The University of Sydney has launched its new School of Project Management, the first of its kind in Australia offering a full suite of research and accredited educational offerings in projects.

Part of the Faculty of Engineering, the School has been established to equip students and practitioners for the evolution of work, and to undertake research that engages with the complexities of projects to improve the quality of life for communities and future generations.

The School of Project Management offers a range of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as a range of customised executive education programs.

It also leverages the key research strengths of the John Grill Institute for Project Leadership, a recognised global leader in project knowledge and performance founded through a generous donation by John Grill AO.

“We’re excited to launch the School of Project Management and bring together research and education on projects, and to develop and inspire the next generation of project managers and leaders in Australia,” said Professor Jennifer Whyte, Head of the School of Project Management.

“We’ve been developing a research agenda for project leadership in a changing world, to tackle the new challenges for project leadership.

“We argue that there’s a renewed need for this socialised perspective to look at how leadership is organised in projects in a changing world, where projects are interventions into wider systems with changing technologies, growing stakeholder complexity and environmental concerns.

“Our vision is to develop project managers and leaders that can deliver the complex projects that meet society needs, adapting to a changing world and its changing demands.”

Faculty of Engineering Dean, Professor Willy Zwaenepoel has welcomed the addition and acknowledges the important role it will play in the faculty’s overarching vision.

“We have a proud history of project management within the Faculty of Engineering, which is now backed by the world-class research strengths of the John Grill Institute for Project Leadership,” said Professor Zwaenepoel.

“I look forward to watching the School continue to grow and having them involved in our flagship strategic initiatives.”