Students and Business People in the Czech Republic are hungry for knowledge and practical experiences in the areas of project and general management. They need to catch up fast so they can align much quicker with current business practices across the EU. This paper decribes the work of Dr Eddie Fisher who has made it his ambition in life to share his extensive knowledge and practical experiences in these areas with world-wide audiences.
Table of Contents
1. Catching up Fast!
2. Training and Development in the Czech Republic
3. Cultural Considerations and Teaching Approaches
4. Future Outlook and Professional Recognition
Objectives and Themes
The work documents the efforts of Dr. Eddie Fisher to foster professional project management skills among students and business professionals in the Czech Republic, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- Methodologies for teaching professional project management.
- The integration of cultural nuances into educational practices.
- The transition from academic lecturing to interactive, practical training.
- The importance of sharing management expertise globally.
- Cultivating soft skills like communication, leadership, and conflict resolution.
Excerpt from the Book
Cultural Considerations and Teaching Approaches
I developed a more effective solution. I combined formal lectures with ‘acting scenes’ to demonstrate, for example, the effects of positive and negative behaviours and attitudes. I used film clips by well-known British comedians to drive home points I made, for example, how to communicate effectively with people and how not to! The students a nd business people completed interactive group exercises to apply practically what they had learned. Based on some student feedback (see picture below), they liked my approach and felt that they learnt much more and much quicker what makes an effective project manager and why project management has become a recognised profession.
Czech people, from a cultural point of view, need to ‘see’ first why something is the case. They are then more susceptible to accept and try out new and unfamiliar things. It is important in this context to understand what it is that makes people ‘tick’. It helps the effective teaching and learning process.
It is also important to apply some humour effectively. Czech people like a good laugh. Based on my experience, they learn much quicker when humour is used to make points clear. But be careful and make sure that no one is or feels offended by it. Czech students and business people like open and honest discussions (consensus reaching) before making important decisions. This may appear to slow things down but it does not as they recover lost time quickly through dedication and commitments.
Summary of Chapters
1. Catching up Fast!: Introduces the growing demand for project management skills in the Czech Republic and the author's initial collaboration with ACSA.
2. Training and Development in the Czech Republic: Details the evolution of training sessions, focusing on the shift from academic papers to practical, real-world project management coaching.
3. Cultural Considerations and Teaching Approaches: Explores the necessity of adapting teaching methods to the local culture, including the effective use of humour and interactive exercises.
4. Future Outlook and Professional Recognition: Discusses the importance of risk management, building professional confidence, and the broader responsibility of sharing knowledge to advance project management as a profession.
Keywords
Project Management, Czech Republic, ACSA, Professional Development, Training, Practical Application, Cultural Awareness, Soft Skills, Leadership, Team Building, Mentoring, Knowledge Sharing, Project Portfolio Management, Business Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this document?
The document outlines the author's initiative to share practical project management knowledge and professional skills with students and business people in the Czech Republic.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The key themes include the importance of adapting pedagogical approaches to specific cultural contexts, the bridge between theory and practice, and the development of soft skills within project environments.
What is the main objective of the author?
The primary goal is to inspire other practitioners to share their knowledge and practical experience with the widest possible audience to foster professional growth globally.
Which teaching methods does the author utilize?
The author employs a mix of formal lectures, interactive group exercises, 'acting scenes' to demonstrate behaviors, and the use of humor and film clips to maintain engagement.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The text covers the shift in training methodology, the cultural nuances of Czech students, the role of risk management, and the importance of fostering self-confidence.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Project Management, Practical Application, Professional Development, Cultural Awareness, and Knowledge Sharing.
Why did the author incorporate humor into his sessions?
The author found that Czech students respond positively to humor, which helps to clarify points, maintain attention spans, and create a more relaxed learning environment.
How does the author view the concept of risk in the Czech business context?
The author notes that Czechs are naturally risk-averse; he advocates for creating a safe environment where calculated risks can be taken, emphasizing the need to avoid a 'blame culture'.
What is the significance of the interaction with ACSA?
ACSA served as the local partner in Brno, facilitating the bridge between the author's expertise and the local demand for high-quality project management education.
- Quote paper
- Dr Eddie Fisher (Author), 2012, Catching up Fast, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/184793
