Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

PMnetwork for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Sixth Workshop

University of Westminster

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Space to Learn – Issues and Opportunities

Denise Bower & Nancy Madter

University of Leeds

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Current Research Interest

Improving the effectiveness of project management learning and teaching/ transferrable skill

development through learning environment investigation, definition and guidance.

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Learning Outcomes/Objectives

Theory and Higher-order Skills

Tools and Techniques

Managing Complex and Dynamic Situations

4S Learning Environment Model

Skill

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Opportunities

• Draw from existing innovative/creative environments – space evaluations

• Preparing students for the 21st Century workplace – industry survey

• Observation

• Sharing good practice/Funding opportunities

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Space Evaluations

• Use the environment to increase effectiveness and efficiency of learning and PM skill development

• Evaluation Form

• Literature review and site visits - No clear evidence of improved learning

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Preparing Students for the Workplace– Industry Survey

• Approx. 10 project based firms;

• Directors, Training Managers, PM’s;

• Investigate the current state of PM workplace training and industry’s use of the learning environment.

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Preliminary Findings

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Primary Factors Impacting L+D• Students:

– Correctly targeting your audience – Willingness to learn

• Subject/Skill:– Relevant and interesting to participants– How soon it is used  

• Speaker:– Quality of facilitation

TIME AND COST

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Does the Environment Contribute to Effective Development?

Three streams:

• Really matters – impact is underestimated

• Yes, but just in terms of getting people away from the job

• All about facilitation

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

“Frankly, I think they probably should have learned it before they got to us.”

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Underdeveloped Skills• Emotional Intelligence • Communication• Planning • Running Meetings • Managing People • The Big Picture• Interpersonal appreciation and understanding• Developing Others

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Group Observation

• Observing group work in a variety of academic environments;

• Looking at:• Environment composition, hygiene and ergonomics

• Participant organisation, interaction and communication

• Facilitator access and contact time

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Conclusions

There is a relationship that cannot be ignored between the speakers, the students, the space and the subject. Appropriate configurations must be determined to promote improved PM learning and development, efficiency of teaching and

industry ready graduates.

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

An exercise for this afternoon

• Matching competency development with spaces

• In groups match the competencies with the “ideal” learning environment

• Justify your answer and comment on any limitations!

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

• Verbal communication

• Written communication

• Planning• Managing people• Teamwork• Leadership

• Chalk and talk• Role playing• Group work• Self-directed• Facilitated• Simulation

• Lecture theatre• e-learning• Innovation lab• Media theatre• Computer

cluster• Break-out space