The impact of project learning on strategic change

Abstract

Learning in projects is receiving increased focus as an organisational learning mechanism for individuals and groups. Project environments, as crucial enablers of strategic execution, are a vital leadership focus to exploit and empower teams to align project delivery with strategic objectives and pivot strategies as market demands shift. The human capital of organisations has increasing expectations to take on a more dual focus to fulfil operational expectations and adapt in project environments to develop new knowledge, learn and enhance expertise to innovate and remain relevant continuously. Formal learning practices have proven effective in acquiring new skills. However, projects provide a real-time setting to test acquired skills. Therefore, as an incubator of formal and informal knowledge, projects serve as imperfect but impactful sources for strategic change.