Articles
International Cooperation Between Two Project Learning Environments : a Case Study
In this paper, the focus was set on describing the international cooperation model between two project offices, establishing the new project office to Singapore as well as analyzing the outcomes and experiences from the first two customer projects that were implemented in collaboration between Finland and Singapore.
Knowledge Gained by Working in University-Industry Collaboration Projects – a Case Study
Based on informal discussions with the alumni, the assumption was that theFIRMA or its previous forms have had a great impact on the work possibilities and the skills students have attained while working in the learning environment. The results of the survey indicate similar findings to the earlier assumptions. In addition, the most valued interpersonal skills of the alumni are the same skills that the companies recruiting value the most. Thus, it seems that the integration of project-based learning and interpersonal skills works smoothly
Agile Project Management in University-Industry Collaboration Projects
Both disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge is needed in order for a student to succeed as a professional after graduation. Interdisciplinary knowledge, such as project management skills are important in working life regardless the competence area. In order for a student to gain competences relevant for working life, both traditional and agile project management frameworks should be a part of their studies – in theory and in practice. In this article, a case study is presented on the integration of an agile project management framework into university-industry collaboration projects. First, the methodologies used in theFIRMA are introduced. Thereafter, the activities and the roles of theFIRMA are described and an externally funded R&D project is presented. Finally, the experiences of past and current activities are discussed, and future development thoughts are presented.
Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Methods in University-Industry Collaboration Projects
In this paper, waterfall vs. agile project management methods in university-industry collaboration projects have been described and discussed. Both disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge are needed in order to succeed as a future professional. The ICT project office theFIRMA is a fruitful platform to combine the theory gained in classes to practice in authentic customer projects. Based on the feedback of the students, they feel more confident about their project management skills as well as technical skills after joining different customer projects in theFIRMA.
Applying Kaizen in a Project-Based Learning Environment
In this paper, Kaizen was examined as the continuous development philosophy for the project-based learning environment theFIRMA. The environment itself creates a fine platform and atmosphere for Kaizen, since it is student-driven by the support of coach-like teachers. In theFIRMA, Kaizen has already provided several improvements, and for example annual Kaizen blitz -like development events are organized multiple times per year. Despite the actions towards more efficient working environment with less waste, there are still processes left to improve. Since students are working in theFIRMA mainly part-time, their time is valuable and should not be filled with waste
Integration of CDIO skills into project-based learning in higher education
In this paper, integration of CDIO skills into project-based learning in higher education has been described and discussed. The student-driven ICT project office the FIRMA has been operating in its current form for two years now and the experiences are promising. It seems that the engagement of the students will enhance their learning, motivation and future career prospects. Especially combining larger amount of externally funded R&D projects into learning environment activities has expanded the academia-industry co-operation. In addition, the cooperation with other faculties of TUAS and other universities has strengthened.
Development of the learning process in a project : based learning environment
This paper introduced a project based learning environment, the FIRMA. The FIRMA is a good example of a learning environment that is able to provide learning experiences covering all the aspects of the C-D-I-O core model; also the Operate-phase which is often difficult to establish in the context of student projects in the field of ICT.
Student-CenteredProject Office as a Learning Environment in ICT Engineering Education