in the State University of New York System (SUNY)
SECOND EDITION
By Michael J. Littman, PhD
SUNY: Buffalo State
Fellow: Brandeis University
New York, USA
Abstract
The Project Management Institute (PMI) estimates that 6.2 million project management positions will be created in the USA from 2010 to 2020. This points to a critical need for academic training in this field. There are a number of project management academic programs in colleges and universities throughout the United States and the world. In the State University of New York system, SUNY, project management courses can be taught online, hybrid, or face to face as part of professional development, as an individual course, as part of a certificate program, or taught as an undergraduate or graduate level program. There is a small number of each type in SUNY schools. Three recommendations are made to meet the projected need for project management trained individuals.
Introduction
Ramazani and Jergeas (2015) noted a gap between what education providers are offering and what is needed to deal with projects in today’s complex work environment. Universities were established to bridge this academic preparation and skills gap by offering appropriate educational opportunities. Are universities doing this appropriately today?
According to the Project Management Institute study Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017 to 2027, (PMI, 2017), across the globe, there is a widening gap between employers’ need for skilled project management workers and the availability of professionals to fill those roles.
There are several catalysts for this gap:
- A dramatic increase in the number of jobs requiring project-oriented skills.
- Attrition rates, including professionals retiring from the workforce
- A significant uptick in demand for project management talent, especially in rapidly developing economies such as China and India professionals. (PMI, 2017)
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study was to review the academic programs available in project management across SUNY Schools to see if the universities and colleges curriculum provided sufficient courses and programs to meet the future growth needs for employees with project management skills and training.
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Second Editions are previously published papers that have continued relevance in today’s project management world, or which were originally published in conference proceedings or in a language other than English. Original publication acknowledged; authors retain copyright. This paper was originally presented at the 8th Scientific Conference on Project Management in the Baltic States at the University of Latvia in April 2019. It is republished here with the permission of the author and conference organizers.
How to cite this paper: Littman, M.J. (2019); An Analysis of Project Management Programs in the State University of New York System (SUNY); presented at the 8th Scientific Conference on Project Management in the Baltic States, University of Latvia, April 2019; republished in the PM World Journal, Vol. VIII, Issue VI, July. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pmwj83-Jul2019-Littman-analysis-of-project-management-programs-in-suny-system.pdf
About the Author
Michael J. Littma, PhD
Buffalo, New York, USA
Prof. Dr. Michael J. Littman (SUNY: Buffalo State, USA. University of Haifa, Israel). Michael J. Littman, chair and associate professor of business, is recognized for his consistently superior, student-focused, and innovative teaching skills, sound scholarship, and exceptional level of service to Buffalo State students. His strong commitment to students’ starts with advisement, extends into the classroom, and stretches to their post-graduate careers.
Prof Littman has a long record of positive impact on student growth and performance through a variety of offerings, including freshman seminars, senior seminars, honors sections, and graduate-level courses, plus courses cross-listed in history and communications. He has taught 42 different undergraduate and graduate courses at Buffalo State. The focus of his teaching has been to instill and develop the positive personal and professional skills that students need for a rewarding role as ethical leaders in their profession and community. He has also mentored international faculty through the Fulbright program and African Regional International Scholar Development Internship program.
Littman also has a strong record of scholarship that supports his excellence in the classroom. He is an internationally recognized scholar and consultant who is often requested to collaborate with a European network of partners. He has participated in projects in the Netherlands, Latvia, and Germany. He has a long history of being a requested reviewer by journals and textbooks in a variety of business areas. He also has served his community as a two-term president of the Williamsville Central School District Board of Education and has served as a member of the Buffalo’s Superintendent Advisory Council on Occupational Education.
Prof. Littman can be contacted at LITTMAMJ@BuffaloState.edu.
