Why universities choose OpenProject to teach project management
Using software as a model in teaching requires standards that are equally rigorous as those in the free market. Transparency and independence are important, along with a wide range of features. And since the budget in education is often far too tight, software for teaching should also be affordable.
The project and task management software OpenProject combines all of these requirements. It is open source, offers a huge range of features and gives you the choice between a low-cost cloud version and a completely free Community on-premises version.
Find out more about these considerations in this article, and read testimonials from universities in Germany, France and the USA that have already successfully used OpenProject as project management software in teaching.
5 reasons to choose OpenProject in education
1. OpenProject is an open source software
OpenProject is an open source solution, which means that the source code is openly accessible and is constantly being further developed. This is particularly attractive for universities, as they can also adapt the software to specific teaching and research requirements.
Its open source nature ensures long-term stability, eliminating the risk of vendor lock-in. In contrast to proprietary software like Microsoft, you are not forced to rely solely on the vendor for updates, support, or integrations. With OpenProject, universities have the flexibility to customize the platform extensively, supported by a robust API, without these constraints.
Moreover, OpenProject benefits from a global Community that actively contributes to its improvement. Feedback from the Community directly influences the software’s roadmap, ensuring a user-centric approach that meets real-world needs. The transparency of the open source code further provides universities with full visibility into what they are implementing, giving them control and confidence in the software’s security and functionality.
Read more about open source software as an alternative to proprietary software.
2. Your data is safe with OpenProject
In today’s world, the protection of sensitive data is of paramount importance, especially in the education sector. OpenProject offers universities the opportunity to host the software on their own servers and thus retain full control over all data. This facilitates compliance with strict data protection guidelines, such as the GDPR, and provides a secure environment for managing research and teaching projects.
Read more about OpenProject’s commitment to security and privacy.
3. OpenProject is perfect for low budgets
Universities often work with limited budgets, which is why OpenProject is a cost-effective solution. In the Community version, it can be used without license costs, which significantly reduces the financial burden for educational institutions. The Enterprise version, which includes some additional features and comprehensive support, is also very affordable compared to similarly powerful alternatives. Visit our pricing page or contact us directly if you have any questions about pricing for specific educational use cases.
4. OpenProject offers many features for both agile and classic project management
OpenProject offers a wide range of features that support both traditional and agile project management methods. With tools such as Gantt charts, agile boards, task tracking, time tracking and reporting, students and teachers can plan and implement their projects efficiently. The extensive features make it possible to optimally combine the theory and practice of project management.
See our product tour to get an overview of OpenProject’s collaboration features.
5. OpenProject is highly customizable
OpenProject stands out for its high degree of customizability, enabling universities to tailor the system to their unique needs. In the project settings, users can configure project memberships, responsibilities, and modules to streamline workflows.
Additionally, OpenProject allows using custom workflows, making it easy to set specific process steps for status changes. The software also offers custom fields, which enable universities to create project-specific data points — like unique identifiers or custom statuses— further adapting the system to fit their requirements. These flexible features and workflows empower teachers and researchers alike, making it easier to manage even the most complex projects with precision and efficiency.
Testimonials: Why universities all over the world love OpenProject
Many universities around the world use OpenProject to teach project management and research, with a wide range of applications. From Europe to North America, educational institutions choose OpenProject for its versatility, transparency and cost-effectiveness.
OpenProject’s ability to serve both large research institutions and smaller academic departments demonstrates its adaptability in diverse academic environments. Read more about OpenProject for universities and research.
Below are three examples from international universities that illustrate different possible use cases for project management in education:
FH Münster - University of Applied Sciences, Germany
The teaching staff at FH Münster has experience using the OpenProject Community Edition for several years to manage various educational projects. The open source character has proven to be particularly valuable for the academic environment in Münster, as it offers flexibility and cost efficiency.
As the university’s needs have grown, it is now planning to move to the Enterprise version. Moving to the Enterprise version will allow the university to take advantage of additional features, such as advanced reporting, customized branding and professional support, to ensure their project management framework keeps pace with their growing academic needs.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Hemker, professor of digital engineering at FH Münster - University of Applied Sciences:
“We will then be able to utilize the full range of features to show our students how modern project management and agile working methods are done! This will allow us to focus even more on different backlog types and demonstrate how user stories are translated into actionable tasks during implementation.”
This conversion underlines the scalability and long-term potential of OpenProject for institutions looking to grow. What’s more, if funds do get tight again, it’s possible to downgrade from Enterprise on-premises to Community at any time - with no loss of data.
University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), France
At the University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), OpenProject plays an essential role in preparing students for real-world project management. By integrating the platform into their coursework, UPEC offers students a hands-on experience with planning, monitoring, and executing projects using a professional tool. This real-world application gives students a competitive advantage, as they gain practical skills that mirror the demands of modern project management roles.
Emmanuel Polonowski, lecturer in computer science at Université Paris-Est Créteil:
“Open Project is a good practical complement to the theoretical aspects of the project management course. By experimenting with a professional open-source tool, students can see how simple it is to define tasks and resources, plan and distribute work between project members, etc.”
OpenProject is used to manage everything from course assignments to large research projects. With customizable workflows and robust project tracking, UPEC ensures that students develop both the technical and organizational skills needed in their future careers. To learn more, check out the full case study between OpenProject and the University of Paris-Est Créteil.
Temple University, USA
Temple University in Philadelphia has incorporated OpenProject into its curriculum to enhance project management education and research. The platform’s flexibility allows Temple to provide students with both agile and traditional project management experiences. This versatility gives students the ability to switch between methodologies depending on the project requirements, helping them build adaptability, which is crucial in professional environments.
Brent Whiting, executive Director of the central ITS group Project Management Office at Temple University:
“We love OpenProject because it is customizable and offered at an attractive cost. Using OpenProject, we have consistency across our team in how we do things. Having visibility across all of central ITS for how much effort is on the lap of a current resource or team and anticipating what to expect before asking them for work is critical.”
OpenProject is not only used for teaching but also in research projects, where complex timelines and cross-departmental collaboration are common. By using OpenProject, Temple has streamlined these processes, making it easier for students and faculty alike to track progress and manage deliverables. You can read more in the case study between OpenProject and Temple University.
Start right now and discover OpenProject for universities
Ready to enhance your project management curriculum with a flexible and powerful tool? OpenProject offers universities a comprehensive solution that can be customized to meet the unique demands of both teaching and research. Whether you’re managing course projects, large-scale research, or department-wide initiatives, OpenProject provides the tools you need to succeed.
Get started today and discover how OpenProject can transform project management in your institution. Start your free trial for OpenProject now and experience the benefits firsthand!
