Developing a Quality Framework of Project Management eLearning Materials as Part of Blended Learning Methodology in a Higher Education Learning Institution

摘要

Project Management is one of the essential subjects in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology INTI International University Malaysia that offered to all programs available from Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate study. The primary goal of Project Management subject is to expose students to professional project management practices. The objectives typically include not only teaching theory, terms, definitions and new concepts related to the subject but also the transfer of new technical skills in using and applying specialized software as well as managerial skills dealing with people (interpersonal communications theory, dialogue, critical thinking and analysis skills, leadership theory, organizational theory, and team building). The CHAOS Report in 1995 providing the results of a survey which gathered data on reasons for Information Technology project failures. While a number of researchers have expressed questions on the methodology (Glass, 2006) used in creating the report, there have been indications from other researchers that the use of professional project management practices improves the chances of project success. Therefore the essence of delivering Project Management becomes crucial nowadays to ensure all students meet the required learning outcomes. In addition to classroom-based activities that regularly delivered every semester, INTI International University has introduced more innovative way of learning that combine classroom-based activity with onlinebased delivery known as Blended Learning (BL) methodology. Blended learning refers to course or subject that combine face to face classroom with online learning and reduced classroom contact hours. By having two methodologies at one time provides opportunity for students to have more flexible learning time exploring their understanding beyond the classrooms. Applying BL methodology for Project Management subject is challenging in a way that methods of delivery has to ensure the conceptual integration between classroom-based mode and online-based mode without less estimation to the importance of team work for both. This research therefore aims to develop a quality framework in making Project Management effective by identifying components of framework, investigating issues and factors that should be considered in learning with BL mode. The suggested components are based on the literature that identifies suggested best practices and experience presenting various subjects online. Further, a qualitative measurement was introduced to measure and compare student's, perception on learning Project Management with BL and Traditional Learning as a progressive quality control towards the proposed framework.