Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)

Module BUSI50915: PROJECT MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI50915: PROJECT MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2017/18 Module Cap
Tied to N1KS17
Tied to N1KR17
Tied to N1N317
Tied to N1N417

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to appreciate the issues and methodologies involved in managing major projects, by drawing on a wide range of practical experience in project management.

Content

  • Introduction to Project Management
  • Strategy, Selection and Standard Methodologies
  • Finance and Cost
  • Project Organisation and Quality Management
  • Communication
  • Project Design and Project Planning
  • Resourcing and Procurement
  • Risk and Issue Management

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students will:
  • be able to define project management and to describe the major tasks, duties and responsibilities of a project manager;
  • be able to describe the major tools and techniques of project management and to identify their various strengths and weaknesses;
  • develop an appreciation of the commercial, contractual and legal issues involved;
  • study a number of projects of different types and to understand the reasons for their successes and failures;
  • gain an insight into the strategic importance of projects and the need for top management to be deeply involved and supportive of major projects.
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.

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

  • The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype). 
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Video content, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment 4,000 words maximum 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.


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