Track: Engineering Education

Abstract

The need for Project Management Skills in Polytechnic programs has been vastly overlooked by universities as a method to increase student success. There is a major trend in higher education that embraces project-based learning occurring in the growing number of polytechnic institutions and technical programs. The polytechnic model is based on active learning, project based learning, and problem-solving using real-world issues and challenges. These programs have carefully crafted technical curriculums and plans of study that seek to prepare students for professional careers upon graduation. The irony in this scenario is that many of these impactful programs do not teach project management as a required course early in the academic curricula that heavily depends on project-based learning.  The majority of the programs surveyed in this study offer project management courses as an elective and not as a requirement. In curriculums where project management courses are required, it is usually in the senior year with minimal time for impact as students undertake capstone experiences. The standardized tools and techniques of project management can equip students with a skill set that will enhance their academic careers immediately and help them develop a greater competitive edge in industry post-graduation.

Key Words: project management, credentialling, team-based learning, outcome-based learning, transferrable skills, problem solving, leadership.