Real World Project Management: Do As I Say, Not As They Teach

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is a stark contrast between the project management tools and techniques taught in schools and those actually used in industrial settings. This exploratory study provides evidence of those differences in the form of qualitative data collected from project managers in the information technology areas of major firms from the banking, cosmetics, and electronics manufacturing industries. Evidence suggests that there is a significant variation in which the formal project management processes taught in traditional project management curricula are used, if any. The study explores the reasons behind these differences and suggests possible approaches to ease the strain for new hires and current employees.

An Active Learning Approach to Core Project Management Competencies

“…10 Research points out that many experienced project managers consider "the formal use of PM tools and procedures to be wasteful" of time and resources and "all but the most rudimentary tools were far too cumbersome." 11 Kasten sites a large, multi-country survey confirming that many industries forsake all or many of the formal practices taught in project management courses. He goes further stating there is a "mismatch" between what is being taught to engineering undergraduates and what is being used in industry.…”

“…He goes further stating there is a "mismatch" between what is being taught to engineering undergraduates and what is being used in industry. 11 The challenge in teaching project management at the undergraduate level is that there is extremely diverse content and no uniform definition of an "ideal" project structure. 1 The instructional conundrum is two-fold: 1) What are the correct technical skills required, and 2) How to integrate required soft skills?…”