from Karan Powell <
KHPowell@aol.com>
Hi Debra
I have taught such a course at both Georgetown University and George Mason
University. We have done it both ways . .where we select the client
organization or have a list of them available and also where students go out
and find their own client as a project team. Both have worked. My
preference is that they be given guidelines for finding a project and that
they look for one (the real life scenario) and that I also had a few in
reserve for those who after many attempts did not have success. It is
amazing to me how resourceful they can be!
The challenge is clearly identifying parameters of what constitutes a
project
and what does not . .what are the outcomes you expect them to accomplish and
the intervention(s) you anticipate they must complete to "pass" the class.
Clarity here helps define parameters for the overall selection/approval
process. And be certain that you have an approval process.
In all cases I or myself and a team of "professional consultants" were
available so that each team had a coach. I did not want to "do damage" in
any way to the organizations were our students were working. This coaching
aspect has been especially important to the success of this type of
assignment.
Just some thoughts! If you have questions you may contact me at my office
email
Karan_Powell@ams.com.
Karan Powell, Chief Learning Officer
American Management Systems