Training in concurrent design the interplay of theory, practice, reflection and infrastructure

Abstract

Concurrent Design is a rather complicated method, which on the one side require theoretical knowledge of how projects best should be carried out, while it on the other side requires practical training and experience in order to utilize the method in a good way. In this paper we present the main findings from a study where we followed two implementations of a Master's degree course of 15 ECTS within Concurrent Design, that includes both theoretical and practical training. The overall objective for the study was to understand how training within Concurrent Design should take place in the best possible way. Our findings suggest there should be an interplay between theoretical training, practical training, collective reflection among those involved, and utilization of an infrastructure which is also adapted to training purposes. The main contribution presented in this paper is the TPRI-Model for improved training in Concurrent Design where the interplay of Theory, Practice, Reflection and Infrastructure are discussed.