The aim of this course is to introduce students to the theory and practice of project management.

11 x 2 hour lectures

MGT3003 - Project Management (Level 3)

None

1. Written Assignment; Case study; Individual; 1,000 words; 50%; ILOs 1-3.

2. Written Assignment, Including essay; Individual; 1200 words; 50%; ILOs 1-3.

The aims are to introduce the theory and practice of project management by:

■ Providing a comprehensive overview of the role of projects within organisations.

■ Providing a comprehensive review of the methods useful for managing projects and their usefulness:

■ Traditional prescriptive methods drawn from operational research techniques

■ Organisationally oriented methods conscious of the commercial, organisational, and social context within which projects are undertaken.

■ Approaches informed by behavioural research on motivation, power and organisational or social dynamics.

■ Identifying the broader effects of project management within organisations, considering its impact upon:

■ People, as individuals and as project team members.

■ Operations, in terms of project organisation, scheduling, workflow management and coordination; with appropriate monitoring and control systems.

This course is designed to introduce the theoretical aspects of project management, which is then overlayed with recent and relevant practical examples and case studies. Two key components of project management are critical thinking and the ability to make decisions based on the information at hand. These are skills that are not restricted to project management. Student are given every opportunity to participate in debate and practice effective communication throughout the course.

By the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Identify the stages of the project life cycle and evaluate the value of the tools and techniques that are used in each stage.

2. Develop and evaluate project plans on the basis of timing, cost and risk.

3. Critically evaluate the project management process.