Module Information
Module Identifier
MMM8620
Module Title
Project Management
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Group Project Plan 1,000 words per group member | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | Group Project Plan Presentation 5 minutes per group member | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | 2,000 Word Individual Reflective Report | 10% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Examination | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Repeat Failed Elements or Equivalent | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Repeat Failed Elments or Equivalent | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 2,000 Word Individual Reflective Report | 10% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Examination; Repeat Failed Elements | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
evaluate the concept of projects and the role of project management in the organisational environment
critically discuss the main components of project management & the challenge of meeting stakeholder expectations
critically assess the environment that determines the context for using specific approaches
evaluate and compare different project management tools and techniques for their suitability
evaluate effective project management approaches & develop their leadership in the area
develop an appropriate project management capability
Brief description
The purpose of the module is to give students general insights related to the project management discipline. This will range from providing a strategic-level introduction for participants to project management, a deep understanding of the dynamics of projects and project management, and to develop a critical understanding of project processes & lifecycle approaches. This will be relevant in all organisational contexts.
The strategic dimensions will be delivered with an overview preface that will set out a critical consideration of projects, project management, project managers and organisational context. This will include an initial review of contemporary issues, relationships with general management theories, the emergence of institutional bodies of knowledge, the challenge of complexity, and early perspective of success / failure. Historical developments will also be introduced.
Project processes & lifecycles will be evaluated through the deployment of topic blocks incorporating definition, design, delivery and development / improvement content. Topics such as concept development, scope management, and planning processes will provide a framework to develop a broad understanding of the critical aspects of project definition. Project design topics will include & debate the time-cost-quality and risk factors, and this will develop depth of thinking and breadth of learning in considering the application of project management within an organisational environment. The module will have a strong focus on soft-skills and this will be balanced by developing an understanding of contractual aspects and managing the expectations of stakeholders.
The third component of the course is project orientation. Here organisational and societal inclination to project methods and management will be considered in a reflective style - upon the application of module topics within a variety of organisational and cultural settings. An interdisciplinary approach based on project management will be used to develop understanding and competency of students in terms of capability, applicability, and judgment.
The strategic dimensions will be delivered with an overview preface that will set out a critical consideration of projects, project management, project managers and organisational context. This will include an initial review of contemporary issues, relationships with general management theories, the emergence of institutional bodies of knowledge, the challenge of complexity, and early perspective of success / failure. Historical developments will also be introduced.
Project processes & lifecycles will be evaluated through the deployment of topic blocks incorporating definition, design, delivery and development / improvement content. Topics such as concept development, scope management, and planning processes will provide a framework to develop a broad understanding of the critical aspects of project definition. Project design topics will include & debate the time-cost-quality and risk factors, and this will develop depth of thinking and breadth of learning in considering the application of project management within an organisational environment. The module will have a strong focus on soft-skills and this will be balanced by developing an understanding of contractual aspects and managing the expectations of stakeholders.
The third component of the course is project orientation. Here organisational and societal inclination to project methods and management will be considered in a reflective style - upon the application of module topics within a variety of organisational and cultural settings. An interdisciplinary approach based on project management will be used to develop understanding and competency of students in terms of capability, applicability, and judgment.
Content
Projects in the contemporary world
1 Overview; chronological perspectives; projects - theory & practice; bodies of knowledge; projects as conversion processes
2 Project models & lifecycles; phases & challenge; expectations - stakeholders, rationale, destination
Developing a critical understanding of project management
3 Project processes; strategic & organisational aspects; tools & methodological approaches (constraints of time cost quality etc;, risk management); concepts
4 A spectrum of projects; formality of approaches; dimensions of change (scope, barriers); control, success and failure; modus operandi
The environment of project management
5 New project societies; approaching definition, design, and delivery phases; business as normal approaches
6 Within and outside projects; people, location, aggregation; internal & external forces; towards project orientation
The project manager - knowledge, skills & competence
The 'project manager'; specific or evolving roles; management & leadership; structural considerations
8 Developing individual & collective capabilities; decision making & problem solving style; cultural awareness;
Developing a project management capability
9 Within the project setting; stakeholders, change, success; project development & improvement
10 The individual; demographics & emerging technologies; project management tool boxes & vocabulary; contingent approaches; review activities
1 Overview; chronological perspectives; projects - theory & practice; bodies of knowledge; projects as conversion processes
2 Project models & lifecycles; phases & challenge; expectations - stakeholders, rationale, destination
Developing a critical understanding of project management
3 Project processes; strategic & organisational aspects; tools & methodological approaches (constraints of time cost quality etc;, risk management); concepts
4 A spectrum of projects; formality of approaches; dimensions of change (scope, barriers); control, success and failure; modus operandi
The environment of project management
5 New project societies; approaching definition, design, and delivery phases; business as normal approaches
6 Within and outside projects; people, location, aggregation; internal & external forces; towards project orientation
The project manager - knowledge, skills & competence
The 'project manager'; specific or evolving roles; management & leadership; structural considerations
8 Developing individual & collective capabilities; decision making & problem solving style; cultural awareness;
Developing a project management capability
9 Within the project setting; stakeholders, change, success; project development & improvement
10 The individual; demographics & emerging technologies; project management tool boxes & vocabulary; contingent approaches; review activities
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Through the quantitative areas integrated throughout the entire module. |
| Communication | Oral communication will be developed through class participation and group work. Written communication will be developed through group work, case preparation, assessment preparation, note taking and information based dialogue. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Through both class and self-directed learning. |
| Information Technology | Basic data analysis will be done using excel. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Development of skills, theory and analysis capabilities to allow effective informed project management decisions. |
| Problem solving | Identification of project management issues within a particular project setting. Identification of the relevant information for decisions and formulation of decisions. |
| Research skills | Qualitative methods, survey methods and basic preparation and analysis. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Project management based theories, concepts & frameworks Project case evaluations Body of Knowledge insights Qualitative and survey methods |
| Team work | Through class preparation, the use of breakout group work, case preparation and through the group assessment. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7