Student Q & A
James Batt
Deputy Manager, Network Operations Center
Motorola Satellite Networks Division
Background
James manages a group of engineers and network operators who maintain a space-based telecommunications system for a commercial client. He received his Master's Certificate in Information Technology Project Management in late 2000. ESI spoke with him recently about project management and the benefits of pursuing a master's certificate.
1. Why did you decide to pursue the Master's Certificate in Information Technology Project Management?
"I started as an engineer by trade. As I progressed through my career, I needed to retool myself and become a more effective manager. I believe that the productivity and effectiveness of a technical manager is directly proportional to the project management tools and processes (acquired by experience and/or training) that he can apply to a given problem or scenario. A technical problem always has an associated cost and schedule constraint. You're always dealing with some aspect of project management."
2. What is the biggest challenge you face on the job?
"The biggest challenge is not having enough time to do things thoroughly. It's continual 'crisis management.' You always have to be sensitive to changing customer needs, emerging risks, financial constraints and the need to constantly assess what your competition is doing to maintain your edge."
3. How will you apply what you've learned at ESI to your day-to-day job?
"It (project management courses) gives you a clear roadmap for breaking down problems and challenges into distinct areas - everything from risk management to contract management. I feel I've got the ability to look at things from the top down, instead of from the bottom up."
4. Would you recommend ESI's IT project management program to others?
"Absolutely. As a matter of fact, I have five of my staff in the curriculum. The great thing about going through the courses is that if you master the fundamentals of project management, you can apply it toward other business disciplines."
5.What part of the ESI classroom experience did you like best?
"It's not like a traditional classroom. The class is broken up into groups and lends itself to working through case studies together as a group and applying what you've learned. It makes it easier to communicate in a less formal learning environment. I was very satisfied with the quality and experience of the instructors as well as the opportunity to swap 'war stories' with other participants."
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