The profession of Social Work is permanently evolving and its employees have to face and overcome new challenges on a daily basis. Changing environmental conditions, new needs and social problems of the clientele as well as economic competition and the reduction of fi- nancial resources have lead to the fact that goals, contents and methods have to be rearranged. Furthermore the process of professionalization demands an increase of empirical knowledge in the daily practice of Social Workers, making it necessary to replace ideological convictions with empiricism.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Project management as it relates to Social Work
- 3. Designing and carrying out the project
- 4. Reflecting on the project process
- 5. Evaluation and reflection on my learnings
Objectives and Key Themes
The main objective of this work is to examine the application of project management principles within the context of social work practice. It uses the author's experience organizing the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013" as a case study to illustrate the importance and challenges of integrating project management methodologies into social work.
- The evolving nature of social work and the need for adaptation
- The application of project management techniques in social work organizations
- The benefits of project-based work in fostering innovation and learning within social work
- The specific challenges and successes of organizing the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013"
- The importance of integrating project management training into social work curricula
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the dynamic and evolving nature of the social work profession. It highlights the increasing need for social workers to adapt to changing environmental conditions, new client needs, economic pressures, and the demand for increased empirical knowledge in practice, moving away from purely ideological approaches. The chapter sets the stage for exploring the integration of project management as a tool to meet these challenges.
2. Project management as it relates to Social Work: This chapter explores the growing need for innovation within social work organizations due to increased pressures and resource limitations. It contrasts the established use of project management in other sectors with its relative underdevelopment in social work, despite social workers' inherent strengths in areas like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. The chapter emphasizes the potential of projects to foster learning, innovation, and efficient responses to changing social structures, while defining "project" and highlighting the lack of methodological development in project management within social work education. The author advocates for integrating professional project management training into social work curricula.
3. Designing and carrying out the project: This chapter details the author's participation in organizing the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013." It outlines the event's goals—to inform the public and facilitate professional exchange—and its focus on international perspectives and student experiences. The chapter describes the process of needs analysis, goal definition, and the creation of a milestone plan to guide the project. This milestone plan is briefly summarized, showcasing the practical application of project management principles. The chapter underscores the significance of such events in bridging the gap between students with and without international exchange opportunities, promoting internationalization efforts within the university.
Keywords
Project management, social work, innovation, internationalization, professional development, case study, "International Day of Social Work and Nursing," methodological training, empirical knowledge, organizational adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this document?
This document is a comprehensive language preview of a work examining the application of project management principles within social work practice. It uses the author's experience organizing the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013" as a case study.
What are the key themes explored in this work?
Key themes include the evolving nature of social work and the need for adaptation; the application of project management techniques in social work organizations; the benefits of project-based work in fostering innovation and learning; the challenges and successes of organizing the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013"; and the importance of integrating project management training into social work curricula.
What is the objective of this work?
The main objective is to examine how project management principles can be applied within social work practice, using the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013" as a real-world example to illustrate both the importance and challenges involved.
What does the Table of Contents include?
The table of contents covers an introduction, a section on project management in social work, the design and execution of the project (the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013"), reflection on the project process, and finally, an evaluation and reflection on the author's learnings.
What are the chapter summaries?
The Introduction establishes the dynamic and evolving nature of social work and the need for adaptation. Chapter 2 explores the growing need for innovation in social work and advocates for integrating project management training into curricula. Chapter 3 details the organization of the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013," outlining the goals, process, and application of project management principles.
What are the key words associated with this work?
Key words include project management, social work, innovation, internationalization, professional development, case study, "International Day of Social Work and Nursing," methodological training, empirical knowledge, and organizational adaptation.
What specific project is used as a case study?
The case study focuses on the author's experience organizing the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013," highlighting its goals, planning process, and outcomes.
Why is project management important in social work?
Project management is argued to be crucial for fostering innovation, efficient responses to changing social structures, and improved organizational adaptation within the increasingly demanding field of social work.
What is the author's argument regarding project management training in social work education?
The author strongly advocates for the integration of professional project management training into social work curricula to better equip social workers with the skills needed to manage projects effectively and address the evolving demands of the profession.
- Quote paper
- Christopher Hahn (Author), 2013, Design and implementation of project management in Social Work practice, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/262937
