Embedding Sustainability in Complex Projects: A Pedagogic Practice Simulation Approach

Caroline N J Tite,Nicholas Dacre,David Pontin

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3814008

Caroline N J Tite, Nicholas Dacre + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3814008

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Journal: SSRN	Publication Date: Jan 1, 2021
Citations: 2	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: University of Warwick, University of Southampton

Abstract

Sustainability is focussed on avoiding the long-term depletion of natural resources. Under the terms of a government plan to tackle climate change, a driver for improved sustainability is the cut of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to almost zero by 2050. With this type of change, new themes are continuously being developed which drive complex projects, such as the development of new power generation methods, which encompass challenging lead times and demanding requirements. Consideration of the implementation of strategies and key concepts, which may engender sustainability within complex projects therefore presents an opportunity for further critical debate, review, and application through a project management lens. Sustainability incorporation in project management has been documented in academic literature, with this emerging field providing new challenges. For example, project management education can provide a holistic base for the inculcation of sustainability factors to a range of industries, including complex projects. Likewise, practitioner interest and approaches to sustainability in project management are being driven by the recently Chartered Association for Project Management (APM). Whilst this body makes a significant contribution to the UK economy across many sectors, it also addresses ongoing sustainability challenges. Therefore, by drawing on research and practitioner developments, the authors argue that by connecting with the next generation through practice simulation approaches, and embedding sustainability issues within project management tools and methods, improved focus on sustainability in complex project management may be achieved.

Highlights

There is widespread agreement that sustainability is an area of focus which needs to be considered and addressed within responsible management practice (Gkogkidis & Dacre, 2021)
The Association for Project Management (APM) recognise the need for embedding sustainability at the project management level, there is a wider global organisational perspective which merits a high degree of contemplation
In considering an approach towards this aim, it should be underpinned by a clear definition of what is meant by sustainability in project management education, with an agreed framework which can be implemented as a reference point in formalising the context in providing a robust and rigorous syllabus

Summary

Introduction

There is widespread agreement that sustainability is an area of focus which needs to be considered and addressed within responsible management practice (Gkogkidis & Dacre, 2021) Many authors address this subject area and consider methods for embedding sustainability within a project management curriculum. A set of core competencies in sustainability needs to be identified, analysed, and developed in order to guide degree course and curriculum development (Dacre et al, 2019; Reynolds & Dacre, 2019), which may guide changes in approach to sustainability education within academic institutions. This research paper focuses on framing the concept of sustainability by drawing on project management literature, ensued by a practice simulation vignette stemming from extensive academic insights across different Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

Framing Sustainability

Practice Simulation

Findings

Discussion