School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
MN50383 Managing projects |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Only available to students on the MSc Advanced Management Practice. Aims: * To develop an understanding of the principles, practice and importance of project management in new organisational forms where cross-boundary working is widespread; * To expose students to the latest thinking and research in project management; * To critically examine key methods for managing projects; * To develop in student an appreciation of the need to deliver projects on time, to budget and to specification (conformance) as well as an understanding of the implications of exceeding these (performance). Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit, the student should be able to: * Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of key principles of project management * Identify the need for, and develop the role of, project management in their organisations; * Use appropriate tools and techniques in defining, planning and implementing projects; * Analyse problems and issues associated with project management; * Apply a contingent approach to project management; * Recognise the difference between project, programme and portfolio management and the challenges associated with each for organisations. Skills: Intellectual Skills * the facility to apply subject-specific knowledge into a range of complex, often inter-disciplinary, situations, taking into account the overall implications for the other areas of the business (T,F,A); * a critical awareness of current issues and frameworks in management (T,A); * the ability to acquire and analyse data, information and situations; to evaluate relevance and validity, and to synthesise it in the context of topical business problems (F,A); * an understanding of appropriate research and methodological techniques that allow detailed investigation into topical business issues and ability to use these skills to produce professional, critical reports in business and management (T). Professional Practical Skills * evaluate the current standing of an organization and practically contribute to the attainment of their company's strategies and objectives (T); * operate effectively both independently as well as within teams and assume leadership roles where appropriate (F); * be self-directed and able to act responsibly in planning and implementing projects at professional levels (T,A). Transferable/Key Skills * ability to conduct in-depth research into management and business issues (T,F,A). Personal/Interpersonal * the facility to communicate including presenting and marketing themselves and their ideas; preparation and production of effective business plans and reports (A). Content: Among the topics are: Project Management in Context, Lifecycle, principles & processes, Project Scope Management, Project Scheduling and Resource Management (inc. PERT, CPM and Gantt), Project Risk Management, Project Budget, Cost and Cash Flow, Earned Value Management, Project Organisation, Roles & Governance, Information, Coordination & Control, Soft Skills in Project Management, Maximising benefits in projects. |