MSc Programme and Project Management (Part-Time)

It is very important for future Project and Programme Managers to understand Strategic Management and how projects deliver the Strategy of an organisation.

The business world today is considerably different and more complex than it was in the previous years. Both the challenges and opportunities facing organizations of all sizes today are greater than ever. Organizations are required to continuously find better ways to compete in the rapidly changing global business environment. Survival and competition have become imperative for organizations in the current global scenario.

In this context, the module develops the strategic thinking and decision making abilities of students, especially in relation to understanding the employability of various strategies in different situations.

A ‘project’ is a temporary undertaking of some uniqueness, whose likelihood of success is enhanced if carried out using Project Management knowledge, methods, and processes, to accomplish planned objectives, such as outputs, outcomes or benefits.

Programmes are collections of such projects which are also targeted at higher-level deliverables that will often require greater levels of coordination and present different types of opportunities and risks.

This module explores aspects of ‘P3 management’, the management of projects, programmes and portfolios, in this wider context. Taught content is constructed around a research-led curriculum (i.e. current knowledge in the field), and through its study you will gain knowledge and develop a conceptual understanding around P3 Management, including the relevant approaches available to a project manager and the project team as a whole.

You will also critically evaluate project management knowledge and competencies, reflect on lessons from project case studies, and embrace the relevant ethical and professional standards associated with competent P3 management.

This module is designed to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to complete a postgraduate research project which is relevant to Programme and Project Management and career or future aspirations. As such, in the early part of your studies you will work closely with careers and professional development specialists to consider your career or future learning opportunities post completion of your degree. You will subsequently develop a career plan and reflective log considering how your learning from the programme can accelerate the achievement of this plan.

This module will provide a critical knowledge and understanding of project feasibility and economics as located within the project, programme and portfolio environments including the relevant financial drivers affecting option selection and project selection, procurement and contract strategies. It will also explore the key features of contracting, performance monitoring and the management of claims and disputes.

You will achieve an understanding of (1) the different facets of feasibility including financial, economic, environmental, and social feasibility; (2) the different economic environments surrounding projects including, macro and micro environments, and regulatory/legal environments, and (3) stakeholder environments including the Sponsor, Professional, and Contracting environments. This knowledge and understanding is essential for future employment.

Employers are looking for graduates with project feasibility and economics skills who can work individually and as members of a team in tackling problems and at the same time being able to make difficult decisions relating to projects. The module has been designed to satisfy several of the programme learning outcomes related to technical knowledge, employability, critical thinking and problem solving innovation.

It is essential that a programme or project manager is fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to be able to face any events that may impact on a project’s products, resources, stages or objectives. This module will enable you to effectively manage the inevitable risks and uncertainty that projects deliver and the multi-faceted challenges that come about as a result of change. In addition to a framework of tools, techniques and processes, a key part of this competence is in understanding the dynamics of change as a socially navigated process.

As part of this module you will experience the practicalities of managing these issues through a simulation that has been developed with input from industry, client experts and academia. You will be able to test the strategies that you have learnt and see the complexities that develop from their implementation.

The impact of the people element of a programme or project are often overlooked. It is this element which is the main focus of this module, which will include a critical review of key theories and concepts suggested by key academics as means of improving the management of programme and project teams. Based on a fundamental understanding of self and the impact of the individual on others it will include aspects and influences of social, cultural and organisational psychology. Your learning journey will also have a very practical basis with examples from a range of industries. The overarching objective is to develop your effective team working and enhance skills required to understand and participate in leading real and virtual programme and project teams.

The aim of this module is to support your study, language and communication skills for academic purposes in the study in your chosen discipline. The module is designed to enable you to become and independent learner. The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. Interactive seminars will be tailored to address some of the specific issues that you meet within your discipline. Directed learning will require a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the e-learning platform. You will be expected to identify those skills which you need within your programme, and to develop these independently through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, and reflection.

This module provides a process which will enable you to use and extend the knowledge and skills you have acquired during your programme of study. Using appropriate research methodologies and data collection methods, you will critically synthesise a body of knowledge relevant to the taught programme and apply this to an area relevant to your continued career development in the area of project management.