PE6002 - Project Management

Each module session follows a similar structure of Learn, Explore Further and Apply. All learning materials and resources are accessible via our virtual learning environment.

In this module you are empowered as partners in the learning process, taking responsibility for your own learning.

The self-directed aspects of this module are supported by guidance at the module level through a teaching and learning plan and learning set guidance and provided via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The module has prepared learning notes in which key concepts, theories and practice in project management are introduced.

On a weekly basis, you will be referred by the teaching and learning plan and in learning notes to various chapters in the core textbook. After these reading these notes you have practical tasks to work on. These tasks aim at providing you with the opportunity to practise the tools and techniques you have learnt in the notes and consolidate further your understanding of project management.

As part of the modules continuous learning strategy you will be reflecting upon the project management approaches and techniques you’ve been exposed to on a weekly basis and comparing their application in real project settings, sharing this learning with fellow students by means of the module discussion board.

You will then submit an individual assignment at the end to reflect and demonstrate your understanding of project management.

A range of approaches are adopted to accelerate your learning in this module.

During the first week of this module, you will receive information about the module and Teaching & Learning Plan. The teaching and learning plan (TLP) sets out
• Learning outcomes and overall module and programme aims
• Teaching, learning and assessment strategy
• Teaching schedule
• Directed reading references (text and journals) and core texts for the module

During this module your module tutor will provide academic support including:
• Delivering on—line materials
• Providing guidance in relation to assignments
• Development of key resources, made available through the VLE
• Assessing assignments and assess or review any other agreed summative or formative outputs as appropriate

You will be supported by a team of academic experts and will have the opportunity to receive feedback on on-going work giving you the opportunity to respond directly.

Where appropriate, students may also be directed to engage with Study Skills +, or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support.

The Library is open 24 hours a day and E-Learning Portal houses all your module documents including your timetable. These services can be accessed on a range of devices

The module will also have an e-reading list which directs learners to specific reading for each session. This includes direct access to repositories, journal articles and other academic sources. You will also be provided with access to a significant set academic research sources via the Northumbria University library portal.

You will also have opportunities to receive formative feedback from your tutor in response to opinions you express and issues you raise during workshop sessions and face-to-face or online tutorials. These formative feedback sessions are formally scheduled at key points throughout the module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1: You will demonstrate your understanding of a range of theories and approaches to contemporary project management.
MLO2: You will engage with a range of professional project management techniques in order to apply knowledge to complex problems and identify appropriate and sustainable project management solutions.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3: You will develop the ability to apply a range of professional techniques and specialist project management software through practical exercises.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4: You will develop and reinforce the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate as you reflect on problems and challenge conventional solutions and show innovation in applying concepts and theories to different project scenarios.

• Formative assessment
Engaging with learning tasks in the practical exercise sessions will provide formative feedback in terms of general understanding of different aspects in project management. Online discussion forum (via the tutor-supported module discussion board) will be used to facilitates ongoing dialogue with opportunities for formative feedback.
• Summative assessment The final assessment will be a 2,000-word individual essay (100%). You will include the following essential elements:
i) demonstrate your understanding of a range of theories and approaches to contemporary project management;
ii) analyse how you engaged with project management techniques and methods;
iii) evaluate the use and effectiveness in applying specialist software technology within the context of the module.
This assessment will assess MLO1, MLO2, MLO3 and MLO4.

None

None

‘Project Management’ will develop your knowledge and skills as a project management practitioner. You will be able to draw upon a wide range of both traditional and contemporary techniques and approaches to managing projects more effectively. Through experience and reflection, you will challenge current thinking whilst also gaining exposure to alternative and new ideas about managing projects sustainably and ethically in a global society.

You will have the opportunity to work on a real or case study project. You will evaluate your experience of using project management tools and techniques, comparing this with the existing approaches espoused in the literature, through writing up your processes, strategies and reflections in an individual report which accounts for 100% of the assessment.

As a graduate, you will almost certainly work on projects and in teams. The skills developed on ‘Project Management’ will equip you with key attributes of a Northumbria University graduate’s portfolio for employability.