Project Management Training Through Game Based Learning
A project is any task with a fixed beginning and a definite end, and in today's world, most work is done using this methodology. It is essential that we understand projects and the management tools and techniques necessary to meet project objectives. Project management training is more than just restricted training in the narrow fields of technology or management, but instead may incorporate all these fields. Project management training therefore requires training across multiple domains.
We will start with a case of a project that develops a software.A project can be started provided a justification that is proper. And this can happen only when the result of the project is genuinly needed to be correct. Planning of the project can start only after understanding the requirements. These requirements in the above mentioned project is decided by the buisiness analyst who handles that client/relationship. Different cases are used to test the requirements. In the market we can get a variety of requirement analysis software. The next phase of maneging the project begins only after the decision on the requirments is made and documented priperly.
Allocation of resources is a part of Project Management. And hence the cost centers are resources as well. Therefore maximum contribution can provided to make a good project by utilizing some or all of its resources. The resources can be managed by use of timelines which is an integral part of Project Management. The desired objectives can be attained by using project management template which is one of the preferred ways by many managers. The worksheet software application is used to design such templates. Hence to provide complete project management training it is essential to include hands-on training on worksheet processing software.
Any project involves two-way communication throughout the life cycle of the project. The feedback loop is of immense importance to project managers to understand the current status of project. Current status of project affects the project planning in future. Training in project management must therefore also include hands-on training on the communication tools being used in the particular project. Such training will reap in huge rewards. Communication training goes beyond mail software training. You must emphasize the relevance of routine check-ups during the life cycle of project.
Projects involve human capital. Allocation of this resource involves placing people capable of doing tasks in logical manner in order to meet the project objectives. Training in this regard must include sessions on human organizational behavior, costing and human resource management and also sessions on quality, value engineering and theory of constraints. These theories are to be imbibed and not just to be read. Hence, training on project management should include tasks which involve application of the key take-away from the sessions.
In recent times, many trainers have started using specially designed computer games to illustrate the project management concepts. these games involve the learner to use project management technology and focus on their approach to training project management concepts. The outcome of such game based training is quantifiable through course assessment. it can be summarized that training should also involve the learner to perform tasks using project management technology and not only traditional project management philosophies.
Project management training is an essential process in current stage. As a project must be completed within a deadline, how it should be started, managed and ended plays an important role in all projects. Consider a software development project, which starts only after a good reason is provided to get the desired results. In the recent times, specially designed computer games are used to illustrate the project management concepts. The desired outcome of such game based training is quantifiable. We can summarize that training should not only hover around the traditional project management philosophies but also involve the learner to perform tasks using the project management technology himself.
Published May 16th, 2007
Filed in Computer




