Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module BUSI4P510: Project Management (EBS)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4P510: Project Management (EBS)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1T817

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with the knowledge needed to manage projects in complex environments by introducing the tools and techniques used to scope, design, schedule, and monitor a project.
  • To identify the role of the project manager and team, and that of the professional associations in standardising project delivery.
  • To illustrate the practical application of project management knowledge at a critical level, using relevant examples and exercises.

Content

  • Introduction to Project Management
  • Project Selection and Organisational Strategy
  • Project Definition
  • Procurement
  • Relationships and Contracts in Projects
  • Scheduling
  • Role of the Project Manager and Project Team
  • Project Governance
  • Project Monitoring and Close
  • Project Complexity and Risk
  • Risk management and communication plan
  • Review and Assessment of Projects
  • Learning from Projects
  • The ethical project manager

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • Be able to evaluate the strategic importance of projects.
  • Be able to define project management and have a critical appreciation of the major tasks and responsibilities of a project manager.
  • Have an advanced understanding of the major tools and techniques of planning and executing a complex project.
  • Be able to understand the critical success factors of 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
  • Interpretation of data

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

  • Learning outcomes are met through classroom-based workshops, supported by online resources. The workshops consist of a combination of taught input, groupwork, case studies and discussion. Online resources provide supplementary material for the workshops – typically consisting of directed reading and video content.
  • The formative assessment consists of exercises involving individual and group analysis of specific issues associated with project management, as preparation for the summative assessment.
  • The summative assessment is a project-based assignment requiring students to: develop a scope for a project of their choice; plan the project using relevant techniques; and reflect on both the project, and their learning experience. This assessment design will provide comprehensive testing of the module learning outcomes.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion) 6 Over a 3-day teaching block 4.5 hrs 27
Webinars / online videos 2
Preparation, Reading and other independent study 71
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Project 3000 words max 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Students will complete exercises involving individual and group analysis of specific issues associated with project management as preparation for the summative project. Feedback will be provided on a group and/or individual basis as appropriate.


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