Project management through action learning
Projects drive change.
The course is built on two fundamental pillars:
the framework and the instructional approach.
The framework is based on the international standard ISO 21502. It provides a method-neutral reference framework for project management and can therefore be applied across different organizations, project types, and delivery approaches.
The instructional approach is based on Action Learning, which develops practical skills by applying knowledge to real project work.
Participants acquire the theoretical foundation through the online course, which includes around 60 short animated videos, numerous exercises, and a final exam.
Practical skills are developed by working on a comprehensive case study in small groups and managing a project with an advanced computer-based project simulator.
Process: The course combines a blended learning approach, which links individual work on the e-learning platform with teamwork in small groups to solve a case study. Both the e-learning modules and the case study work take place outside of class hours. During class time, there are weekly or otherwise scheduled 30-minute coaching sessions in which the small groups present their work in progress to the coach. These sessions are used to discuss and improve the groups’ approaches. The case study solutions are reviewed and refined several times before final submission.
Goal: By the end of the semester, participants will acquire comprehensive knowledge of the initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure of projects in accordance with ISO 21502, and achieve an overall average of at least 80% across the assessed components.
Outcomes: By the end of the course, participants will have fundamental knowledge and skills in managing projects according to ISO 21502. In the two-semester format, successful completion of the first semester qualifies participants for the advanced course in the second semester. Participants who complete both the basic and advanced courses in one semester with 4 class hours per week and meet the certification requirements described below can obtain the “Certified Practitioner in Project Management (CPPM)” certification for a fee of €150.
The course consists of three components
(two semesters at 2 class hours per week or one semester at 4 class hours per week)
This component focuses on individual knowledge acquisition through the e-learning platform. The course explains the activities involved in initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing a project and its phases. The content applies to different project types. It also covers predictive, iterative, incremental, and agile approaches. The relationships among organizational goals, project objectives, outcomes, benefits, and the associated organizational changes, as well as the links to program and portfolio management, are clearly explained.
Every lesson is supported by videos that combine spoken explanations with visual representations. This audiovisual format helps learners understand and retain the material while supporting self-directed learning and sustained engagement throughout the course.
Each lesson concludes with a quiz, allowing participants to monitor their learning progress continuously. Knowledge gaps become visible early rather than only at the final exam. The course concludes with an online exam.
The course is available anytime and anywhere, provided there is a stable internet connection and access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The languages offered are German, English, French, and Spanish.
How much time should participants plan for? One complete pass through the course takes about 10 hours. If a participant repeats the entire course to reinforce newly acquired knowledge and retakes the exercises for the exam, the total time commitment is around 20 hours. At a learning pace of 4 hours per week, completing the course twice takes about 5 weeks.
This component transforms the knowledge acquired in the e-learning course into practical skills through hands-on application. Solving a case study converts theoretical knowledge into practical skills by allowing participants to apply what they have learned in concrete project situations. The focus is on pre-project work, initiation (project charter), and planning (project management plan).
The case study is completed in small groups of 3 to 5 participants, based on a predefined overall scenario. Each group first determines which part of the problem or opportunity its project will address. The programs and projects defined in the overall scenario make it much easier to identify the specific part of the problem or opportunity that should be addressed by a single project. The two key questions are: “What do we want to achieve, and why?” The “why” defines the purpose; the “what” defines the goal.
The groups evaluate various strategies for achieving the goal and select the most suitable one. Stakeholders, success criteria, outcomes, benefits, risks, and initial assumptions are identified to complete the project charter. After formalizing the project charter, participants begin planning the necessary work to achieve the main outcome. This includes defining sub-objectives that contribute to the main objective, gathering requirements, and establishing the delivery approach. The focus is on developing the project baseline and managing risks and communication.
The small groups meet outside of class, both in person and online. In the 30-minute coaching sessions, each group presents its work at an early stage and receives feedback from the coach. Suggestions for improvement are noted and integrated into the group’s ongoing work.
Working as a team can create an engaging environment for practicing project management. A project management simulation game such as SimulTrain provides an effective way for participants to apply key project management activities in a dynamic setting.
The simulation focuses on execution and control activities, as well as replanning and closing the project and its phases. While there are many opportunities to practice initiation and planning, a simulation is particularly well suited to reproducing the challenges encountered during project execution. The simulation creates a dynamic, virtual environment that mirrors real-life project scenarios. For instance, a client might fail to fulfill their obligations, line managers may withdraw previously committed resources, or the organization’s priorities may shift. Project-team motivation can change in response to the participants’ decisions. Complaints, changes, and new risks arise, quality may fall short of expectations, and delays or budget overruns can result from participants’ actions. There are phone calls, voice messages, and many decisions that must be made under time pressure.
In summary, the simulation enables participants to manage costs, schedule, scope, quality, and risks dynamically while also addressing the human aspects of project management. Participants practice the project manager’s leadership role in leading the project team and engaging with stakeholders.
During debriefing sessions between game rounds, participants compare the results of all groups and reflect, together with the coach, on areas for improvement.
Collaboration platform
Both the case study and the project management simulation workshop can be conducted in person, remotely, or in hybrid mode using the Microsoft Teams collaboration platform. This collaboration tool is also used to support the e-learning phase.
Grades
- If the final grade is composed of the project charter and the exam, each accounts for 50% of the final grade.
- If the final grade is composed of the project charter, project management plan, and the exam, each component counts for one third.
- If the final grade is composed of the project charter, project management plan, exam, and simulation game, each component counts for one quarter.
- If the final grade is composed of the project charter and project management plan, each accounts for 50% of the final grade.
- If the final grade is composed of the project management plan and the simulation game, each accounts for 50% of the final grade.
Course Duration and Schedule
Depending on the course structure, all three components are completed in either one or two semesters. In a course with 2 class hours per week, the e-learning, part 1 of the case study (project charter), and the exam are completed in the first semester. In the second semester, part 2 of the case study (project management plan) and the simulation game follow. In a course with 4 class hours per week, everything is completed within one semester.
CPPM Certification
Certified Practitioner in Project Management
The Path to Certification – Your Opportunity to Stand Out!
By completing all three course components with a score of at least 80% in each, you qualify for certification.
Saying
“I took a course in project management”
is not the same as presenting a certification titled
“Certified Practitioner in Project Management.”
Regardless of your career stage, the CPPM certification, Certified Practitioner in Project Management, can strengthen your professional profile and support your credibility and effectiveness when working in or with project teams.
