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 Topics
The primary objective of this work is to explore the application and implementation of professional project management methodologies within the field of Social Work, using the organization of the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013" as a practical case study to bridge the gap between academic theory and daily professional practice.
- Theoretical foundations of project management in Social Work.
- Challenges of professionalization and innovation in social organizations.
- Practical coordination and milestone planning for international events.
- Critical reflection on team cooperation and problem-solving in a project context.
- Assessment of internationalization as a strategy in academic curricula.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Designing and carrying out the project
During the Module 16.4 ”International Social Work“ it was my project to take part in the organization and coordination of the ”International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013”. The celebration of a joint day of Social Work and Nursing at the University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt, which originated in 2011. Both courses are offered at the Department of Social Work and Health and since Social Workers and Nurses share common conditions as well as common clients in their professional fields, they can accordingly learn a great deal from each other. The two main goals of the international day were to provide information for people who are not involved in the field, and to create a possibility of exchange for professional Social Workers and Nurses who work all over the world in various areas. Our vision was to bring these professions closer together because exchange and interchange between them is necessary to deal with future global issues such as social injustice or the UN „Millennium Goals“.
The theme of the International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013 was ”getting the big picture: international perspectives“. According to that we wanted to put the focus on student speakers and their international experiences. By doing so we tried to meet students on a low threshold level and encourage them to think about their personal international perspectives and consider undertaking similar activities. Before we actually started the project preparation it was necessary to analyze needs within the current situation, and consequently to define goals and think about their benefits in comparison to the actual state. The essential question was: What difference could we make? What would be the consequences for the university and its students if international programs like this would not be included in the Bachelor studies?
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter highlights the necessity for Social Work to adapt to changing environmental conditions and emphasizes the growing importance of empirical knowledge over ideological convictions.
2. Project management as it relates to Social Work: This section defines the term "project" within a social context and argues for the integration of project management methods into the academic curriculum to address the pressure for innovation.
3. Designing and carrying out the project: The author describes the practical organization of the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013," detailing the goals, milestone planning, and the vision of fostering exchange between two related professions.
4. Reflecting on the project process: This chapter offers a retrospective view of the collaboration and challenges encountered, specifically regarding logistics and time management, while highlighting the team's successful coordination.
5. Evaluation and reflection on my learnings: The final chapter assesses the project's impact and the author's personal growth, noting the value of learning project management skills within a protected academic environment.
Keywords
Social Work, Project Management, Internationalization, Nursing, Higher Education, Professionalization, Teamwork, Milestone Planning, Innovation, Social Organizations, Academic Curriculum, Knowledge Transfer, Interdisciplinary Exchange, Empirical Knowledge, Practical Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The publication examines the practical implementation of project management techniques within the Social Work profession, using a specific academic event as an illustrative case study.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
The key themes include the professionalization of Social Work, the necessity for innovation in social organizations, the importance of "internationalization at home," and the practical utility of project management tools.
What is the primary goal of the author's project?
The primary goal was to foster exchange between Social Work and Nursing students, providing a platform for discussing global issues and encouraging students to consider international perspectives in their careers.
Which scientific methodology does the work employ?
The work uses an analytical case study approach combined with a reflective practice method to document and evaluate the organization of the "International Day of Social Work and Nursing 2013."
What is covered in the main section of the book?
The main section covers the theoretical justification for project management in Social Work, the concrete planning and milestone setting of the event, and a critical reflection on the process.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is best characterized by terms such as Project Management, Social Work, Internationalization, and Professionalization.
Why does the author advocate for adding project management to the curriculum?
The author believes that future social workers face complex, evolving challenges that require a structured, methodological approach to problem-solving, which is not currently taught in sufficient depth.
What was the biggest challenge mentioned in the project process?
The primary logistical challenge was securing suitable premises and equipment (such as flip charts and microphones) within the university due to high room demand during the semester.
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- Christopher Hahn (Autor:in), 2013, Design and implementation of project management in Social Work practice, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/262937
