Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module BUSI45Y15: Project Management (MSc)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI45Y15: Project Management (MSc)

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2015/16 Module Cap

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To establish the fundamental principles and techniques of project management. The module 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:
  • By the end of the module students should have:
  • a critical appreciation of the requirements for managing and contributing to projects effectively within the business environment;
  • an advanced understanding of the scope and application of appropriate specialised techniques.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students should:
  • 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.

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

  • Learning outcomes will be met through workshop-based delivery, providing 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 by requiring them to conduct an in-depth analysis based on a case study.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion) 24
Preparation & Reading 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment based on a case study 2500 words (maximum) 100% same

Formative Assessment:

Case study project with presentation. Students work on a case study in small groups 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