Emergent requirements for project management education in the aerospace industry of the 21st century

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Senior Project Managers Qualitative Interview.

Use of project management techniques has increased world wide. Demand placed on the skills and knowledge of project managers has also changed. The purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of project managers regarding the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for the success of entry-level project managers in the 21st Century. A purposive sample of 12 senior level project managers was recruited for semi-structured interviews utilizing qualitative grounded theory research methods. Primarily from Aerospace and Defense organizations, these senior practitioners possessed a combination of years experience and supervision to provide perceptions regarding recent changes in the practice of project management which might impact needed skills and knowledge.

Findings and Conclusions:

Results of this study indicate that educational institutions must stay current with conditions experienced in practice. Schools must regularly alter their curricula to adapt to changes taking place in project management. New technology and increasing complexity of projects have altered the focus educational institutions should take in preparing students for careers in project management. Teaching soft skills, especially all forms of communications along with awareness will challenge educators as they prepare students for the role of project manager.

Finding better ways of providing hands-on experience as part of a career track education program is essential. Entry-level project managers must be proficient in all the latest tools and techniques so they can face the challenges of future aerospace and defense project management positions.