Project Management is a mandatory second-year course in the university graduate program, Organization, Technology and Management in Constuction, at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture Osijek. Students gain the knowledge they need to organize and manage the full lifecycle of construction projects.​

Professor Zlata Dolaček-Alduk and assistant Hana Begić Juričić took a hands-on approach by integrating the VOLUM3 platform right into the teaching. Specifically, VOLUM3 was a key part of the course exercises, letting students work in an environment that mirrors real-world conditions and connects theory with the actual tools pros use today. Talks about this idea started back in mid-2023, with full integration happening in the 2024/2025 academic year.

Challenges with the Old-School Approach

During the semester, students work in teams to tackle project management tasks while working on real current projects through collaboration and group decisions. The tasks are structured to build knowledge step-by-step, with each one linking back to what they've learned before, and individual pieces coming together into a whole. This helps them to gain knowledge and develop practical skills in planning, coordination, and teamwork, plus a clear sense of how every contribution impacts project success.​ 

The old way meant constant communication with students through numerous emails, multiple check-ups of the same documents, repeated printing of tasks and solutions, and demanding team coordination. Tracking progress was challenging, and it was unclear which document version was current or what changes had occurred since the last one. The course leads say VOLUM3 solved most of these issues.​

We sat down with them to check out exactly how VOLUM3 is changing their daily work now that it's a core part of the studies.​

Why a Real Collaboration Platform? Why was it important for students to use a true collaboration platform instead of just traditional tools?

We felt it was key for students to get hands-on experience with professional digital environments while still in education. The tools we were using didn't show the real dynamics of modern construction projects. As the industry pushes for streamlined processes and digital teamwork, we want our students ready for that workflow when they hit the job market.

How exactly do students use VOLUM3 in the course?

They use it as the central hub for project work: submitting semester assignments, storing project documents, tracking changes, and communicating with us. Work happens in phases (task parts), with ongoing monitoring, reviews, and feedback throughout the semester.

From your perspective, what's changed most in how the course is run since adding the platform?

It's way more organized and structured now. Everything—activities, materials—is in one spot, and communication between the students and us is super transparent. Instructions and feedback on changes are crystal clear, with deadlines spelled out. Students love it. For us professors, it's shifted from just lecturing to more mentoring and team coordination.​

How has VOLUM3 affected email volume and printed materials?

All communication has moved off email and in-person consults to VOLUM3. No more printing either. Comments, instructions, and fixes happen right on the platform, with docs always available. Students can access task content anytime and work on it simultaneously.

Is it easier now to see who did what and when?

Absolutely. The platform tracks submissions, changes, and comments, giving us clear insight into individual team contributions and work dynamics over the semester—who added what and when.

How has the platform changed your own prep and grading?

Prep and grading are more efficient and practical since the platform forces structured tasks that make student monitoring easier later. VOLUM3 gives constant visibility into how solutions evolve, not just the final version.

What skills do students build with VOLUM3 that they wouldn't get from classic assignments?

They pick up digital skills, teamwork, accountability, pro communication, doc management, and version control basics. Plus, they finally create proper file naming systems—no more 'last.doc,' 'final_version.pdf,' or 'midnight_final_final.pdf'.

How does the platform prepare students for actual construction projects?

VOLUM3 mirrors real pro conditions, where multi-party collaboration, clear accountability, and up-to-date docs are essential.

Have you noticed shifts in how students handle responsibilities, deadlines, and communication?

Yes, they take deadlines more seriously and communicate more clearly since everything's transparent and visible to all.

How are students reacting to working on the platform?

Students say VOLUM3 has made communication and collaboration much smoother for semester tasks in the Project Management course. They love the quick access to project docs, clear task assignments, better team organization, progress tracking, version updates, and direct professor feedback right in the platform.