Curtin MSc. (Project Management) course in Kuching ready for second intake

Miri – 29 July, 2010 – The Master of Science in Project Management course conducted by Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) at the Centre for Modern Management (CMM) in Kuching will see the completion of its first semester next month and is set for the commencement of its second semester in September.

The first cohort for the course, which began in May this year, consists of 20 State Government-sponsored and two self-funded participants.

The course in Kuching, which is identical to the ones offered at Curtin’s main Bentley Campus in Perth, Western Australia, and Curtin Sarawak, is a result of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Curtin Sarawak and CMM for collaboration in conducting postgraduate training programmes, among other spheres of collaboration, on 22 January 2010.

Associate Professor David Baccarini, Director of Project Management Course at the Bentley Campus’ School of Built Environment, was in Kuching between 12 and 13 June 2010 to conduct the first module on Project Management.

According to a number of the participants, Associate Professor Baccarini’s lectures gave tremendous insight into the know-how and latest techniques of managing projects. They also said the subject matter was also very interesting and relevant to their jobs, all of which made for a really fulfilling learning experience.

The second module on Project Cost Management was conducted by Lindsay Castell, a lecturer from the School of Built Management who has numerous years of experience in managing construction projects in the Middle East.

Curtin’s Master of Science in Project Management course helps students gain the understanding, knowledge and skills necessary to become effective project managers and is designed in such a way that it is generic in its application to any given industry. It is among the first project management courses worldwide to be generic rather than industry-specific.

Indeed, it has been found to be highly applicable to a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, construction, engineering, education, health, commerce, information technology, and research and development, in Australia, Malaysia and elsewhere.

The course is recognised by the Australian Institute of Project Management, which speaks volumes about its quality in terms of subject matter. It is furthermore endorsed by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

Teaching staff for the course from Curtin Bentley and Curtin Sarawak, as well as professionals from the industry, have extensive professional experience in project management and offer much practical relevancy to the course.

Further benefits to participants undergoing the course include career enhancement without having to take a career break, the flexibility to balance study/work/life with support from a dedicated team, a chance to build a global network of professional contacts, and increased confidence and exposure to broader management issues.

Curtin Sarawak’s collaboration with CMM is likely to include the conducting of a Master of Science in Policy Sciences or Public Administration course, as well as certified professional training and development programmes, in the near future.

In 1998, Curtin University and CMM collaborated to bring Curtin’s Master of Policy Sciences degree programme to Sarawak and 22 state government officers graduated with enhanced knowledge and skills in policy analysis and management in the public sector.

Curtin Sarawak and CMM are continually studying the training needs of various state government departments and will develop appropriate programmes to meet their needs.

The second intake for the Master of Science (Project Management) course at CMM is currently in progress and those interested can contact Curtin Sarawak’s Student Recruitment Department at 085-443939 or e-mail PG.enquiry@curtin.edu.my for more information. It is open to participants from both the public and private sectors.

Course participants with David Baccarini (centre, front row) at the Centre for Modern Management.