Systemic Approach and Problem Structuring Methods in Teaching Sustainability in Project Management Courses at Manchester Metropolitan University: Some Reflections on Good Practice

Abstract

This chapter outlines the theoretical underpinnings of two management practice paradigms: reductionism and systems thinking in the context of the development of postgraduate and undergraduate education, specifically to teach sustainability in project management courses. The development of the `Hard' and `Soft' systems traditions are discussed as a prelude to considering teaching practice in this subject area. We argue that to have a better understanding of the complexity of sustainability in project management, a systemic view is necessary in designing the appropriate teaching. The paper reports on some of the principal themes employed in Postgraduate and Undergraduate Project Management courses at a large metropolitan university's business school. These themes are presented to allow reflection on the teaching content of these courses for academics and practitioners.