Abstract
In this chapter, we argue that the strength of game-based learning is not restricted to improving motivation or engagement to learn project management concepts and methods. We demonstrate that game-based learning approach could as well be used to uncover biases and pre-made assumptions about how projects should be managed. The paper provides a thorough description of a project management game that is used in an introductory course in project management. The game was developed to demonstrate the scope and impact of assumptions and biases on the early phases of project development. The game provides the course participants with an opportunity to comprehend the importance of reflecting holistically before taking decisions. The game was developed to uncover the following biases: (1) focus on problem-solving; (2) bounded rationality bias, basing problem-solving on simplified models of reality that do not consider the complexity of contextual and external factors; and (3) groupthink bias. The game also demonstrates how these biases may result in failure to evaluate project outcome and failure to identify and involve key project stakeholders.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Alam, M., Gale, A., Brown, M., & Kidd, C. (2008). The development and delivery of an industry led project management professional development programme: A case study in project management education and success management. International Journal of Project Management, 26(3), 223–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2007.12.005
Cano, J. L., & Saenz, M. J. (2003). Project management simulation laboratory: Experimental learning and knowledge acquisition. Production Planning and Control, 14(2), 166–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/0953728031000107644
Cicmil, S., Williams, T., Thomas, J., & Hodgson, D. (2006). Rethinking project management: Researching the actuality of projects. International Journal of Project Management, 24(8), 675–686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2006.08.006
Córdoba, J.-R., & Piki, A. (2012). Facilitating project management education through groups as systems. International Journal of Project Management, 30(1), 83–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2011.02.011
Crawford, L., Morris, P., Thomas, J., & Winter, M. (2006a). Practitioner development: From trained technicians to reflective practitioners. International Journal of Project Management, 24(8), 722–733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2006.09.010
Crawford, L., Pollack, J., & England, D. (2006b). Uncovering the trends in project management: Journal emphases over the last 10 years. International Journal of Project Management, 24(2), 175–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2005.10.005
Elgood, C. (1997). Handbook of management games and simulations. Gower.
Hingorani, K., Sankar, C. S., & Kramer, S. W. (1998). Teaching project management through an information technology-based method. Project Management Journal, 29(1), 10. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=27122609&Fmt=7&clientId=52314&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Hussein, B. A. (2007). On using simulation games as a research tool in project management. In I. Mayer & H. Mastik (Eds.), Organizing and learning through gaming and simulation: Proceedings of Isaga 2007 (pp. 131–138). Eburon.
Hussein, B. A. (2011). Quasi-experimental method to identify the impact of ambiguity and urgency on project participants in the early project phase. In Proceedings of the IEEE 6th International Conference on Intelligent Data Acquisition and Advanced Computing Systems (IDAACS) (Vol. 2, pp. 892–897). IEEE conference proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1109/IDAACS.2011.6072901
Hussein, B. A. (2015). A blended learning approach to teaching project management: A model for active participation and involvement: Insights from Norway. Education in Science, 5(2), 104–125. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci5020104
Hussein, B., & Rolstadås, A. (2002). Hybrid learning in project management: Potentials and challenges. PMI Research Conference 2002, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Janis, I. L. (1971). Groupthink. Psychology today, 5(6), 43–46.
Kahoot. (2015). Kahoot. Retrieved 17.02.2020 from https://getkahoot.com
Klassen, K. J., & Willoughby, K. A. (2003). Musikfest: An in-class project management game. In Proceedings - Annual Meeting of the Decision Sciences Institute Washington, DC, United States.
Legrenzi, P., Girotto, V., & Johnson-Laird, P. N. (1993). Focussing in reasoning and decision making. International Journal of Cognitive Science, 49(1–2), 37–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0277(93)90035-T
Mario, V., Ann, V., & Paul, G. (2005). The project scheduling game (psg): Simulating time/cost trade-offs in projects. Project Management Journal, 36(1), 51–59. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=810402341&Fmt=7&clientId=52314&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Ofer, Z., & Amnon, G. (2007). Project execution game (PEG): Training towards managing unexpected events. Journal of European Industrial Training, 31(6), 495–512. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1363452011&Fmt=7&clientId=52314&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Ojiako, U., Ashleigh, M., Wang, J. K., & Chipulu, M. (2011). The criticality of transferable skills development and virtual learning environments used in the teaching of project management. Project Management Journal, 42(4), 76–86. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.20240
Pant, I., & Baroudi, B. (2008). Project management education: The human skills imperative. International Journal of Project Management, 26(2), 124–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2007.05.010
Ramazani, J., & Jergeas, G. (2015). Project managers and the journey from good to great: The benefits of investment in project management training and education. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 41–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.03.012
Roger, A. (2008). Excellence in teaching and learning project management. International Journal of Project Management, 26(3), 221–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2008.02.001
Rumeser, D., & Emsley, M. (2019). Lessons learned from implementing project management games. International Journal of Serious Games, 6(1), 71–92.
Shenhar, A. J., & Dvir, D. (2007). Reinventing project management. The diamond approach to successful growth and innovation (1st ed.). Harvard Business Review Press.
Shore, B. (2008). Systematic biases and culture in project failures. Project Management Journal, 39(4), 5–16. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.20017
Simon, H. A. (1986). Rationality in psychology and economics. The Journal of Business, 59(4), 209–224. https://doi.org/10.2307/2352757
Thomas, J., & Mengel, T. (2008). Preparing project managers to deal with complexity – Advanced project management education. International Journal of Project Management, 26(3), 304–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2008.01.001
Winter, M., Smith, C., Cooke-Davies, T., & Cicmil, S. (2006a). The importance of process' in rethinking project management: The story of a UK Government-funded research network. International Journal of Project Management, 24(8), 650–662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2006.08.008
Winter, M., Smith, C., Morris, P., & Cicmil, S. (2006b). Directions for future research in project management: The main findings of a UK Government-funded research network. International Journal of Project Management, 24(8), 638–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2006.08.009
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2021 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Hussein, B. (2021). Using Game-Based Learning to Prompt Reflective and Holistic Thinking in Project Management. In: Daniela, L. (eds) Smart Pedagogy of Game-based Learning . Advances in Game-Based Learning. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76986-4_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76986-4_5
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-76985-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-76986-4
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)