The Graduate School of Technology Management at the University of Pretoria consolidates project management professional’s skills and experience

Matthew Sims, a construction project management professional, is one of the Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM)’s top achievers in the Master in Project Management (MPM) programme. He completed this two-year programme in the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology with a distinction at the end of 2024. He believes that it complemented and consolidated his previous qualifications, enabling him to refine his leadership, decision-making and strategic thinking skills.

With an undergraduate degree obtained from the University’s Department of Architecture in 2019, working full-time as a draughtsman for a landscape architecture practice ignited an interest in construction management. This led to him enrolling for an honours degree in the Department of Construction Management in 2020. As the country was in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the programme was subsequently being presented online, he was able to start working as an assistant project planner for a mechanical contracting firm involved in projects at Duvha Power Station. He has been with the company for the past five years, where he is applying his expertise as its sales and proposals coordinator.

He explains that the company is invested in upskilling its key personnel, as this enhances the skills profile of the company as a whole. It therefore sponsored Matthew to complete the GSTM’s MPM programme. He was ecstatic, as it would enhance his growth opportunities within the company, as well as his personal growth. It also brought him one step closer to registering as a professional construction manager with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP).

His research study, for which he was awarded the runner-up prize at the annual prize-giving ceremony, was based on his experiences of working remotely during the pandemic. It investigated the competencies required for effective remote working in the construction industry. It underscored the need to update competency frameworks to include remote working skills as essential skills for construction project managers. He identified various challenges, which, if addressed, would ensure that construction managers are well equipped to excel in both traditional and remote work environments.

Reflecting on the programme, he considers the course content to be applicable and up to date. “One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme was the collaboration and networking among fellow students and academics from diverse industries, roles and experience levels,” he says. He believes that what truly distinguishes the programme from its competitors is its ability to push students beyond the traditional tools and techniques, encouraging a deeper focus on influencing outcomes, leading people effectively, and aligning projects with broader business objectives.

“In the process, it sharpens one’s ability to navigate uncertainty, understand the human element in project environments, and make informed decisions, even under pressure and in complex situations where multiple factors must be considered.” He experienced the programme as challenging in many ways, but appreciates that it equipped him with a diverse set of specialised skills that he can confidently carry into his career.

He highly recommends the programme to any professional, regardless of industry, who is looking to enhance their decision-making, leadership and strategic thinking skills across a wide range of organisational and professional contexts.