Project Management

Code

BUSI4355

School

Business

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

Varying in size and type, projects are literally everywhere. They are vital to all sectors and all business functions and are key platforms for improved performance and enhanced competitiveness. However, many projects are not easy to plan, manage or control, and may fail they may overshoot the deadline, go over budget, or not meet the specifications. Risks and uncertainty and the choice of the right methodology, further complicate planning and control and affect the chances of successful project completion. The module develops knowledge of the most important project planning and control methods and techniques, both traditional and contemporary. It enhances understanding on how the variety of project management methods work through in-class applications, readings, and the use of relevant software. It addresses broader issues and challenges of managing projects successfully, including stakeholder engagement and management, risk and uncertainty, the contribution of projects to innovation, and the development of a portfolio strategy.

Target Students

Available for FT MBA students OR students on one of the Executive MBA variants OR MBA Executive Senior Leadership students who have already taken BUSI4028 OR BUSI4006 (Operations Management)

Co-requisites

Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:

• Operations Management (BUSI4006)
• Operations Management (BUSI4028)

Classes

• One 7-hour lecture
• One 4-hour lecture

32 hours contact time over a one-week intensive block. 68 hours pre and post module reading/research towards final assessment.

Assessment

• 30% Inclass Exam 1 (Written): Individual Techniques and Application Exercises
• 70% Coursework 2: Individual assignment (2,500 words). Reassessment Method: Individual Project (100%) (3000 words).

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:
•    Customers and stakeholders - customer expectations, service and orientation
•    The management of operations
•    The management of projects
•    The nature of projects and project management in contemporary organisations.
•    Critical success factors in project management.

Intellectual skills
This module develops:
•    Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately
•    Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions
•    Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills

Professional practical skills
This module develops:
•    The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative data, synthesis and reporting
•    Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management. Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring
•    The ability to produce research reports on project management

Transferable (key) skills
This module develops:
•    Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
•    High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience
•    The ability to apply project management skills

Conveners

• Dr Christos Braziotis