Business as usual: project management of a European project

As projects become more complex in terms of methodologies and technologies, distant and international partnerships, and in relation to the need to engage with stakeholders and the public, the traditional academic-only management style is necessary but not sufficientany longer. It is becoming apparent under the European Commission’s new Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programmes that excellence in research management; the nature of the partnership, and the expertise it brings in the area of dissemination and sustainability (Erasmus+ Programme Guide, 2014) are key drivers for any organisation applying for funding. To accomplish all such expectations, effective project management, that is the, planning, monitoring, assigning and controlling of all aspects of a project, is essential. Based on the Success at School project’s experience, this chapter argues that the presence of an experienced project/research manager is needed, but that, as the nature of the projects change, there is also a need to move beyond traditional lines of professional demarcation between academics and administrative support roles.