The future of project management simulation exercises
The future of project management simulation exercises
Project management remains as one of the most popular post graduate management courses for international students at UK Universities. Students perceive or are advised that the skill set is highly transferable to a wide range of management opportunities and can be built upon almost any undergraduate discipline. However, many practitioners claim that the interconnectedness of the real life of projects can only ever be fully understood through on-the-job real life work experience. Hence the student dilemma, how to gain experience without experience? Project management simulation exercises attempt to bridge this gap. This research considers the effectiveness of a well proven simulation at a UK university comparing the applied knowledge of 17 different skill sets before and after the exercise through the lens of the student perspective. Furthermore, in depth semi-structured interviews with experienced tutors aim to decipher the mechanisms of learning so transferable principles can be prioritised for future exercise design. The study carried out during the 2020/21academic year demonstrates that from a student perspective such educational approaches are highly effective with all the skill set analysed (a broad set of hard and soft skills)showing notable deltas before and after. In addition, students engage deeply with this method and find it fun and memorable which is important for future knowledge retrieval. The knowledge and experience of the tutors highlighted that game design was only 1 of 3 important elements crucial for learning to take place. Game management and the skill and motivation of the tutor have equal bearing on success. This research offers a conceptual framework to synthesis the findings and recommends that educationalists and employers collaborate and invest in future game development together rather than seek off the shelf solutions.
Project management, Simulation exercises, Education, Employability, Transferable skills
Pontin, David
deae7206-f5ec-4820-9aeb-efc07f69c968
Dacre, Nicholas
90ea8d3e-d0b1-4a5a-bead-f95ab32afbd1
3 May 2024
Pontin, David
deae7206-f5ec-4820-9aeb-efc07f69c968
Dacre, Nicholas
90ea8d3e-d0b1-4a5a-bead-f95ab32afbd1
Pontin, David and Dacre, Nicholas
(2024)
The future of project management simulation exercises.
UK and Ireland Engineering Education Research Network (EERN), University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
01 - 02 Jun 2023.
14 pp
.
Record type:
Conference or Workshop Item
(Paper)
Abstract
Project management remains as one of the most popular post graduate management courses for international students at UK Universities. Students perceive or are advised that the skill set is highly transferable to a wide range of management opportunities and can be built upon almost any undergraduate discipline. However, many practitioners claim that the interconnectedness of the real life of projects can only ever be fully understood through on-the-job real life work experience. Hence the student dilemma, how to gain experience without experience? Project management simulation exercises attempt to bridge this gap. This research considers the effectiveness of a well proven simulation at a UK university comparing the applied knowledge of 17 different skill sets before and after the exercise through the lens of the student perspective. Furthermore, in depth semi-structured interviews with experienced tutors aim to decipher the mechanisms of learning so transferable principles can be prioritised for future exercise design. The study carried out during the 2020/21academic year demonstrates that from a student perspective such educational approaches are highly effective with all the skill set analysed (a broad set of hard and soft skills)showing notable deltas before and after. In addition, students engage deeply with this method and find it fun and memorable which is important for future knowledge retrieval. The knowledge and experience of the tutors highlighted that game design was only 1 of 3 important elements crucial for learning to take place. Game management and the skill and motivation of the tutor have equal bearing on success. This research offers a conceptual framework to synthesis the findings and recommends that educationalists and employers collaborate and invest in future game development together rather than seek off the shelf solutions.
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Published date: 3 May 2024
Additional Information:
This research explores the effectiveness of project management simulation exercises at a UK university, demonstrating their capability to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. The study shows significant enhancements in essential project management skills through simulations, underscoring their value as innovative training tools. This is particularly relevant for researchers project and professionals interested in developing practical skills among new entrants without prior experience. The research also highlights the critical roles of game design, management, and tutoring in maximising learning outcomes. Advocating for collaboration between educators and employers, the paper provides actionable insights for project managers looking to tailor training solutions to their specific organisational needs.
Venue - Dates:
UK and Ireland Engineering Education Research Network (EERN), University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom, 2023-06-01 - 2023-06-02
Keywords:
Project management, Simulation exercises, Education, Employability, Transferable skills
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Local EPrints ID: 492601
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/492601
PURE UUID: b0fa2823-8c9f-40f9-a8ec-37805aaf52e8
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Date deposited: 07 Aug 2024 16:42
Last modified: 08 Nov 2024 02:56
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Author:
David Pontin
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