Project management students learn from experts in the field

Dr Teslim Bukoye presenting a project management lecture at UWL in front of students.

Project management students learn from experts in the field

3 March 2023

Project managers are in high demand. Recent research from the Project Management Institute predicts that each year, between now and the end of 2027, as many as 2.2 million new roles will be opening. Mindful of this potential, the University of West London’s School of Computing and Engineering runs two postgraduate MSc (Hons) project management courses: the two-year MSc Digital Technology Solutions Specialist, and one-year MSc Applied Project Management.

In addition to studying the latest theories, students regularly benefit from talks from experts, as Portfolio Leader, (Academic Partnership) Nasrullah Khilji, who runs the courses, explains.

The idea is to link classroom theory into business reality. Students can learn from someone who is working in the field, broadening their understanding.”

The first expert talk of 2023 saw 77 students welcome Dr Teslim Oyegoke Bukoye, who is Associate Professor and Director of International Exchanges at the University of Bath.

Dr Bukoye, who is an expert in project management, operations, and supply chain management, spoke on ‘Using nudges across project lifecycle: lessons for strategic portfolio management’.

He discussed his research into what are called ‘nudges’, their impact on people’s behaviour, and effect on the project lifecycle. Nudges are adaptive changes to the environment designed to influence behaviour, a bit like people reducing their speed because they see a speed camera when they are driving.”

The session was very interactive, with students asking lots of questions.

Nasrullah added:

Dr Bukoye was impressed with how engaged and knowledgeable they were,”

UWL international student Parth Chauhan, who is studying for an MSc in Applied Project Management adds that listening to experts is a great way to gain insight into what organisations will expect.

I have a background in engineering, and I want to become a project coordinator or junior project manager. Project management can be applied to any sector though and studying it gives me new perspectives, such as how important flexibility and agility are for business.”

The course welcomes at least two guest experts each semester – previous speakers have come from Santander and from the Association of Project Management (APM) and the Chartered Institute of Quality Surveyors.

Project management is quite a practical discipline. This semester I am leading a module on team dynamics and leadership which will involve more case studies and scenarios, and industry experts joining us to share their expertise.”