Project-based group work for enhancing students learning in project management education: an action research

Purpose Using an action research framework, the study engages in iterative cycles of implementing, assessing and refining the project-based learning (PBL) model to align closely with the skill demands of the project management field. The specific objectives are to (1) apply and evaluate the design of PBL to identify areas for improvement, (2) assess PBL’s effectiveness in fostering key competencies such as teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability and real-time decision-making, (3) identify challenges encountered in PBL implementation to guide continuous refinement and (4) develop actionable recommendations that inform future course iterations. Design/methodology/approach This paper used action research approach to understand the design and implementation of PBL to improve student learning outcomes. Data was collected from 137 students enrolled in a postgraduate course of a project management program at a university in Australia during semester two of 2022 through an online questionnaire. Findings Data from 137 students confirm established benefits of PBL—improved teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills—essential to project management. Additionally, our findings highlight new benefits specific to project management education. Engaging with real-world scenarios, students developed enhanced adaptability, learning to navigate uncertainties and shifting project requirements, a key competency for project management professionals. Moreover, students showed improved real-time decision-making abilities, allowing them to make quick, informed decisions in response to dynamic project constraints. These findings suggest that PBL not only supports foundational skills but also cultivates advanced competencies aligned with the demands of professional project environments. Research limitations/implications This study provides an actionable framework for future research, detailing an iterative, data-informed approach that adapts PBL to meet specific educational needs in project management. Practical implications Educators can use these findings to design experiential PBL models that integrate real-world constraints, enhancing the development of industry-relevant skills and preparing students for the challenges of professional project management environments. Originality/value We declare that the manuscript titled “Project-based Group Work for Enhancing Students Learning in Project Management Education: An Action Research” is our original work and has not been submitted or published elsewhere. This study explores the benefits and implementation of PBL in project management education, offering new insights from empirical data collected at an Australian university. All sources are appropriately cited. We affirm compliance with ethical guidelines and institutional policies. This manuscript represents our genuine and original research.