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


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