This module introduces the concepts of strategic planning and project management with an emphasis on business development related tasks. The initial focus is on long - term business planning, as well as managing individual projects, using established strategic and project
management tools and techniques. The module looks at managing complex multiple projects in close alignment with an organisation's business strategy. The module will enhance the management of business activities both on strategic and operational level in order to create and sustain competitive advantage at the international level.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Projects and strategy
Strategic planning in projects
Managing individual projects
There will be regular lectures/workshops combined with independent and group study. There will be some practical work using computer labs and project management software. Students will be expected to gain practical experience with tools as well as read selected papers and recommended texts.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, tutorials and seminars | 66 |
| Guided independent study | Group consultancy meetings, PRINCE2 training and individual guided study | 234 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The setup will achieve the objectives of the module, particularly the linking of theory to practice and enhancing criticality in relation to methodological and other research-related issues. PRINCE2 methodology will be followed.
Every session will provide ample opportunities for practice and formative feedback. The students will analyse case studies and business-related problems both individually and in groups, and will receive feedback from both their peers and the academic(s) delivering the session. Summative assessment in the module will be a combination of group consultancy activity and individual assignments:
PART A - PRINCE2 Foundation Examination - this will run throughout the first half of the module and will be submitted at the end of the first half of the semester.
PART B - Group Work - this will run throughout the module and will be submitted at the end of the semester. The maximum word count for this assignment is 3000 words.
PART C - Individual Assignment - this will run throughout the module and will be submitted at the end of the semester. The maximum word count for this assignment is 1500 words.
PRINCE2 Foundation Examination (30%)
This individual assignment will require the students to become PRINCE2 Foundation qualified. This includes on-line training and examination.This part is going to be individual work, worth 30% based on the real PRINCE2 Foundation exam. Achieving a pass to the Foundation exam will provide students the opportunity to progress to the more advanced Practitioner level, which is highly recommended and supported by the University.
Group Work (35%)
The group work assignment will require the students to develop a Project Initiation Documentation including essential project planning elements (work breakdown, schedule, budget, risk and QA management plan, etc.) for a given project mandate. Projects are dynamic, so it is the external and internal environment in which the business operates. Students will need to demonstrate leadership and problem solving skills in order to keep track of project and achieve a unique, agreed goal. This part is worth 35% with a maximum word length of 3000 words.
Individual Assignment (35%)
The individual assignment enables students to critically reflect on their experience of the project management module. With a length of 1,500 words, the individual assignment enables students to highlight their own contribution and insights. Students should keep feedback received throughout the project and reflect on this.
All the learning objectives will be assessed both by in-class individual and group discussion of case studies (formative) and by individual coursework (summative).
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| use and understand the applicability of various project management approaches and models. | In-class discussions (formative); Assignment A/B/C (summative) |
| advise on investment in the best strategy / projects in terms of added value. | In-class discussions (formative); Assignment B/C (summative) |
| use and understand various tools and techniques for project planning and monitoring. | In-class discussions (formative); Assignment A/B/C (summative) |
| contrast the suitability of different approaches to managing project budgets, quality and risk. | In-class discussions (formative); Assignment A/B/C (summative) |
| critically appraise the various approaches to managing project teams and oneself. | In-class discussions (formative); Assignment A/B/C (summative) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework 1 | PRINCE2 Examination (Assignment A) | 30% |
| Coursework 2 | Group Work (Assignment B) | 35% |
| Coursework 3 | Individual Assignment (Assignment C) | 35% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Nicholas, J., Steyn, H. (Latest Edition) Project Management for Business, Engineering, and Technology, Elsevier, ISBN-10: 0-7506-8399-6
Callahan, K. and Brooks, L. (Latest Edition) Essentials of Strategic Project Management, John Wiley & Sons.
Elizabeth Harrin E. (Latest Edition) Project Management in the Real World, BCS Publishing (ISBN: 978-1-902505-81-7)
Heldman K. (Latest Edition) PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 0470152516
Hughes R. and Cotterell M. (Latest Edition) Software Project Management, 4e, McGraw-Hill (ISBN 0077109899)
Moore, S. (Latest Edition) Strategic Project Portfolio Management: Enabling a Productive Organization, John Wiley & Sons
Ross, J., Weill, P., and Robertson, D. (Latest Edition) Enterprise Architecture as Strategy: Creating a Foundation for Business Execution, Harvard Business School Press.
Schmidt, T. (Latest Edition) Strategic Project Management Made Simple: Practical Tools for Leaders and Teams, John Wiley & Sons.