Advancing Project Management Education Through A Tailored Module At Uitm

Abstract

Project management (PM) is a vital skill across various industries, and its integration into higher education has become increasingly important. However, in academic programs like administrative science, there is a notable gap in structured, contextually relevant PM education. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by students in preparing project proposals and the strategies that can be employed to improve their understanding and application of project management concepts. Through in-depth interviews with two experts in the field, the research identifies key issues students encounter, including difficulty in scoping projects, ineffective use of PM tools (such as work breakdown structures and risk assessments), and challenges with time management and budgeting. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive PM module that blends academic writing skills with practical project planning techniques. Key strategies for overcoming the challenges include providing structured templates, early topic refinement sessions, regular consultation opportunities, and hands-on experience with PM tools. Additionally, the experts highlight the importance of addressing common student misconceptions about PM processes and the rationale behind them. The study concludes that developing a tailored PM module for administrative science students is essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Such a module should not only equip students with the necessary technical skills but also provide them with the academic and practical tools to create industry-relevant project proposals. The research highlights the potential for curriculum innovation in higher education to better prepare students for the complexities of project management in the real world.