Project Management Experience
Planning & Managing projects simulation
“The Project Management Experience simulation is designed for easy inclusion into course modules and is mapped against the project management skills employers are looking for in their graduate intake.”
Abstract and learning objectives
Abstract
The Project Management Experience Simulation:
This simulation can be run as part of in-curricular course work or as an extra-curricular activity at undergraduate or Masters-level.
It is designed for easy inclusion into course modules at 10 credit level and is mapped against the project management skills employers are looking for in their graduate intake.
Working in teams of 5 members, participants will open a new office for a global bank looking to position itself in an emerging market. They will understand the four phases of projects: start-up, planning, execution and close-down and will be introduced to the qualities required of a successful project manager.
The challenge is: Which team can manage their project to come out on time, cost and quality
The simulation introduces participants to the key tools and frameworks that help project managers deliver projects on time, to budget and to specification. These tools are generic tools and frameworks, based on Prince2, and can be applied to any complex task with multiple issues and stakeholders.
Each phase of the simulation is scored and teams compete to be the most effective project management team. Comprehensive resources and materials are supplied for each of the 4 phases of project management.
Learning objectives:
- Project management phases: An understanding of four phases of project management
- Personal qualities: An understanding of the personal qualities required for a successful project manager based on the Prince2 framework.
- Adaptability: gives an opportunity for team members to adopt different roles
- Effective communication: encourages articulation of ideas
- Information literacy: able to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information
- Collaboration: encourages co-operation with others to achieve a common purpose
- Self-awareness and development: helps identify personal strengths and growth areas
The simulation is designed to develop the competencies and behaviours of successful project managers who are:
- Decisive
- Systematic
- Professional & competent
- Passionate and positive
- Tenacious and determined
- Financially aware
- Empowering
- Courageous
- Problem solvers
- Collaborative and relationship building
- Ethical
- Big picture perspective
Content & Format
What:
The simulation can be run over an extended time period as part of an assignment or as a live event over one day and is available in two versions:
PME In-curricular version:
This is designed for easy inclusion into a course module at 10 credit level and is mapped against the project management skills employers are looking for in their graduate intake. Each phase of the simulation is scored so teams can compete to be the most effective project management team. Comprehensive resources and materials are supplied for each of the 4 phases of project management.
PME Extra-curricular activity:
This is a shorter version ideal for extra-curricular enterprise day activities to give students across disciplines the experience of running a complex project. As all stages of the simulation are scored, it can be run competitively thus building team-working skills and business acumen.
Who:
Undergraduate or Masters-level participants work in teams of 5.
Educator resources:
Simple and practical on-line simulation platform with the following resources:
- teaching notes for the educator team
- introductory slides
- comprehensive student team briefing
- introductory videos
- on-line scoring for each phase
- assessment options: MCQs, peer review and a reflective account
- student / team mentoring guidance
- feedback on participant decisions
- plus telephone helpdesk for educators.
An introduction to current users of the PME simulation is available as part of the briefing and adoption.
Student team resources include:
Engaging on-line simulation platform with the following resources:
- comprehensive team briefing
- video introduction
- comprehensive project management ‘toolkit’ documentation of all four phases
- explanation of decisions to be taken
- timetable for decisions
- viewing and notification of results
- helpful hints & tips including explanation of project management terms
- plus email helpdesk.
How delivered:
On-line:
This simulation is delivered by a combination of on-line downloadable resources and live facilitation, with phase 3: Implementation involving an exciting board game. All resources are downloadable from the simulation website, team decisions are uploaded on-line at the end of each phase and results viewed / printed / or emailed.
How long:
In-curricular:
The in-curricular version is normally run over one day or a series of weeks as part of an assignment. Timetables for delivery can be scheduled to fit with course requirements.
Live Event alternative:
The extra-curricular simulation version can be run live over one day, either facilitated by us or by university staff if preferred.
