Rethinking Project Management Education: A Humanistic Approach based on Design Thinking

Abstract This paper intends to provide an insight into the importance of design thinking as a novel concept in project management education. While design thinking itself is not new, the role it can play in shaping future project managers can be vital. This narrative literature review paper paints a picture of the increase in project failures and its reasons, andragogic considerations in project management education, and how design thinking can help. Subsequent discussion highlights the need for design thinking in project education. The paper’s conclusion is that it is indeed time to rethink project management education, especially through the incorporation of design thinking to produce better project managers and reduce project failures in the future.

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