Developing Managers Through Project-Based Learning

Every educator knows that the most effective way to learn is by ’doing’ - and nowhere is that truth more clearly seen than in management development. This wide-ranging book explains what is involved in planning and running project-based management development programmes and demonstrates the benefits for both the individuals and the organizations concerned. Drawing on the unrivalled experience of PA-Sundridge Park Management Centre in this field, the authors: ¢ show how to set up the necessary frameworks ¢ describe programmes for different levels of management, including 'top teams' ¢ examine the role of the sponsor ¢ point out the potential pitfalls and indicate how to avoid them ¢ look at the influence of national culture. With summaries and checklists, and case studies focusing on ICI, Allied Domecq, Volvo, Gestetner, Lloyds Bank Insurance Services, The Inland Revenue, London Underground and others, the emphasis throughout is very much on the practical. For anyone concerned with improving managerial performance, this is a book that will repay careful study.

Contents: Part I Inputs: Why projects?; Appendix - Honey and Mumford learning styles; The management development context; Planning a programme; The value of projects on public programmes; Appendices - The younger manager programme, Developing tomorrow’s top managers. Part II Outcomes: Six case histories; Appendix - The Pacific Rim project; Strategic management at Allied Domecq; Developing younger managers with ICI; Appendices - Using technology to analyse outcomes, Extracts from questionnaire to project owner; In-company programmes; Public sector projects; The international dimension; Epilogue - The project oriented organization; Index.

Bryan Smith has specialised in management development, working for a variety of organizations including Cummins Ltd, British Timken, the Manpower Services Commission and GEC. In 1984 he joined Sundridge Park Management Centre, where he was Director of Studies until 1995 and is now Associate Director as well as an independent consultant. He has written and lectured widely on management development and is editor of Industrial and Commercial Training. Bob Dodds is a client director at Sundridge Park Management Centre. His current responsibilities include using project work to accelerate the transfer of learning to the workplace and designing and delivering programmes for a multicultural audience. His previous career involved sales, marketing and consultancy in the computer, communications and software industries.