Educating the project managers of tomorrow requires developing competencies, judgment and adaptability
Educating the project managers of tomorrow requires more than teaching tools and methodologies. It also means developing competencies, professional judgment and the ability to adapt in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment. This was one of the key messages underpinning the thematic panel «Active Learning and Competency Development in Project Management Engineering Education», held during the 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026) and coordinated by José Luis Yagüe, Professor at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
The papers presented demonstrated how simulation, gamification, active learning, development cooperation and knowledge management are transforming the way project management is taught. The session also gave rise to an engaging and thought-provoking discussion between the speakers and the audience, in which, once again, the emergence of artificial intelligence became one of the central themes. The opportunities offered by AI to personalise learning and support competency development were discussed alongside the need to preserve critical thinking, experiential learning and the essential role of educators in preparing future project professionals.
The full panel is available on the Congress YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/qYc0UFatXf0
During the session, the following papers were presented:
- José Rodríguez-Calvo: Project Management in Immediate Response to Complex Crises: Systematic Review of the Suitability of Predictive and Agile Models.
- Daniel Sánchez-García: Active Learning in Engineering Safety: Designing a Competitive Gamification League for Occupational Risk Prevention.
- Dante Guerrero: Simulation-Based Learning in Project Management: A Cross-Sectional Study of IPMA Competency Patterns Using SimulTrain.
- Daniel Sánchez-García: Learning Earned Value Management (EVM) through Interactive Fiction: A Gamification Experience in Engineering Projects.
- Lluc Canals Casals: Gaia: Incorporating Cooperation for Development into Industrial Engineering Studies.
- José Luis Poza-Luján: Implementing Agile Lessons Learned in Project Management.
Together, the six papers provided complementary perspectives on the evolution of project management and engineering education, highlighting the importance of active learning methodologies that place students at the centre of the learning process. Simulation, gamification, experiential learning, development cooperation and knowledge management were all presented as effective approaches to strengthening both the technical competencies and the interpersonal and leadership skills required by the profession.
The discussion concluded that the transformation of project management education depends on combining the potential of emerging technologies with teaching methodologies that encourage active participation, informed decision-making and the development of professional judgment.
Photovoltaic energy is no longer just about installed capacity; it has become a challenge of territorial integration
Photovoltaic energy is no longer merely a question of installed capacity, generation costs or technological efficiency. It has evolved into a challenge of integrating renewable energy with the territory, agriculture and existing infrastructures.
This is the main conclusion drawn by Emilio Muñoz Cerón, coordinator of the thematic panel «Agrivoltaics, Photovoltaic Systems and Energy Transition».
Don’t miss the Congress highlights video
This video captures just a few of the many memorable moments shared throughout the Congress.
Smart livestock technologies win the Jaume Blasco Innovation Award
The 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026) recognised some of the most outstanding scientific contributions presented during this year’s edition through the Jaume Blasco Innovation Award, the Young Researcher Award, and the AEIPRO Young Workshop Award, honouring scientific excellence, technological innovation and the promotion of emerging research talent.
«Society will not ask whether we achieved the project’s objectives; it will ask whether it was worth delivering the project the way we did»
The International Seminar on Project Management and Engineering (ISoPM), the international programme of the 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026), concluded with the roundtable "Where Is Project-Based Governance...
IPMA Vice President calls for expanding the traditional project management triangle with energy and equity at CIDIP / ICPME 2026
The Vice President of the International Project Management Association (IPMA), Vladimir Obradovic, delivered a thought-provoking keynote during the International Seminar on Project Management and Engineering (ISoPM), arguing that artificial intelligence is challenging some of the fundamental principles on which project management has been built for decades.
IPMA President highlights sustainable leadership as the key challenge of artificial intelligence at CIDIP / ICPME 2026
The President of the International Project Management Association (IPMA), Mladen Vukomanović, shared a thought-provoking vision of the role of project leadership in the age of artificial intelligence during the 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026). His keynote, delivered as part of the International Seminar on Project Management and Engineering (ISoPM), explored the challenges that AI poses for project management from the perspectives of ethics, sustainability and long-term value creation.
AI, wearables and digital human models revolutionise ergonomic risk prevention and win the CGCOII Award at CIDIP / ICPME 2026
The application of artificial intelligence, wearables (smart wearable devices that collect data), and digital human biomechanical models to improve occupational risk prevention has been recognised with the General Council of Official Associations of Industrial Engineers Award, one of the most prestigious distinctions presented during the 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026).
Thematic construction panel concludes that digitalisation is advancing faster in research papers than on construction sites
The thematic panel «BIM, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Management of Construction Projects» was one of the activities held as part of the 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026).
The 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering celebrates three decades of knowledge, collaboration and innovation
The 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026) marked a truly special milestone for the entire AEIPRO – IPMA Spain community. Thirty editions represent far more than a number—they embody three decades of research,...
CIDIP / ICPME marks its 30th Edition with a record number of scientific contributions and more than 200 delegates representing 20 countried
The International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026) celebrates its 30th edition, further strengthening its growing international profile. During the congress, held at Universitat Jaume I (UJI) in Castellón de la Plana, a total of 271...
271 scientific papers strengthen the international standing of the International Congress on Project Management and Engineering
The scientific programme of the 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026) includes 224 papers and 47 posters, confirming the strong interest generated by this edition and the Congress’s growing international reputation.
Congress delegates and speakers from 20 countries to share knowledge at CIDIP / ICPME 2026
The 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP/ICPME 2026) will bring together delegates and speakers from 20 countries, further strengthening its growing international profile. As in previous editions, Spain will have the largest...
Vladimir Obradovic, IPMA Vice President, to Share His Vision for the Future of Project Management at ISoPM
Vladimir Obradovic, Vice President of the International Project Management Association (IPMA), will participate as a guest speaker at the International Seminar on Project Management and Engineering (ISoPM). During the seminar, he will deliver the presentation ‘Beyond the Triangle: Adding Energy and Equity to the Project Equation’.
Mladen Vukomanović, IPMA President, to participate as a guest speaker at ISoPM during CIDIP / ICPME 2026
Mladen Vukomanović, President of the International Project Management Association (IPMA), will participate as a guest speaker at the International Seminar on Project Management and Engineering (ISoPM), the international programme of the 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP /I CPME 2026). Mladen Vukomanović will deliver the keynote presentation entitled ‘Project Management as a Vehicle for Sustainability, Ethics and Digital Transformation’.
Sivathanu Pillai, a Global Leader in Project Management, to Participate as a Guest Speaker at ISoPM
A. Sivathanu Pillai, a globally recognised leader in project management, will participate as a guest speaker at the International Seminar on Project Management and Engineering (ISoPM). The renowned scientist and professor will deliver a keynote presentation entitled ‘Co-Creating a Global Transformation Through Project Management: Experiences from India’
