Managing Projects for Change: Contextualised Project Management

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Managing Projects for Change: Contextualised Project Management
Language: English
Authors: Tynan, Belinda, Adlington, Rachael, Stewart, Cherry, Vale, Deborah, Sims, Rod, Shanahan, Peter
Source: Journal of Distance Education. 2010 24(1):187-206.
Availability: Canadian Network for Innovation in Education. 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: journalofde@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.jofde.ca
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2010
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Electronic Learning, Instructional Design, Distance Education, Online Courses, Educational Technology, Internet, Access to Computers, Program Descriptions, Program Administration, Program Development, Program Implementation, Administrative Principles, Educational Policy, College Environment, College Instruction, Faculty Development, College Faculty, Teacher Role, Instructional Development, Educational Change, Change Strategies, Case Studies, Action Research, Guidelines, Leadership, Schools of Education, Business Administration Education, Allied Health Occupations Education, Teacher Education Programs, Consultants
Geographic Terms: Australia
ISSN: 0830-0445
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 organization 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. (Contains 1 figure.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 37
Entry Date: 2010
Accession Number: EJ892384
Database: ERIC
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