Oxford University MSc in Major Project Management– a Specialized Master’s Program

Though an Executive MBA is viewed by some as the last word in business degrees, it is still by and large a generalist degree, offering an overall view of business without focusing on any one particular area. However, some business schoolsare recognizing that a specialized course of study may be a better avenue for certain executives.

More and more specialized EMBAs are popping up, and specialized master’sprograms for executives are also gaining in popularity. It is no surprise then that many business schools are experiencing a considerable degree of success with these programs.

The Oxford UniversityMSc in MajorProgramme Management is one such program, enjoying particularly positive results. So much so that its sister program, the Major Project Leadership Academy (MPLA), designed specifically for the UK government by Saïd Business School,is now a requirement for high-level government employees in charge of major projects.

The Saïd Business School offering

The Oxford MSc in Major Programme Management (MPM) is a part-time, two year specialized master’s degree aimed at people with significant professional experience and an interest in project delivery. The master’s program was first offered in October 2009; since when the curriculum has developed to become increasingly comprehensive. Classes have been developed to include insights gleaned from large transport infrastructure, ICT (Information Communication Technology) and defense equipment projects, as well as addressing issues facing ‘big science’, strategy implementation and entrepreneurship, organizational change and social infrastructure.

The Oxford MPM is offered as a modular format, which gives participants the opportunity to take a step back from their day-to-day priorities and reflect on the discipline of major program management, as well as their own personal development. Through this framework, participants are then able to take their learning directly back to the workplace and put theory into practice.

When asked about the difference between The Oxford MSc in Major Programme Management and an EMBA program, Paul Chapman, fellow in operations management at Saïd Business School and the director of the MPM explains, “The MPM is a more specific and tailored qualification than an EMBA. It is ideal for anyone who wishes to enhance their abilities in a current project and program management role and for those who wish to make a career shift enabling them to differentiate themselves as a major program manager rather than a project manager.”

Another bonus to studying this particular program is that participants also become members of the Oxford Business Alumni Network. This worldwide network allows alumni from Saïd Business School and Oxford University who have an interest in business to stay connected, and network on a regular basis. The group provides knowledge, opportunities and support for participants while on the course as well as after they have completed the program.

A master’s program alumnus success story

Program alumni are quick to share their words of praise for their studies at Saïd Business School, Oxford University. MPM alumnus Evan Lamberg, president for North America at Universal Music Publishing chose the program because he was ready to add to his business skills: “I felt that the experience and learning would offer a unique dynamic on how to manage many situations that required very wide and deep thinking.”

Lamberg got more than he had anticipated from the program, “The most unexpected part of my experience was the incredibly wide range of students in the cohort who came from across the globe – 45 students from 25+ countries. That cultural diversification, combined with the Oxford University learning environment, offered a once in a lifetime learning opportunity.”

Lamberg is now able to apply what he learned in the specialized master’s program on a daily basis so that he is not only working smarter but he is also guiding his team to do the same. “The experience has taught me a much higher level of critical thinking that has enabled me to better see various issues and problems approaching that I normally might not have seen until it was too late. I use my newly acquired knowledge from the program every day in my organization. I am constantly passing on to others what I have learned especially in the area of organization theory and risk management.”

A required specialized master’s

The UK Cabinet Office’s Major Projects Authority contrasts with the MSc in MPM, where participants come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and organizations from the private sector, public sector and NGOs. This program was specifically developed for the UK Cabinet Office and all 342 of the office's Senior Responsible Owners (project leaders) are required to have started the MPLA program by the end of 2014. The Major Projects Leadership Academy has realized savings of £147 million (c. US$231 million) so far and is projected to drive savings even further as more graduates complete the program.

As Chapman underlines, “We have a simple but decisive focus on the both the MPM and MPLA participants to support them to develop the capabilities required to lead a major project. These participants report their ability to understand and apply a number of the key concepts we introduce on the program, such as what is involved in leading a temporary organization, managing major project risks and reframing and resetting relationships with suppliers. “

Whether a UK government employee or an executive carrying out a major project for your organization, it is clear Said Business School’s MPM can be of great benefit. Therefore, as you are doing your research into the master’s program that is best for you, make sure to consider all programs on offer and then decide whether a specialized master’s may indeed be a path more conducive to success in your field than a generalist qualification.