Developing Professional Project Managers: The use of practice-oriented learning

This paper will explore two post graduate subjects `Project Management Principles' and `Project Management Practicum'; identify uniquely aggregated material by combining theory with practice using `real-life projects involved with established clients from industry; and explain reflective, culturally diverse, team-oriented and collaborative learning environments. Subject-specific assessments are embedded to achieve Course Intended Learning Outcomes aligned to the required university Graduate Attributes. The Graduate Attributes that students develop in these subjects include: critical thinking and research skills; creativity and innovation; communications and interpersonal skills; attitudes and values, and practical and professional skills. The following criteria will be examined within these two project management subjects that students undertake as part of a Graduate Certificate or Masters of Project Management: 1.Approaches to teaching and learning and/or to teaching and learning support that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn 2.Development of curricula and resources that reflect a command of the field 3.Scholarly activities and service innovations that have influenced and enhanced learning and teaching. The paper will demonstrate how the two courses integrate and extend students' knowledge and skills, and also the student experience in managing dynamic intercultural relations