We are proud to present the development of a comprehensive curriculum intended for education of project managers in the IT sector as part of the Erasmus+ SHIFT4IT project. This curriculum is the result of extensive research and collaboration with industry professionals and employers from four European countries (Belgium, Croatia, Italy and Romania). By integrating key insights and recommendations from practice, we have designed a program that includes competencies and skills that IT companies consider most important.
Based on research
The curriculum is based on the results of a two-phase research process, which includes:
- Questionnaire It was completed by 62 experts from 56 IT companies from Belgium, Croatia, Italy and Romania to define the necessary skills and knowledge for IT project managers.
- Focus group with selected employers to gain a deeper insight into the characteristics, experiences and specific competences needed to succeed in project management in the IT sector.
Curriculum aligned with industry needs
The programme includes modules on:
- Basis of programming: Basic principles of coding and algorithms.
- UX/UI design: Understanding user needs and creating intuitive designs.
- Project management: Planning, risk management and team coordination.
- Agile methods: Emphasis on iterative development and continuous improvement.
Employer-led competencies
The curriculum covers skills and characteristics that employers consider essential for IT project managers, including:
- Team Leadership and Management: Inspiring teams, resolving conflicts and fostering cooperation.
- Communication skills: Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders, clients and team members.
- Troubleshooting and decision-making: Analytical thinking under pressure.
- Technical and business knowledge: Knowledge of IT terminology, agile methodologies and project budgeting.
- Adaptability and continuous learning: Tracking industrial trends and navigating changing project requirements.
Feedback and recommendations
Employers gave a positive assessment of the proposed curriculum, highlighting its alignment with the real needs of IT project management. Key recommendations include:
- IT system security and compliance: addressing privacy regulations such as the GDPR.
- Basics of cloud computing: Understanding modern infrastructure practices.
- Improved soft skills: Conflict resolution, negotiation and motivational techniques.
- B2B Skills: Effective communication with clients and relationship management.
- Practices and traineeships: Practical experience that links theoretical learning with practical application.
Key insights and conclusion
Research has shown that while technical knowledge is valuable, employers attach great importance to managerial and communication skills. Specific technical expertise is often acquired through work, while adaptability and the ability to manage diverse teams are key to the success of project managers.
Our curriculum aims to address the IT talent gap by training future project managers, especially women from non-technical fields, to succeed in a dynamic IT sector. With over 90% employers who have expressed an interest in recruiting graduates of this programme, we are convinced of its relevance and impact.
This initiative represents a step forward in shaping the future of IT project management, bridging gaps and fostering diversity in industry.
