This PDA in Project Management is a new qualification designed to enhance and accredit the project management skills of new, inexperienced or aspiring project managers. It offers candidates the opportunity to develop project management skills and enables progression to other widely recognised project management qualifications.

The title of the award, Professional Development Award in Project Management, reflects the nature of the content, context and level of the award. As a PDA it is a vocational qualification contributing to the continuous professional development of participants.

Project Management plays an increasing part in a wide range of organisations and disciplines encompassing the knowledge and skills required for candidates to design and implement successful projects. Its defining features are its fixed time schedules, budgetary boundaries, team co-ordination, specific accountabilities, focus on particular outcomes and collaborative working between project partners. Breakdowns in these aspects are the most frequent sources of problems in projects. This PDA targets these skills. In addition, it allows for recognition of skills acquired by individuals through training and practical application. It is estimated that around 75% of professional time is spent on project work much of which is not identified as such (ref: www. projectexperts.com). Nevertheless, many people have acquired project management skills that have not hitherto been formally recognised.

There are many project management qualifications available in the UK but the most common of these are available only through commercially oriented accredited training organisations and/or professional associations. The PDA in Project Management, while its content adopts the same basic principles as the other qualifications, is designed to fit a gap in the market for those organisations or candidates who want a project management qualification without being bound by the requirements of a particular association or methodology and the associated costs.

Entry requirements:

The following qualifications are recommended for entry into the PDA:

• HNC or HND in a approprate recognised subject area
• Must hold the position of Project Manager/Engineer

PDA in Project Management (G873 16)

Mandatory Section (4 - credits)

Unit No:	Module Title	Credit Value
DV5H 35	Project Management: Project Justification and Planning	2
DV5J 35	Project Management: Managing the Implementation of a Project	2

There is only 4 credits required to obtain the PDA in Project managemant. Furthermore, 2 of these credits (DV5J 35) can be used towards the HND in Engineering Systems.