Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module BUSI43B15: PROJECT MANAGEMENT (FT)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI43B15: PROJECT MANAGEMENT (FT)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap
Tied to N1K017
Tied to N1KC17

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To establish the fundamental principles and techniques of project management. It deals with the complexities of managing projects in the widest contexts of a business activity with specific limited objectives and timescale, and encompasses both product development and change projects. It provides a critical examination of the issues and current techniques for successful project planning and control, including the selection and motivation of project teams.

Content

  • Projects and organisational strategy.
  • Organisational structure.
  • Project definition.
  • Project planning techniques.
  • Risk management.
  • Time compression.
  • Project Teams.
  • Project review and performance.
  • International projects.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • have a critical appreciation of the requirements for managing and contributing to projects effectively within the business environment;
  • have an advanced understanding of the scope and application of appropriate specialised techniques.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • be able to contribute, at a specialist level, to the formulation and management of project teams from start to finish.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading. The written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion) 28
Preparation and Reading 122
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment based on a case study 4,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Case study project with presentation. Students work in groups of 4-5 on a case study and then present their results.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University