Introduction to the course and to PBL and projects

Setting expectations 6 question model

WhodoesWhatWhenWhereHowandWhy the course

Why

What

Where

When

How

Who

When something doesn’t live

up to the expectations it is

very often because of the

expectations have not been

discussed

Setting expectations (Who)The teacher

• Personal– 44 years old, married, one child– Education / Master in humanistic computer science from Aalborg

University 1992

• LEGO Company– 9 years of concept development, project management and innovation

management– 7 years in Billund / 2 years in London

• Vitus Bering / VIA– 9 years at different positions– Project Management, lecturer and manager of the idea workshop– Now development consultant and lecturer– Area of expertise: IT concept development, Project Management,

innovation and innovative processes

Setting expectations (Who)The teacher

Setting expectations (Who) The students

Area of interestsCountryBackground…

Setting expectations (What)Problem based and project organized study

• Problem oriented study– Focus on problem formulation and the students build problem solutions

upon relevant empiric studies and theories – You are not limited by obligatory theory

• Project organized study – Start/end, goal & resources– The group produces a a project report, and finally an evaluation will be

held

• Student organized and controlled– The group chooses problem, method, empiric studies & theory etc..– Together with your supervisor ( interested party nr 1.)

• Real world oriented– Problem is often related to a real-world situation

Your Project 15 weeks?? ECTS

The PM course 3 ECTS

End of semester

An introduction and support course to your project

• PBL and Groupwork• Problem formulation• Project description• Analysis, planning &

evaluation

Deliveries to the supervisor:

• Process report• Project report

• Final project description• Draft project description• Group charter

Setting expectations (What)

Support to your project

Setting expectations (What)The course description

Setting expectations (What) Project framework

Setting expectations (When)Plan of lectures

Setting expectations (when)Important dates

Setting expectations (where)

• E303 and Apollo• Virtual location: studienet.viauc.dk

– Login: xx & Password: xx– Choose English flag– Choose mechanical engineering– Find our room:– Download material: (Presentations, literature, formal papers etc..)– Upload material: (Student presentations)

Setting expectations (How) The project process /phases

Time

Project start

Problem analysis

Project description

Problem solving \ Project implementation

Conclusion and report

EvaluationMilestones/deadlines

Setting expectations (How) The project description

1. Background description2. Purpose3. Problem formulation4. Delimitation5. Choice of model and method, procedure6. Time schedule /plan7. Sources, references and literature

HowDifferent ways of teaching and learning

Student controlled

Teacher controlled

Subject based

Problem based

Presentation

Classroom

Workshop

Projects and excercises

Homework

Selfstudy

Cases

Open problems

Lab-work

Problem based

projects

In the PM-course we will teach you how to do problem

based projects

This is where you are heading in order to learn

by working with your projects

“Tell me and I will forgetShow me and I will rememberInvolve me and I will understandStep back and I will act”

Kinesisk ordsprog

”The one who works is the one who learns

Setting expectations (How) Study characteristica

Setting expectations (Why) Qualifications

• Why are student-projects important parts of the curriculum? • Activating students• Developing professional skills and qualifications• Developing personal and communicational qualifications

• Why problem based projects?• Motivation by solving real problems• Developing methodical qualifications• Developing new data, information and knowledge

Setting expectations (Why)

• HS movie clip

Working in projectsProject definition

A project is a sequence of tasks with a beginning and an end that is bounded by time, resources, and desired results.

Results (product, features, quality)

TimeResources

Working in projects Project characteristics

• Task/problem oriented• Complex• Character of development• Cross organizational• Multi-disciplinary• Unique• Timelimited

Working in projectsWhy projects?

• Flexible and effective• Works across organisational boundaries• Better chance of reaching target

– On time, on budget, on quality

The quest for the holy grail

Who are we?How do we work together?Roles, competences etc?

What is the goal?Success criteria's?Deliverables?

Context characteristic?Rules, possibilities and restrictions?

Project challenges?Group challenges?Competences etc.?

Helpers?Who are they?How can we use them?

World

Project experiences

What do I add to the group?

Experiences withworking in groups

The ideal group?

Great personal experiences

Project experiences

Draw you coat of arms

Discuss in minor groups (2 or 3 persons in each group) your coat of arms and your opinions and experiences with working in groups.

What have you drawn and why?

Working in projects

• Different perspectives• Different qualities• Generating a team spirit (challenge & help)• Generating a shared vision• Communication is key• This is most likely the way you are going work when you has finished your

education

Problem formulationDefining the project goal

Problem formulationThe problem directs the project

Background and purpose

The problem?

The problem directs the rest of your work and the reportMethodTheory

Empiric studiesConclusion

-----------------------------------------------------------

What is a problem?• One or more questions that needs further investigations

– something not fully solved– needs more information/knowledge about– use your own personal curiosity, wonder & astonishment

• You as a group choose your own – main subject – problem formulation– literature & empirical studies– process (Still according to overall framework)

• It is not as easy as it sounds– Use your curiosity and natural wonder– Is the problem exciting (does it turn you on? – and others?)– Ask questions (do not look for answers)– Use different perspectives

Problem formulationCharacteristics

• Interesting – right in bulls eye

• Good argumentation, well structured – A real problem

• Follows up in a logical way from project introduction

• Formulated in a clear, understandable and precise language

• Structured with a main problem/questions and sub questions

• Clear delimitation – activities, choices and perspectives• Remember that the question(s) asked in the problem formulation must be

answered in the conclusion of your report

Use an effective way of lay-out that supports your message

Problem formulation

Problem formulation

Conclusion

Empirical studiesTheory

[Andersen, 2003, p.29]

To the next time

• Read Guidelines for preparing projects reports

• Start thinking about a project, a problem or a subject

• Start sharing your thoughts with other students