Arizona State University (ASU) is taking a pioneering step towards a greener future. Its highly-regarded project management program has partnered with Green Project Management (GPM), a global sustainability leader, to become the first university in the United States to integrate sustainability concepts directly into its undergraduate and graduate-level curriculum. Sustainability: A Top Priority This innovative partnership aligns perfectly with ASU’s commitment to sustainability practices. Recognizing the urgency of environmental and social challenges, ASU’s project management program is equipping future leaders with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. “With concerns about climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, water scarcity and biodiversity loss, organizations are increasingly expected to shift their culture and act in ethically, environmentally and socially responsible ways; therefore, we want to invest in the people, tools and technologies with a sustainable focus,” said Emily Mertz, an associate teaching professor in ASU’s School of Applied Professional Studies in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, a senior global futures scholar in ASU’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and a Green Project Management Global Ambassador. The collaboration will see ASU faculty and GPM experts work together to infuse PRiSM and P5 standards – frameworks aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – into existing…
A leading academic has called for a fundamental shift in how project management is taught at universities to ensure graduates can address pressing issues like climate change and digital transformation. Professor Christine Unterhitzenberger, Professor of Project Management at the University of Leeds, argues that sustainability and digitalisation need to be central to project management degrees if the profession is to deliver the changes society needs. Professor Unterhitzenberger highlights the lack of clarity surrounding how the goals set at the recent COP28 climate change conference will be achieved. Project, programme, and portfolio management (P3M) professionals will be critical in filling the gaps and delivering change, she says. Universities, therefore, must equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for this challenge by embedding sustainability into project-related courses. “What’s clear is that there’s no plan for how COP28 targets will be met. It will require substantial transformation of business and society and the project profession will have to play a crucial role. “At the moment, I feel the project profession is waiting for someone else – maybe the government – to put legislation or policy in place and then we [the project profession] follow. As a profession, we need to…
The University of Winchester‘s MSc Project Management programme has secured accreditation from the Association for Project Management (APM), the world’s sole chartered membership organisation for the project profession. This accreditation grants Winchester graduates a significant advantage in pursuing Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status via the Recognised Assessment route. All students will also receive complimentary membership of the APM, gaining access to their extensive resources. The University welcomes the accreditation, which facilitates access to industry leaders and strengthens links with professionals in the field. The one-year programme, led by Caroline Tite, has proven popular with graduates from diverse disciplines, including arts subjects. “The course offers students a wide range of possibilities and provides a valuable opportunity to enter this growing field,” said Ms. Tite. Project management skills are increasingly sought-after in today’s digital age, not just in traditional sectors like manufacturing, construction, and engineering, but also in healthcare, education, tourism, and any organisation undergoing change. The APM describes project management as a “golden thread” that drives quality, efficiency, and effective strategic change across all sectors. Their research shows the UK project management sector generated a substantial £156.5 billion of the UK’s annual gross value added (GVA) in 2019, representing 8.9% of…
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has announced a change to the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship standard in England. Effective April 2024, sitting the Association for Project Management (APM) Project Management Qualification will no longer be a mandatory requirement for completing the apprenticeship’s end-point assessment. This decision, made without the endorsement of APM, will also be reflected in the next edition of the standard published in April 2024 for new apprentices. The change aligns with IfATE’s wider initiative to remove professional qualifications from apprenticeship requirements. Key Points: APM’s Response: The Association for Project Management acknowledges the short notice provided by IfATE and recognises the potential concerns this may cause, particularly for those already enrolled in the programme. As the chartered body for the project profession in the UK, APM remains committed to supporting project professionals during this transition. APM emphasises the value of the APM Project Management Qualification in enhancing an individual’s skillset and career prospects. They highlight a survey indicating that 95% of APM qualification holders believe it benefits their careers. Therefore, APM prioritizes supporting current apprentices in completing their programme with the professional qualification they anticipated upon enrolment. Apprenticeships and Project Management Qualifications: Apprenticeships…
