Most large businesses compartmentalize information and departments. Each department becomes highly qualified in their individual responsibilities. However when new business opportunities arise, departments often must work together in new and unexpected ways. The MBA in Project Management teaches graduates the skills required to guide territorial or inexperienced departments into working together. Problems rarely evolve regarding individual tasks. The difficulties arise between the departments or project teams. Projects snag over translating communication styles and facilitating cross department responsibilities so that individuals feel neither left out, nor threatened by the new responsibilities.
Rapid changes in computer hardware, software and Internet technology necessitate frequent upgrades. When changing a hardware and software systems concurrent with conducting regular business operations, the organization often must perform transactions on the old system and the new system simultaneously. The most perfectly designed IT system can come to a screeching halt if the human element involved in the transition process is not handled properly. An MBA in Project Management graduate is specifically trained in the human aspect of changing IT control systems.
The debate over government's involvement in the health care system is likely to continue for decades. At the same time doctors, clinics, hospitals must continue to offer quality, compassionate health care. An MBA in Project Management graduate is trained to consider both the policy changes involved in any initiative, and how to implement mandated changes in a timely fashion without disrupting current business activities. In the case of health care policy, new government regulations will mean government reporting guidelines over current procedures which doctors perform. The MBA graduate is trained on how to evaluate how these policies interact with the day-to-day clinicians decisions to maximize medical treatment with minimal disruption to patients.
Like the quarterback on the football field, the project manager quickly becomes a valuable player on the team. Without the project manager's educated point of reference and the expertise in human relationship dynamics she brings to the organization, individual managers often become territorial and unwilling to cooperate. The MBA project manager's contribution brings about increased economic profitability to the company, which is directly reflected in the MBA graduates salary.