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7 May 2010 09:35:29
Putting theory into practice was the purpose of a fundraising event organised by a group of MSc Project Management students in Luton.
The students drew on their classroom learning to plan, organise and run the day-long fayre comprising games and stalls in Vicarage Street. A total of 41 students took part in the event, which was opened by Professor Paul Burns, Dean of the Business School, raising more than £1,400 for six charities.
Diane
Richardson, Acting Head of the Business Systems Department, said that while the
event had a fun theme, it offered the students the opportunity to use their learning
about project management tools and techniques by planning and implementing a
real project.
With no budget to fund the day, the students also needed to be resourceful to acquire items to sell on their stalls and to attract passers-by take part in a variety of games.
“The
students formed project teams and used their entrepreneurial skills to plan
money raising activities. They had to complete full risk assessments of their
planned activities, ensuring they conformed to health and safety requirements,
set milestones and ensure deadlines were met,” she said.
“They also had to have an understanding of change management as various issues arose in the run up to the event and on the day.” The students will now review the success of the project and the lessons learned as part of their assessment.
Kevin Kong who was part of a student steering committee organising the event said it had been valuable in developing skills such as time management, risk management, team working and leadership.
“When employers ask ‘what practical experience do you have?’ we can say we organised a successful charity fayre. That practical experience is what organisations are looking for and it will set us apart from the crowd.”
Fellow student Yi Fei said he had learned important skills such as timetable management and leading a team. “I have learned the importance of communicating with others in the team, setting a good example and involving people in every decision.”
The charities benefiting from the event are The Red Cross, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Save the Children, Cancer Research (UK), Oxfam and the children's charity Happy Days.
Diane added: “The teaching team is delighted with the enthusiasm and professionalism with which the students embraced this challenge. This work supports our graduates' employability and raised a large amount of money for charity, making it a win-win project!”
Latest news» 2010» May» Fun of the fayre combines learning and earning
