Q & A with MSc Project Management Course Director, Dr Éamonn V. Kelly

Dr Éamonn Kelly is the Course Director and lecturer on the MSc in Project Management  at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Ireland.  With a professional career spanning over 30 years, he brings a wealth of experience to the academic realm.  Before his current role, Dr. Kelly distinguished himself in strategic consultancy with top firms like Accenture, Deloitte, E&Y, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Dr. Kelly leverages his doctorate in Strategy and Innovation to deliver insightful international presentations on strategy execution and governance models.  His real-world impact is further demonstrated by his pioneering role in establishing Ireland's first Project Management Office (PMO) and leading the successful launch of the National Postcode Project (Eircodes).

Beyond his direct professional achievements, Dr. Kelly is passionate about fostering the next generation of project managers.  His mentorship of participants in JA Europe and the Formula 1 in Schools Global Competition and his work with the PMI Professional Awards Insight Team (PAIT) underscore his commitment to elevating the profession.  Further recognition of his expertise is evident in his recent feature in PMI's new strategy, PMI: NEXT, and his invitation to join the PMOGA Strategic Vision Team.

Dr. Kelly exemplifies the valuable synergy between practical experience, academic research, and a dedication to developing future leaders.  His insights and contributions continue to advance the field of project management both in Ireland and internationally.

In this insightful Q&A, Éamonn delves into the MSc Project Management at UL and the opportunities it offers.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in project management, and how has your own background shaped your role as Course Director?

Project management has always appealed to the problem-solver in me.  There's a thrill in taking a complex challenge, breaking it into manageable pieces, and devising a strategy that brings everyone together towards a common goal.  However, the true reward that fuels my passion is that sense of accomplishment when a project crosses the finish line.  Knowing that I've played a role in creating something of value, something that will have a positive impact, inspired me to dedicate my career to project management.

My background has been instrumental in shaping my role as Course Director.  Years of hands-on project management experience, from organisational change initiatives to a project of national importance, instilled in me a deep understanding of the real-world complexities our students will face.  This experience allows me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, illustrating concepts through relevant examples and preparing students for the dynamic nature of the field.

Additionally, my focus on sustainable practices stems directly from challenges I've encountered.  I believe project managers have a responsibility to drive positive change, so I integrated this focus into the programme's core.

Finally, my academic journey and commitment to mentoring translate into a strong emphasis on research rigour and a collaborative learning environment.  I aim to create skilled project managers and engaged members of a broader community dedicated to advancing the field.

2. As Course Director, what aspects of the MSc programme in Project Management  are you most passionate about, and how do you hope to impart this passion to your students?

I'm genuinely passionate about the strategic alignment within our MSc programme.  Project management shouldn't exist in a vacuum.  I aim to show students how projects become a powerful tool for driving organisations towards their overarching goals.  I do this by infusing case studies and simulations that link project decisions directly to core business strategy.

Additionally, I firmly believe project managers are increasingly responsible for leading sustainably.  That's why sustainability is a thread woven throughout our curriculum.  We examine environmental and social impacts, challenging students to make informed choices that positively influence their projects and communities.

Ultimately, my passion lies in creating a learning environment that's both rigorous and supportive.  I want to challenge students and nurture their growth by using diverse teaching methods, bringing real-world perspectives from experienced project managers, and providing opportunities to develop the leadership skills that will truly set them apart.

3. Can you highlight any unique features or components of the MSc in Project Management programme that set it apart from other similar programmes?

Our MSc in Project Management truly stands apart from other programs in several key ways:

Future-Focused Approach: We don't just teach traditional project management methodologies; we arm our students with the cutting-edge, agile approaches they'll need to thrive in today's ever-changing business world.

Emphasis on Organisational Impact: Our focus goes beyond just completing projects.  We train students to think critically about how project management powerfully integrates with and drives organisational goals.

Strong Industry Connections: We leverage our industry relationships to offer unparalleled real-world experiences.  Students learn directly from top professionals, engage in industry-led projects, and get the inside perspective through case studies.

Global Opportunities: Our PMI-GAC accreditation signifies international recognition.  Our unique dual degree options with renowned French business schools allow students to gain a global perspective and expand their career potential.

We're committed to creating a comprehensive educational experience that empowers students to become not just project managers but innovative leaders who can shape the future of the field.

4. In your opinion, what are some of the key skills and competencies that students can expect to develop through their participation in the MSc in Project Management programme?

The MSc in Project Management programme is designed to equip students with a powerful skill set that goes beyond the textbook.  Students will see significant development in areas like contemporary project management methodologies.  We'll delve into modern, agile approaches that give students the flexibility and adaptability needed to navigate the dynamic world of projects. 

This programme goes beyond simply getting projects done  - we'll hone their analytical skills, enabling them to assess situations critically, make informed decisions, and understand how project management strategically integrates with the organisation's overall goals.  We'll also develop their leadership and communication skills – essential traits for successfully guiding teams towards project completion.  In essence, this programme doesn't just create project managers; it cultivates well-rounded leaders with the critical thinking, strategic understanding, and industry expertise to excel in today's ever-evolving business landscape.

5. What opportunities are available for students to gain engage with industry professionals during their studies?

Students enrolled in the MSc in Project Management programme have exciting opportunities to interact directly with industry professionals.  The program encourages students to utilise these opportunities to the fullest.

Firstly, students benefit from guest lectures given by top industry experts.  These lectures offer a chance to learn directly from those in the field, ask questions about their experiences, and understand current challenges and trends.

Students also gain valuable experience working on projects and case studies provided by industry partners.  These opportunities enable students to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios.

Moreover, guest lectures and industry-led projects provide networking opportunities for students to connect with professionals.  These connections can become invaluable as they embark on their careers in project management.

6. As Course Director, how do you support and mentor students throughout their academic journey, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field of project management?

As Course Director, I take a multifaceted approach to supporting and mentoring students throughout their MSc in Project Management journey.  I maintain an open-door policy, fostering a comfortable environment for students to seek advice, discuss challenges, or clarify concepts.  Regular check-ins ensure no one feels left behind.  I go beyond textbook lessons, using real-world examples, industry-led projects, and guest lectures to illustrate how project management works in practice.  This helps students connect concepts to tangible applications.  While knowledge is crucial, I emphasise the development of practical skills through simulations, case studies, and collaborative projects, a "learning by doing" approach that builds confidence.

I recognise that every student learns differently and tailor feedback and guidance to meet individual needs.  This helps students identify and overcome their unique challenges and build on their strengths.  I act as a mentor, providing advice on career development, networking within the industry, and helping students find their niche within the project management field.  Finally, I foster a supportive learning environment where students can learn from each other and form connections beyond the classroom.

My goal is to ensure that every student feels supported in their development and leaves the program as a confident, adaptable professional ready to make meaningful contributions to the field of project management.

7.  What career opportunities are open to students upon completion of the MSc Project Management?

The MSc in Project Management opens doors to a dynamic range of career opportunities!  This degree gives the student the skills and knowledge to lead teams, drive strategic goals, and manage complex projects.  These abilities are sought after across industries, giving them remarkable flexibility in their career trajectory.  Here are just some paths a student could pursue:

• Project Manager: The classic path, where students will take projects from idea to completion, ensuring they meet deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.  Students could do this in IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance.  The possibilities are endless!
   
• Program/Portfolio Manager: Step up and oversee multiple related projects, ensuring they all support the bigger organisational vision.
   
• Project Management Consultants: Share their expertise by helping businesses streamline processes, implement new methodologies, and solve project-related challenges.
   
• Risk/Change Manager: Keep projects on track with specialised roles by identifying risks or helping people navigate change.
   
• Business Analyst: Combine business understanding with project management skills to bridge the gap between strategy and execution.

The best part?  Project management skills are needed everywhere, in tech, construction, government, you name it!  This degree prepares students to choose a career path that aligns with their interests and where their skills will be in demand.