Singapore Management University Post-graduate Programme: Strategic Project Management in Action: Plan, Deliver & Engage with Confidence

I had the opportunity to teach my first post-graduate class at Singapore Management University: Strategic Project Management in Action: Plan, Deliver & Engage with Confidence. This accredited workshop is part of SMU’s Post-graduate Professional Development offerings.

We aimed to achieve the following objectives in this class:

• Plan and manage projects using digital tools (Asana) and visual workflows

• Set Project Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to align tasks with impact

• Prioritise tasks, manage timelines and coordinate team responsibilities with clarity

• Craft professional final reports and project handovers that showcase impactful outcomes

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders through structured updates

• Handle feedback and conflicts with professionalism and cultural sensitivity

Going in, I wondered how Master’s students might respond to the interactive learning activities planned. To my delight, they embraced them fully and the room quickly became a space of lively exchange, exploration, and reflection.

The session focused on what it means to be a modern project manager. Too often, project management is seen as a purely operational function. I encouraged students to see beyond that: project managers are the heartbeat of an organisation, uniquely positioned to shape culture, influence collaboration, and embed practices that drive meaningful change. From the tools we select, to how tasks are delegated, to the rhythm of check-ins — every choice contributes to the lived experience of a team.

To deepen this understanding, students engaged in roleplay scenarios wherein they worked in pairs to apply the tools in realistic scenarios and workplace challenges, such as delivering a project update with delays, receiving critical feedback, and coaching an unhappy team member. What began as improv quickly revealed the real pressures project managers face, with some participants visibly feeling the intensity of the situations. These moments transformed abstract frameworks into memorable learning experiences.

This experience reaffirmed my belief that meaningful learning happens when theory meets practice, and when students are invited to experiment, reflect, and step into roles that challenge their perspectives.