Dear Graham, Nicola and all,
Epigeum has an interactive e-learning course for early career researchers that includes a module on project management in the research context, but it really is just a brief introduction. Could be a useful starting point for identifying the academic-specific applications of generic approaches to PM though. One of the stumbling blocks I've encountered is that formal PM has its own jargon and translating this into more familiar academic-speak, with discipline-relevant examples, is the key - this supports the point that Robert has just made.
Having been involved in PM quite a bit over the last few years, both as a participant on courses and as a PhD supervisor and enhancement project manager, I would also say that no amount of course attendance can substitute for supported, hands on experience (as is true for so much learning); so if there's any way the PM development can be aligned with a live project (maybe the module assessment if part of a PCGert course, or a new enhancement project) to faciltiate an embedded, coaching approach, that's what I'd recommend. This may mean producing some bespoke 'PRINCE Lite' style PM templates (forms and planning tools) that are tailored to your context, and/or to highlight the PM elements in existing research proposal and planning tools, as well as some ongoing 1-1 or small group support.
Happy to share our 'PRINCE Ultra-Lite' style PM pro-formas and guidance docs for our funded enhancement projects if you think they'd be useful, Graham - contact me off-list.
best,
Corony
Corony Edwards
Director of Educational Development
Centre for Learning and Academic Development
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT
0121 414 7316
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________________________________________
From: Online forum for SEDA, the Staff & Educational Development Association [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Daley, Robert A [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 16 May 2012 11:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Project Management
Dear Nicola, and SEDA colleagues
If the focus of the module is on researcher development then I would
suggest that the project management element should be delivered using
the language of research projects and research management rather than
taking a more generic approach.
The important aspect of this approach is to ensure that the academics
undertaking this development are provided with the opportunity to gain
the greatest understanding of the approaches and tools being provided
and of how they can best use these in their own research. Using
research project examples and using the language of research management
should enhance the engagement of the academics as well as their
learning. This approach should also enhance the value of such
development in the eyes of those academics who might be more sceptical
about the value of it and of the credentials of the training
facilitators/delivers.
At Heriot-Watt, our workshop programme separates out the more formal
project management training from the leadership aspects. Our annual
programme includes externally facilitated workshops entitled
"Strategies for Research Success" and "Leadership in a Research
Environment" as well as a project management workshop. If anyone would
like further details on these approaches then please contact me
directly.
Regards,
Rob
*******************************
Dr Rob Daley
Researcher Development Coordinator
Academic Enhancement
Level 1, The Postgraduate Centre,
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
0131-4513283
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-----Original Message-----
From: Online forum for SEDA, the Staff & Educational Development
Association [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nicola Reimann
Sent: 16 May 2012 11:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Project Management
Colleagues,
Could I add to Graham's question: On our PGCert for new academics we
have now got a module which focuses on researcher development. This
incorporates the development of research project management skills. The
issue I have been grappling with is whether we should focus on
introducing participants to generic project management tools and
techniques, or whether we should offer something which is specific to
RESEARCH project management. This raises the question whether and in
what way research projects are different to other projects. This in turn
is reminiscent of the debates about generic versus discipline specific
dimensions of L&T.
I'd be grateful for any insights, materials, contacts etc. which you may
want to share.
Graham, I hope you don't mind my adding this question to yours.
Regards
Nicola
Dr. Nicola Reimann
Programme Leader
CPD Academic Practice Programme & PGCert in Higher Education Practice
Room 026, Sutherland Building
Northumberland Road
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST
0191- 243 7098
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-----Original Message-----
From: Online forum for SEDA, the Staff & Educational Development
Association [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Graham Lewis [gjl]
Sent: 16 May 2012 10:57
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Project Management
Colleagues,
Providing project management training is
something I have never really cracked to my satisfaction. Of course
there is the PRINCE2 end, but what most people need is a step down from
that, but a step up from simple 'awareness of issues'. There are, of
course, books aplenty as well as some excellent materials provided by
the JISC and others, but I wonder if anybody out there has an
interesting approach they would want to share. Does anybody have
experience, for instance, oif using 'business games' for this sort of
thing? Can you point to really good people on the trainers circuit?
Regards
Graham
Confused, Aberyswyth
--
Heriot-Watt University is the Sunday Times
Scottish University of the Year 2011-2012
Heriot-Watt University is a Scottish charity
registered under charity number SC000278.
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