Mastering Project Management for IT Managed Services

Posted by Mark Rickner  /  May 21, 2025  /  Professional Development, Training, Project Management   —   No Comments ↓

AdobeStock_208295519

As a leader at an IT managed services company, you know how critical it is to deliver projects that keep your clients happy and your business growing. Project management is the foundation of making that happen. It’s not about fancy tools or jargon. It’s about planning well, using resources wisely, and keeping everyone on the same page.

Let’s talk about why project management training matters for your business and how it can make a real difference. And, spoiler alert, we offer the necessary project management training with a generous discount for our valued MSP partners!

Why Project Management Training Is a Game-Changer

Your projects, whether it’s upgrading a network, moving a client to the cloud, or rolling out new security measures, are complex. They involve clients, vendors, and your internal team, all with different priorities. Speaking from experience, I can guarantee that without a solid project management approach, you’re risking missed deadlines, budget overruns, or frustrated clients. Here’s why getting it right matters:

  • Clear Plans and Execution: Good project management means you define what the client wants, set realistic timelines, and deliver exactly what you promised. 
  • Smart Resource Use: You’ve got limited techs and tools. Project management ensures the right people and equipment are available when needed.
  • Reducing Risks: IT projects almost always hit snags. A good project manager spots these risks early and has a plan to handle them.
  • Happy Clients: Delivering on time and within budget builds trust. Regular updates and quick responses to concerns keep clients feeling valued.
  • Growth Potential: When your projects run smoothly, you can take on bigger, more complex jobs. Consistent project management lets you scale without losing quality.

You may also find this post helpful: Mastering Change Management: Strategies for Workplace Success

Key Roles and Training for Each Role

To pull off great projects, you need people in specific roles who know what they’re doing. Here’s a breakdown of the main project management roles for your business and the training that can help them succeed.

Assistant Project Manager

These folks handle the daily grind—coordinating with vendors, scheduling tasks, and keeping teams connected. They’re essential for keeping projects moving.

PM Training to Consider:

  • Project Management Foundations Workshop: Teaches the basics of managing tasks and workflows.
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Covers core project management skills, great for getting certified.
  • CompTIA Project+: Focuses on IT-specific project management, perfect for your industry.
  • Project Management Courses (Part 1 and 2): Dives deeper into execution and coordination.

Project Manager

Project managers own the whole project, from budgeting to final delivery. They talk to clients, manage timelines, and make sure the project meets business goals.

PM Training to Consider:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Prep: The gold standard for project managers, teaching advanced techniques.
  • Strategic Risk Management: Helps identify and handle risks specific to IT projects.
  • PMI-Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Prep: Focuses on risk management strategies.
  • Program Management Professional (PgMP) Prep: Covers managing multiple projects, which you’ll need as your business grows.

Project Coordinator

Coordinators support project managers by organizing meetings, tracking progress, and managing budgets. They keep the team on track.

PM Training to Consider:

    • CAPM Certification Training: Builds a strong foundation for coordinating tasks.
    • PMP Certification Prep: Great for coordinators who want to step up to project manager roles.

Agile Project Manager

If you’re using Agile methods, these managers lead collaborative, flexible projects. They keep teams productive and adaptable, especially for software or iterative projects.

Agile PM Training to Consider:

  • Agile Fundamentals: Introduces Agile principles tailored to IT.
  • Integrating Agile in a Waterfall Practice: Shows how to mix Agile with traditional methods, common in IT services.
  • PMI Agile Certified Professional (PMI-ACP) Prep: Prepares for Agile certification.
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Teaches Scrum, ideal for iterative projects.
  • Agile Business Analysis: Helps understand client needs in fast-moving projects.

Getting Started with Project Management

If you have team members new to project management or looking to grow, start with the basics. This is especially useful for employees who want to take on more responsibility or move into leadership.

PM Training to Consider:

  • Project Management Fundamentals: A simple introduction to the concepts, perfect for beginners or support staff.

Why Project Management Training Pays Off

For your IT managed services business, project management is a strategic edge. It’s about delivering what clients need, when they need it, without wasting resources. And it's about giving your team the tools they need to deliver on those promises.

Whether it’s a coordinator keeping things organized, a project manager leading a cloud migration, or an Agile manager handling a software rollout, every role matters.

Certifications like PMP or CAPM boost your credibility, while Agile courses like PMI-ACP or CSM help your team adapt to fast-changing projects. Trained staff can streamline processes, cut costs, and work better together, which means faster delivery and happier clients.

Discounts for Our Partners

KnowledgeWave offers a variety of Project Management courses as listed on our class schedule. KnowledgeWave partners and clients qualify for reduced pricing. For training outlines, additional information, and class dates, please contact your KnowledgeWave Account Manager or call 1-800-831-8449.

Topics: Professional Development, Training, Project Management