In today’s complex global business environment, effective project management skills are in high demand. Organisations, businesses and governments are more aware than ever of the strategic importance of effective project management. In this module, participants will engage with the current theory and practice of Project Management, critically assessing what theories, tools and techniques offer real world value.
Participants will develop the knowledge and confidence to create, manage and deliver projects on time and on budget, aligned to the strategic vision and business model of the organisation. The module includes the hard and soft set of skills of project management, recognising that good people management is vital to the success of any project.
On completion, participants will be equipped with an impressive range of practical skills applicable across a range of sectors, from technology to engineering, where successful project management can give you a sustainable competitive advantage.
| Learning Outcomes (LO)
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| On Completion of this module, the learner will be able to: | |
| 1 | Apply and critically evaluate the impact of project management frameworks and methodologies. |
| 2 | Demonstrate knowledge of the role of project management as a vehicle to implement strategy. |
| 3 | Evaluate Project Complexity and appropriate responses. |
| 4 | Demonstrate competency in conducting a Project Management Maturity Assessment
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| Indicative Syllabus: | |||
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Frameworks & Methodologies PRINCE2 Framework Agile Framework Scrum Methodology PMBOK Framework Strategic Project Management The Project Manager & Team Dynamics Project Sponsor & Strategic Projects Megaprojects & Project Failure Maturity Models Project Management Information Systems Technology Tools & Planning Systems Scheduling & Critical Path Analysis Budgeting & Earned Value Management
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| Learning and Teaching Methods: | |||
| Teaching methodology will apply a hybrid approach of teacher-centred and student-centred learning approaches which will assign a significant responsibility to the student in the learning process, i.e. Project-based Learning. The participant will work in groups formed by first and second week. Previous experience has proven that the learning process which takes place during groups is significant - in addition to group dynamics and working as a team with one clear objective.
The module will also incorporate a range of learning teaching methods including: lectures, tutorials, simulation, class assignments, class discussions, software, and case studies (best practices). E-Learning and Kolb approach of teaching/learning are to be considered in the module learning. | |||
| Total Teaching Contact Hours | 24 | ||
| Total Self-Directed Learning Hours | 76 | ||
| Module Delivery Duration: | |||
| The module is delivered over one semester. | |||
| Assessment | |||
| Assessment Type (100 % Continuous Assessment) | Weighting (%) | LO Assessment (No.) | |
| 30% | 1 & 2 | |
| 30% | 2 & 3 | |
| 20% | 1, 2 & 3 | |
| 20% | 4 | |
| Module Specific Assessment Arrangements (if applicable) | |||
| n/a | ||
| n/a | ||
| n/a | ||
| Essential Reading:
José R. San Cristóbal, Luis Carral, Emma Diaz, José A. Fraguela, and Gregorio Iglesias, “Complexity and Project Management: A General Overview,” Complexity, vol. 2018, Article ID 4891286, 10 pages, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4891286.
Vidal, Ludovic-Alexandre & Marle, Franck. (2008). Understanding project complexity: Implications on project management. Kybernetes. 37. 1094-1110. 10.1108/03684920810884928.
Backlund, Fredrik & Chronéer, Diana & Sundqvist, Erik. (2014). Project Management Maturity Models – A Critical Review: A Case Study within Swedish Engineering and Construction Organizations. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 119. 837-846.
Proposal and verification of project management methods and tools oriented maturity model J Košťálová, L Tetřevová - Revista de Gestão e Projetos, volume 9, issue: 1, 2018
Supplemental Reading
PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE. (2004). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK guide). Newtown Square, Pa, Project Management Institute.
Journals PM Network Project Management Journal International Journal of Project Management Project Manager Today
Articles and Case Studies Project Management Manual – Harvard Business School (1997-2009) Ref 9-697-034
Websites There are three different Project Management organisations:- International Association of Project Management (IPMA) Project Management Institute (PMI)
Association of Project Managers (APM)
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Current trends & recognised Best Practices
The Role of the Project Manager
The art & science of PM
PMBOK
PRINCE2
Agile
Hybrid approaches
Programme & Portfolio Management
Strategic Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Capacity and Capability
Risk & Contingency
Earned Value Management
Project Complexity
Project Management Maturity
Project Failure
This module will apply a hybrid approach of teacher-centred and student-centred learning approaches which will assign a significant responsibility to the student in the learning process.
The module will also incorporate a range of learning teaching methods including webinars, web based learning platforms, online assessment and class discussions.
Teaching Contact Hours may also be delivered online via Webinar or Virtual Learning Environment.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |