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.
Let's take the case of a software development project. A project is initiated only after proper justification is provided. For this to happen, there must be a genuine need for the outcome being desired to be project result. Project planning begins with understanding the requirements. The requirements in a software development project are set forth by the business analyst handling that client/relationship. The requirements need to be tested using cases. There is a variety of requirements analysis software available in the market. Once the requirements have been decided upon and documented properly, the next phase of project management begins.
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.
Two way communication plays an important part in project throughout it's entire life. Managers find the feedback loop a great boon to understand the present status of the project. All future plans depend on the present status of the project. Hence a hands on training in proper use of communication tools in project management will be a huge advantage. This training includes much more than just mail software training. One must stress on the importance of timely checks throughout the duration of the project.
Projects also involve human capital. Resource allocation deals with allocation of resources capable of doing tasks in a logical manner in order that the project objectives are met. Training in project management must include sessions on human organizational behavior, costing and human resource management. Such training must also include sessions on quality, value engineering, and theory of constraints. These theories are not to be just read, but imbibed as a philosophy in every project. Therefore the training in project management must include tasks which involve application of the key take-aways from the sessions.
Lately, computer games have been designed specifically to help a trainer illustrate concepts of project management technology. This game-based training can be tested for effectiveness using course assessments, and computer games are an excellent way to learn interactively. Project management philosophies are important, yes, but learning to use the software is also a critical part of training. Learning philosophies teaches a potential project manager why to do each step, but knowing how to use the project management technology is the key to putting the steps into practice.
In sum project management training plays an important role in any company. As in software development the project management starts initially. Computer games are used as one of the project management technology. This game provides an easy way for training. And also these games have advantage as it's attracts more number of people.And finally project management includes most of the things like deciding on resource and cost constraints, time constraints etc. so a proper training helps in development of good product. And good product development will directly lead to organizational development.
Published May 16th, 2007
Filed in Games