Fostering Project Management as a Key Engineering Competence for the Success of Large-Scale Projects

Project management is a critical metacompetence in engineering and scientific fields, requiring higher-order thinking to navigate human factors, emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and alignment with strategic business objectives in a rapidly changing environment. Despite its significance, enhancing this competence among students poses considerable challenges. This study aims to improve project management skills among engineering students through the practical application of the International Project Management Association's (IPMA) competence framework, Individual Competence Baseline. Five senior engineering physics students from Tecnologico de Monterrey undertook the design and simulation of the mechanical structure of the Cherenkov Sensor for Japan's Hyper-Kamiokande project—a cutting-edge initiative in high-energy physics, building upon predecessors that have been recognised with two Nobel Prizes. The project's broad and flexible scope allowed the students to manage it comprehensively under faculty guidance, successfully concluding with limited resources while maintaining high-quality standards. An evaluation of their PMBOK-structured report against IPMA standards revealed advanced competencies in project design, scope management, and risk management, highlighting systematic management practices and meticulous documentation. Qualitative interviews demonstrated their proficiency in applying structured methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban, a disciplined approach to documentation, and an enhanced ability to address unforeseen challenges—underscoring the importance of planning and adaptability in project execution. These findings are highly relevant to current educational challenges, emphasizing the necessity of integrating competence-based and challenge-based models to prepare students for future demands. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving global business requirements, fostering robust project management skills is essential. Continuous education in this domain not only equips engineers to adapt effectively but also ensures the success of large-scale projects, ultimately contributing to societal progress.