MQM1MPR-Managing Projects

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer 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:

Projectification is the term used to describe the growing importance of projects and project-like work in the modern economy. At the same time, recent years have witnessed the rapid rise of agile approaches, challenging established forms of project work. The Managing Projects elective engages with the resulting complexities of the world of projects by examining different forms of project management along with the challenges of managing multiple projects. In doing so, it provides the theoretical and practical foundation for critical appreciation of project management today.  

Aims:

The Managing Projects module is designed for practicing managers and early career high potential employees who are likely to fast track into senior leadership positions, to enable them to:

• Identify the characteristics of projects and the implications for their management


• Describe and evaluate different project methodologies


• Analyse their organisation’s approach to project management, including managing multiple projects

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, programme members will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

1. Describe and explain the characteristics and role of projects and project management in organisations


2. Critically evaluate project management in specific contexts, using appropriate models and frameworks 


3. Critically analyse programme and portfolio management and corporate governance in specific contexts, using appropriate models and frameworks


4. Communicate the results of analysis clearly and confidently, through a written report

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that programme members will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

• Work autonomously, as well as collaboratively, managing their process of study, prioritising appropriately


• Manage the research process to gather required information and data with minimum of guidance


• Select and use appropriate tools, models and frameworks to develop a critical analysis of a business situation 

Outline content:

Topics to be covered include:

1. The nature of projects and key dimensions of project management


2. Predictive (‘waterfall’) project management


3. Agile project management, including Scrum


4. Managing multiple projects, including programme and portfolio management, and project governance

Global context:

The module draws on research and practice examples from around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This is primarily a self-study module, comprising an online study guide with core and further readings, supported by online interactive discussion sessions, practice application exercises, a discussion forum, and multi-media learning objects, including video.

The contact hours are a guide and the terms taught will vary depending on the start date of the cohort.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2,500 individual written assignment with a weight of 100% of the final assessment mark; submission dates according to intake schedule.

Formative assessment methods:

The module includes a series of practice applications designed to help develop deeper understanding of module concepts and frameworks by applying them to contexts/problems identified by the programme member. An online discussion forum monitored by a Henley based tutor supports these activities.

Penalties for late submission:

These are in accordance with the mode of study arrangements laid out in the Programme Specifications.

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

An overall mark of 50% for the individual written assignment.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 100% assignment (capped at 50%); deadline to be advised by the Examinations Manager following the relevant Programme Examiners’ Meeting.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

The cost of textbooks and study aids for apprentices are met by the University of Reading as per the Education and Skills Funding Agency Regulations.

Last updated: 30 March 2023