Approaching a Threshold: Assessing Graduate Students' Application of Project Management Skills to Research

• In Event: Assessing Student Learning and Academic Impact

Abstract

STEM graduate education focuses almost exclusively on equipping students with skills needed to work in the academy, although many graduates choose careers in industry. The Graduates for Advancing Professional Skills (GAPS) program is a curricular and pedagogical innovation that addresses this limitation by requiring students to learn and apply project management (PM) techniques to their dissertation research. These skills are expected in industry and can be especially useful when applied to the research process. Through surveys and focus group data, we examine the effectiveness of the GAPS program. Findings highlight the potential of this approach for developing a threshold learning of important skills that are applicable for future careers in the academy and industry.

Authors

• Ann M. Gansemer-Topf, Iowa State University
  Presenting Author

• Shan Jiang, Iowa State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Dong Chen, University of Arizona
  Presenting Author

• Yiqi Liang, Iowa State University
  Presenting Author

• Qing Li, Iowa State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Nigel Reuel, Iowa State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Gul Kremer, University of Dayton
  Non-Presenting Author