Managing Projects for Change: Contextualised Project Management

Tynan, Belinda; Adlington, Rachael; Stewart, Cherry; Vale, Deborah; Sims, Rod; Shanahan, Peter

Author(s)

Tynan, Belinda

Adlington, Rachael

Stewart, Cherry

Vale, Deborah

Sims, Rod

Shanahan, Peter

Publication Date

2010

Abstract

This paper will detail three projects which focussed on enhancing online learning at a large Australian distance education University within a School of Business, School of Health and School of Education. Each project had special funding and took quite distinctive project management approaches, which reflect the desire to embed innovation and ownership at the instructor and student interface. By responding to the stakeholder requirements these three projects provide insight into a) how integrated professional development serves to enable change in practice; b) why leadership at both junior and senior levels of the organisation is an important driver to support instructor engagement for real change; c) what role external private contractors can play; and, d) how instructors were integrated through the varied project management approaches. The integrating theme of the paper is instructor engagement for real change. Each project will be detailed as mini-cases and key lessons drawn out that describe and explain the challenges, opportunities and scope of varied project management approaches to suit the distinct four contexts. This paper builds on and brings together considerable investigation into how we can support and enhance dissemination of a variety of project-based models that respond to contextual needs and issues. The multiple-school case study methodology serves to provide an approach that is both robust and cognisant of current trends in increased university investment through short-term project funding. The final recommendations will highlight how different approaches to project management are both desirable and essential for successfully embedding change of instructor practices for enhancing student learning in distance education modes.

Citation

The Journal of Distance Education, 24(1), p. 187-206

ISSN

1916-6818

0830-0445

Link

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/5926

Language

en

Publisher

Canadian Association for Distance Education

Title

Managing Projects for Change: Contextualised Project Management

Type of document

Journal Article

Entity Type

Publication

Author(s)	Tynan, Belinda Adlington, Rachael Stewart, Cherry Vale, Deborah Sims, Rod Shanahan, Peter
Publication Date	2010
Abstract	This paper will detail three projects which focussed on enhancing online learning at a large Australian distance education University within a School of Business, School of Health and School of Education. Each project had special funding and took quite distinctive project management approaches, which reflect the desire to embed innovation and ownership at the instructor and student interface. By responding to the stakeholder requirements these three projects provide insight into a) how integrated professional development serves to enable change in practice; b) why leadership at both junior and senior levels of the organisation is an important driver to support instructor engagement for real change; c) what role external private contractors can play; and, d) how instructors were integrated through the varied project management approaches. The integrating theme of the paper is instructor engagement for real change. Each project will be detailed as mini-cases and key lessons drawn out that describe and explain the challenges, opportunities and scope of varied project management approaches to suit the distinct four contexts. This paper builds on and brings together considerable investigation into how we can support and enhance dissemination of a variety of project-based models that respond to contextual needs and issues. The multiple-school case study methodology serves to provide an approach that is both robust and cognisant of current trends in increased university investment through short-term project funding. The final recommendations will highlight how different approaches to project management are both desirable and essential for successfully embedding change of instructor practices for enhancing student learning in distance education modes.
Citation	The Journal of Distance Education, 24(1), p. 187-206
ISSN	1916-6818 0830-0445
Link	https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/5926
Language	en
Publisher	Canadian Association for Distance Education
Title	Managing Projects for Change: Contextualised Project Management
Type of document	Journal Article
Entity Type	Publication

Managing Projects for Change: Contextualised Project Management

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