This module investigates the importance and impact of projects within an organisational context. It aims to equip the students with the necessary understanding of principles of project management including the main phases in a project's life cycle and the role/requirements of project management and the project manager in those phases. Students will also be introduced to the process of risk management in a project context as well as a more detailed view of project selection and initiation. Current research and trends in the field of project management will also be highlighted in this module;

This module investigates the importance and impact of effective people management and leadership throughout the life of a project. It aims to equip the student with the necessary understanding, tools and techniques to manage projects within organisations and to be effective at developing, leading and managing project teams;

Students will therefore, have the skills to lead, de velop and support project team members to do their job effectively, in the required time, to be required quality and cost.

(LO1) Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the project lifecycle phases, and demonstrate an appreciation of processes, tools, methods and the factors that can impact and influence project success.

(LO2) Relate theoretical and practical perspectives to project management

(LO3) Define and establish fundamental project objectives such as project schedule, milestones, budget, quality and resources and interaction between these objectives. Evaluate alternative strategies in order to meet stakeholder requirements.

(LO4) Understand the role and responsibilities of the principle project participants with a focus on the role of the project manager

(LO5) Analyse and evaluate current approaches to project management and apply project selection methods to evaluate feasibility of projects as well as assess their contribution to  business strategy and objectives.

(LO6) Apply risk management processes to a chosen project application area

(LO7) Define and document project goals, constraints and performance criteria to support quality assurance.

(S1) Communication Skills: Students will have opportunities to develop written communication skills through group discussions and assignments.

(S2) Problem Solving and Decision Making: Students will be challenged to think critically about organisational issues and dilemmas. They will do this by gathering and synthesising information, analysing alternative perspectives and options and presenting a considered opinion or programme of action in their course assessment.

(S3) Numeracy Skills: Students will learn quantitative techniques. Students will have the opportunity to analyse and use financial and statistical data to support business decisions.

(S4) Information and Communication Technology Skills: Students will have opportunities to improve their ICT skills. Students will demonstrate skills in the use of software applications including word processing, visual presentations, data bases, spreadsheets and using the internet for information searches in the course.

(S5) Time management. This involves planning scheduled work and meeting assessment deadlines. This will be evident in the students’ independent management of their assignments and coursework and by meeting coursework deadlines.

Teaching Method 1 - Virtual classroom hours (for online modules)
Notes: Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is .

Teaching Method 2 - Non-classroom hours (for online modules)
Notes: Number of hours per week, per student expected for reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is .

Project management: the discipline and the profession: Evaluate the discipline and profession of project management in an organisation; Recognise the academic skills necessary to function as a successful knowledge-practitioner.

Project structure and organisational context: Evaluate how project type affects the choice of management approach; Analyse uncertainty in project management; Recognise the academic skills necessary to function as a successful knowledge-practitioner.

Considering risk, complexity, and ambiguity: Analyse factors that contribute to risk and uncertainty; Evaluate differences between risk and uncertainty; Assess the project manager's role in prioritising risks in risk management; Recognise originality and plagiarism through a software tool.

Critically assessing project success and failure: Critically assess criteria for defining project success and failure.

Strategic role of projects: Evaluate how an organisation's strategic initia tives can be achieved through a portfolio of projects.

Programme and portfolio management: Analysing the strategic multiple project environment; Analyse the components of project portfolio management and how those components impact project managers; Evaluate best practices and lessons learned for managing multiple projects with limited resources.

Leading teams and managing relationships: Assess the roles required for project managers to lead teams and manage relationships; Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in the workplace.

Addressing cultures, industry sectors and the global environment: challenges and opportunities: Evaluate the impact that cultural differences can have on a project; Assess the advantages and disadvantages of a multicultural team in a dynamic and uncertain business environment; Analyse the major factors involved in being successful with megaprojects.

Analysing professional standards for project management practices: Compare the differ ences among the various standards and the impact on global projects; Assess the most influential professional project management associations around the world.

Your career as a project manager: Critically evaluate the interaction between personality attributes and approaches to managing projects; Reflect on how one's own personality may impact his or her success in project management.

Focusing on future project leaders: Reflect on the opportunities afforded a person in project management; Reflect on life-long learning.