes in this area, enabling students to gain not only academic knowledge but also practical confirmation of their qualifications in the form of an internationally recognised certificate.

The possibility of organising International Project Management Association exams at Gdynia Maritime University stems from the accreditation obtained by the University on 28 February 2024. At that time, the Rector of GMU, Professor Adam Weintrit, signed an agreement with IPMA Polska, an organisation representing international project management standards. Thanks to this cooperation, students and graduates of the Faculty are able to sit official IPMA certification examinations, while the Faculty's academic programmes are aligned with the IPMA competence model, which is used in recruitment, professional development, and the assessment of project management competences.

As part of this year's edition, students participated in a specialised preparation course for the IPMA certification exam, which was held from 23 March to 1 June this year. The course curriculum included topics such as project management theories and principles, project methodologies, project planning, risk management, development of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the use of the RACI matrix, principles of managing a project team, conflict resolution, project progress monitoring, and the analysis of deviations from the adopted plan.

Associate Professor Joanna Kizielewicz, Head of the Department of Management and Economics and IPMA Coordinator at the Faculty of Management and Quality Science, was responsible for the organisation of the course and the coordination of activities related to certification. Dr Magdalena Winiarska from the Department of Management and Economics also joined in preparing the students for the exam. Thanks to the commitment of the instructors, students were able to consolidate their knowledge, develop practical project skills, and prepare for the exam in accordance with the requirements of the international project management standard.

The costs of organising the course and co-financing the certification exams were covered by the funds of the Faculty of Management and Quality Science, thanks to the support of the Dean, Associate Professor Marzenna Popek. Thanks are also due to the Head of the Student Services Office, Ewa Simonyan, for organisational assistance.

Obtaining the International Project Management Association certificate is a valuable addition to students' academic education and can be a significant asset in the labour market. It confirms knowledge of the basics of project management and a readiness for continued professional development in project management.

Congratulations to all students!