Bridging Theory and Practice in a Multicultural Setting: MSM’s Project Management Programme
“The programme really expanded my understanding of project management. The online phase gave us a strong foundation in theory, with a very experienced and professional teacher. I also appreciated starting group work during the online phase, as we already knew each other when we arrived in Maastricht,” said Ms Claudia Ruz Vargas (Chile) on the final day of MSM’s Short Executive Programme in Project Management
The programme is offered in two formats: a fully online version spanning eight weeks, and a blended version, which includes a five-day face-to-face training in Maastricht following the online component.
Ms Ruz Vargas continued: “The face-to-face part focused more on practice, and I really enjoyed hearing the personal stories shared by the guest speakers and classmates. It really brought the learning to life.”
When asked about her motivation to join the programme, Ms Carol Mungo (Kenya), who participated in the online version, said: “I was keen to strengthen my project management skills and had been actively exploring suitable courses when I came across the MSM programme. After speaking with an alumnus who spoke highly of their experience, joining a pre-course webinar, and reading more about the structure and content, I was convinced this would be a valuable opportunity and decided to apply.”
Ms Anna Pacak (The Netherlands) applied for the programme as she was seeking a practice-oriented project management course aligned with her career ambitions: “I decided to apply for this programme because I was excited by its curriculum and the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Additionally, the programme’s focus on practical skills and real-world applications aligned perfectly with my career goals.”
Ms Ruz Vargas noted she found it particularly interesting to learn that soft skills are key in the project management field: “My key takeaway is that project management is a people-centred job. Knowing the theory is important, but so are communication skills, leadership, and the capacity to adapt to change.”
The Project Management programme is known for its multicultural learning environment, bringing together participants from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds—an aspect highly valued by the participants. “Being part of a multicultural learning environment has been incredibly enriching. It has allowed me to gain diverse perspectives and learn from my peers' varied experiences,” said Ms Pacak.
Ms Mungo added: “It was a truly enriching experience. Being in a multicultural environment is always eye-opening, and I appreciated the diversity of perspectives. I particularly enjoyed the group assignment, which allowed us to dive deeper into the concepts while learning from each other’s professional experiences and contexts.”
About the Project Management programme
The capacity to design and manage projects is a critical skill to access funding sources in the modern global economy. Nowadays, project managers are expected to have a broad understanding of project design and management related issues. They need to have a basic understanding of the criteria for initiating, planning, implementing and closing effective projects, and be multi-skilled in order to effectively tackle the challenges of private sector projects of today. This Short Executive Programme on Project Management, developed by Mr Rui Miguel Santos, equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and essential techniques for the successful, cost-effective management of both large- and small-scale projects.
For participants who chose the blended version, the programme focused on the practical application of concepts learned online, led by Mr Huub Mudde, Senior Project Consultant and Assistant Professor, and Dr. Patrick Martens, Senior Project Consultant. Through individual knowledge sharing and group discussions, participants could deepen their understanding and apply their skills alongside fellow participants.
Ms. Mungo was very positive about the way Mr. Rui Miguel Santos delivered the online programme: “Mr. Santos brought a great balance of theory and practice into the sessions. The inclusion of real-life development sector examples alongside academic concepts made the content both relevant and engaging. It really helped connect the dots between theory and day-to-day project realities.”
Also Ms. Pacak was very positive about the lecturers: “The lead trainers in the programme have been exceptional. They are not only knowledgeable but also approachable and supportive.”
Would you like to join the Project Management programme as well?
The next Project Management programme will kick off on 6 April 2026. The fully online programme will run from 6 April – 29 May 2026. For those who prefer the blended programme, the online part will be followed by a face-to-face session in Maastricht from 1 – 5 June 2026. Click here for more information about the programme and how to apply.
About MSM’s Short Executive Programmes
Today’s rapidly changing societies and economies demand the most from organisations, leaders, managers and professionals. MSM’s Short Executive Programmes on emerging markets are developed to achieve a successful and sustainable transformation of both individuals and organisations to support local economic development and business management.
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