Project Management lecturers recognised

Springfield's Dr Jon Whitty and Dr Barrie Todhunter recipents of a USQ Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

It will come as no surprise to the many students who have participated in postgraduate workshops run by Dr Barrie Todhunter and Dr Jon Whitty at Springfield campus, to learn they have been recognised for their contribution to the quality of student learning at USQ.

Dr Todhunter and Dr Whitty have recently been awarded a USQ Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning and a $5000 grant for their development of the Intensive Workshop Mode of delivery for the Master of Project Management program.

Building on the campus theme of ‘community centred, career focused’, their concepts have been so successful in the Springfield Project Management program they have also been adopted for use in other postgraduate programs offered by the Faculty including the Master of Business Administration.

As a result of their work, the workshops have gone from humble beginnings with a handful of students to now attracting up to 50 students at a time, who enjoy the benefits of improved grades as well as social and professional networking to help build their careers.

Dr Todhunter said he initially identified a need to develop a fresh approach to the delivery of the postgraduate program as the majority of learners were mature-aged and in need of greater flexibility when studying.

'Our students are typically working full-time, so they came to their studies with a lifetime of experience which they could share with others in the workshops – genuine collaborative learning,' Dr Todhunter said.

'They are taking time away from families and work to travel often considerable distances to participate and an innovative approach was needed to deliver a program that suited their needs and allowed them to gain maximum value from their commitment.'

By blending learning principles from a number of teaching models the program was designed to offer students a series of three-day, face-to-face workshops - minimising time away from work and family and creating a high impact learning environment.

'We have not only local students undertaking the courses, but also many who are working or living in remote regions on major project sites with limited opportunities to attend conventionally structured on-campus programs,' he said.

'This method of intensive delivery has proven very popular with our students.'

Dr Whitty said creating strong relationships between lecturers, students and industry partners was paramount to the success of the program.

'We regularly have industry experts and past students provide guest lectures and take part in workshop activities,' Dr Whitty said.

'The feedback from all involved has been that this hands-on approach greatly enhances student learning outcomes.

'Project management is one of the fastest growing areas in industry today. A quick drive around the Western Corridor shows development and projects in various stages of development.

'All of these projects, both large and small require qualified and experienced Project Managers and the courses we deliver need to prepare students for the demands that will be made on them when they undertake them or build on the skills they have already developed.'

Follow the link for more information on the Masters of Project Management or phone 1800 269 500.

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096