Learning and teaching challenges in project management

• Published in: International journal of project management Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 268 - 278
• Main Authors: Ojiako, Udechukwu, Ashleigh, Melanie, Chipulu, Max, Maguire, Stuart
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2011; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Customers; Education; Internet resources; Learning; On-line systems; Online instruction; Pedagogy; Perception; Polls & surveys; Project management; Project management education; Skills; Students; Teaching; Pedagogy; Students; Project management education; Customers
• ISSN: 0263-7863; 1873-4634
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.03.008

This paper seeks to examine how considerations of future pedagogy will impact on the student experience. This examination utilises data gathered from a survey of students studying project management. The data are analysed using CATPCA in order to establish the key components of students' experiences. Overall, two key components emerged from the data (representing students' perceptions of what is significant in their project management learning experiences). The first component,
transferable skills, addresses parameters such as interpersonal skills, time management, curriculum coherence, critical thinking and communicating. The second component is
virtual learning which includes the quality of e-resources and how relevant and accessible information is managed online. We conclude that the effective use of virtual learning environments is more crucial for students who are less skilful at managing their studies independently. This study brings an important contribution to literature on teaching and learning project management as traditionally studies have either focused on teaching and learning (within project management) or students' experiences relating to pedagogic factors generally. What research has not done is link these two concepts together.