MSc PM or MBA?

Dear Rommel,

It depends on the Planner and his previous qualifications. If he/she are already an Engineer, then they can pursue the Masters Degree. Which is by the way one of the Major requirements for hiring construction managers for big organizations. This is a long term investment and the person should be willing to do the number crunshing.

If the person does not have an Engineering degree, then an MBA might be the best solution. Or if they already have an Engineering Degree, but are looking for General Management Science experience.

In both cases, it is better to have some work experience before pursuing a higher level degree.

Usually the Planner will have several tasks, and while transfering from one project to another, opportunities might arise that can change the course of his career. With a higher level degree, they secure a chair floating on the managment level.

With kind regards,

Samer

Samer,

A bit intriguing part is when you know top level managers which has engineering degrees and long construction experiences opted to take the MBA. Does the MBA has more weight in going up the management ladder? Or an MBA will provide you an options to work in other industry?

This is what confuses the Planner. Taking a higher degree is a huge investment both in time and cost.

Best regards,
R. Catalan

Dear Rommel,

Unfortunately, no one is smart enough to predict the future until now. You can only try to make the best choice.

The cost of a Masters or MBA = 10,000- 50,000$ depending on the location and the university that you select.

At a higher level position, the Construction Manager would save that kind of money within 1 year. The best choice would be to select the best program that fits the planner’s ability and interest and at the same time be affordable.

With kind regards,

Samer

Samer,

If the Planner proceeded with his plan bearing in mind the inputs that we have for him, what factors do you think could possibly affect his plan and later suffer study EOT and cost overrun.

Just trying to give him real-life scenarios that he can avoid while doing his MSc or MBA.

Best regards,
R. Catalan

Dear Rommel,

Direct cost:
tuition, books, computers, stationary, projects, medical insurance, registration periodically, graduation certificate, thesis publication.

Indirect cost:
Rent, food, leisure activities, transportation, travel, vacation cost, cloths, travelling to seminars, etc.

Cost Overrun (Risk Analysis):
Failing to succeed in a course.
Falling in love and getting married :) BIG EOT and cost overrun.
Medical situation.
Accidents.
etc

Things to check for:
Tuition waiver if they are smart enough.
Getting employed while being a student.

With kind regards,

Samer

Samer,

I like the falling in love and getting married.

Thanks and best regards,

R. Catalan

Dear Rommel,

I would suggest you go for MSc in Project Management. I have done my MSc in 2008 from Heriot Watt university, and before joining I was in the same state of mind as you are now. But after the completion of the course I am happy that I took a right decision.

MSc deals with subjects like Contracts Management, Value & Risk Management, Project Management case studies, Startegic Project Management and these modules cover the issues of construction rather than bussiness.Apart from these some of the modules are almost same like Bussiness Management, Project Management theory and practice.

I can suggest you to have SWOT analysis and make your decision by comparing the modules and their applicability in your career.

Regards,
Azhar

Dear Azhar,

Can you please share your Cost/ Benefit analysis, if you have the numbers. Thank you.

Samer

Dear Azhar,

Thanks for your suggestion.

Have you done it thru online/distance learning and how long? How much it cost you for the whole term includng materials?

Best regards,
Rommel