MM396-Project Management

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mr Nigel Spinks
Email: nigel.spinks@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Projects have become an important mode of organising work in many organisations and industries in response to the need to develop and deliver complex one-off goods and services and to manage change initiatives. This module is designed to provide the theoretical and practical grounding for those working in and leading projects. The assignment includes project-based group activities to develop critical understanding of tools and techniques in practice.

Aims:

• Introduce core theories of project management


• Explore and critique project management methodologies and techniques


• Develop insights into the management of projects in different organisational contexts

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

• Describe and explain the characteristics and the role of projects in organisations


• Critically select and apply key theories and techniques of project management across the project lifecycle, including project definition, planning, execution and close-out


• Critically select and apply key theories and techniques of benefits management, risk management, and stakeholder management in a project environment


• Describe and evaluate different project methodologies such as Agile approaches


• Assess current debates over approaches to project management

Additional outcomes:

In addition, the module aims to encourage development of oral and written communication skills and team working in a project context through group-based assessment. Activities are designed to encourage both independent and collaborative learning skills, including reflection. Students are encouraged to develop investigative skills through the use of Web-based and other resources.

Outline content:

Topics to be covered include:

• What is a project?


• Projects and organisations today


• Defining a project


• Planning a project, including activity networks and cost estimation and resource scheduling


• Project risk management


• Project execution, including scope management, change control, project and performance measurement


• Project closure, including benefits management and post-project review


• Leading the project and the project team


• Managing internal and external stakeholders


• Agile project management

Global context:

The module draws on examples of practice and case studies from operations and process management around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A blended teaching approach will be used with core material being covered in lectures in which class interaction will be encouraged. These will be supported by seminars which will include group-based activities on relevant topics linked to development of the assessed group work, as well as encouraging application of module theories and concepts to case scenarios.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written paper with a weight of 70% of the final assessment mark to be held during the summer term examination period.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The coursework has a weight of 30% of the final assessment work. It takes the form of a group recorded video presentation (15% of final mark) to be managed as a project by the group, delivered in the final week of Spring term. Practical project management skills will be assessed through the submission of a group project plan for the creation and delivery of their video presentation, delivered in Spring term week 7  (subject to lecture/seminar schedule) (15% of the final assessment).

Formative assessment methods:

Seminars will be organised to allow students to apply and test their understanding of core module concepts in a practical environment. Feedback will be given on the project planning phase of the group project and help develop deeper understanding of techniques in practice.

Penalties for late submission:

In accordance with the University policy, the following penalties will apply for work submitted late: 

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days; 


• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded. 

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf. You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A weighed average mark of coursework and examination of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination only.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required textbook: Larson, E. W. & Gray, C. F. (2021). Project management: The managerial process, 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.- Approximately £45 - £55. Textbook 

Any non-programmable calculator.

Last updated: 30 March 2023