Learning Project Management through Working for Real Clients

Abstract

This paper presents the strategies of the Project Management course for undergraduates followed at the Engineering Faculty of the University of Zaragoza. It is based on the management by each student group of a project for a real client. The course is supported by the services provided to the groups by a Project Management Office set up by the teachers of the course. On analyzing the failed projects carried out during terms 03/04 and 04/05, lack of internal coordination was detected as the most recurrent cause explaining failure to achieve the expected results in certain groups. This research has resulted in the inclusion of a series of changes, aimed at offering the student groups a more professional work environment in which to carry out their projects. The results obtained once the changes were made point to the importance of ensuring internal coordination within student groups in order to prevent project failure, as well as the positive reaction of the students to their new working environment.