MSc Management of Projects / Course details

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.

This unit enables students to apply project management skills over the life cycle of a project developed specifically for the unit. Students will work in small groups to develop a project management plan (PMP) consisting of a schedule, budget estimate, risk management plan, stakeholder management plan, and a report to the Project Board; they will also develop other skills such as communication, teamwork, decision making, and action implementation. The unit involves study of non-technical topics which complement the engineering content.

1. Identify the activities that should be undertaken when managing a project.
2. Describe how different project management themes interact and interrelate with each other throughout the project life cycle.
3. Interpret information as a group and account for the needs of stakeholders by producing a plan of work that enables completion of a real-life project.
4. Apply theoretical knowledge of project management on a real life project using problem-based learning.
5. Analyse and interpret project progress, identify and assess appropriate actions, and then respond accordingly.
 

Weeks 1 to 5: Introduction to Unit and Task 1 (Develop a Project Management Plan (PMP) and Presentation): Students develop a PMP (project schedule, budget estimate, risk management plan, stakeholder management plan, and project board report). Students will also deliver a short oral presentation that covers the key information from their PMP. This task develops student ‘functional’ (e.g. schedule and budget development) and ‘non-functional’ (e.g. teamwork, time management, communication, presentation) project management (PM) skills.

Weeks 6 and 7: Task 2 (Project Update): Students develop an updated PMP that reflects the current status of the project. This task represents the true context of PM: the constant updating of key information relating to schedule, budget, risks, and stakeholders.

Weeks 8 and 9: Task 3 (Project Closure Report and Lessons Learned) and Task 4 (Presentation): Task 3 requires students to prepare a project closure report and identify lessons learned. This task identifies how well the project was actually managed in comparison to the original estimates; it also enables lessons to be learned so that they can be applied to future projects. Task 4 is a group presentation that outlines the key lessons learned (using material developed for Task 3) in relation to ‘functional’ and ‘non-functional’ themes of project management; again, presenting key information to the Project Board is a key theme in the management of projects.

Weeks 10 and 11: Group Presentations: Each group presents their lessons learned to the Project Board. Presenting key information to the Board is a key requirement of project management.

Week 12: Individual On-line Multiple Choice Test: Students answer 30 questions in 30 minutes.

Other than Week 12, all activities are performed in small groups. A paper-based case study project has been developed for the unit, with all activities taking place in the classroom. The aim is for students to actually manage the delivery of the project on schedule and to budget as well as to identify and manage the main risks and stakeholders. Students will also develop the skill of presenting key information to the Project Board so that decisions can be made about the project.

Other - In class test

Via Blackboard within 1 day