DEVELOP PROJECT – DEVELOPING CAREERS THROUGH SOCIAL NETWORKS AND TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCIES

The aim of the DEVELOP project is to deliver a learning environment that tailors the exploration, comprehension, and planning of learning opportunities and career paths in medium and large companies for individuals. It facilitates learning through reflection on transversal competencies and social capital, as key enablers of career development, and assesses transversal competencies such as leadership and collaboration using game-based assessment techniques combined with social network analysis evidence.

The Develop (Developing Careers through Social Networks and Transversal Competencies) project, funded by the European Commission, began in 2016 and will run until 2019. The aim of the DEVELOP project is to deliver a learning environment that tailors the exploration, comprehension, and planning of learning opportunities and career paths in medium and large companies for individuals. It facilitates learning through reflection on transversal competencies and social capital, as key enablers of career development, and assesses transversal competencies such as leadership and collaboration using game-based assessment techniques combined with social network analysis evidence.

While the project is still in progress, the consortium has developed a leadership game incorporating a combination of reflection and game assessment which will be piloted in late 2018.

The game itself is a simulation, allowing the user to experience an “authentic workplace” through story-driven scenarios, providing opportunities to interact with a virtual team and practice leadership styles. The user is also provided with an opportunity to reflect on their leadership and then analyse their perception of their style with their actions in the game. The game uses algorithms to compare the user’s intentions with their behaviour, allowing them to practice leadership styles, replay moments and experience the consequences of their decisions to improve their behavioural development.
While the project is still ongoing, the methodologies and research are useful additions to the field of GBL, particularly in the context of career opportunities and highlight the effectiveness of simulations and narrative in the development of soft skills.