KB7031 - Project, Programme and Portfolio Management

This module will allow you to develop the relevant subject knowledge. You will learn through a combination of engaging, interactive methodologies and teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars, academic staff-guided independent learning, independent student learning, and by engagement in technologically-enhanced learning (TEL). A directed study of textbooks will support formally scheduled teaching, PSRB reports and scholarly journal articles (hard copy or electronic), critical evaluation of case studies, problem-based learning, simulation and reflection exercises. Additional formally scheduled teaching approaches will include video presentations, peer group discussions and presentations. The module will also use an inter-disciplinary approach to the development of the syllabus and teaching resources.

Academic staff will provide guidance, 1-2-1 support (where possible), or use interactive asynchronous online peer support forums on the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) to support you in your studies. Academic staff will use guided independent learning activities, e.g., directed reading. You will supplement this structured support with independent learning activities.

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:
1. Establish conceptual understanding of the complex scenarios that multiple and major projects environments and settings have, including the relationships between projects, programmes or portfolios within host organisations.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Critically appraise existing project management knowledge and identify areas that can improve aspects of project delivery for stakeholders through the application of project management theory or practice.
3. Critically reflect upon approaches to problem-solving on real life projects, in order to evaluate, learn from, and adopt similar, appropriate, solutions in future professional practice

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Embrace critical thinking, to systematically identify, analyse, plan, produce, and then present, original work for academic review.
5. Embrace academic, ethical, and professional standards, through practice and conduct, whilst developing understanding of competence in project management.

Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally-scheduled teaching sessions or digitally using the University’s VLE. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.

Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by one piece of coursework. Academic staff on the module will use the coursework to evaluate your ability to satisfy all the module’s learning outcomes. You will use the University’s VLE to submit your coursework. Academic staff on the module will use digital feedback tools to issue your feedback.

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A project is a temporary undertaking of some uniqueness, carried out using project management knowledge, methods, and processes, to accomplish planned objectives, such as outputs, outcomes or benefits. Individual projects often sit within wider contexts, including multiple project environments, that require greater levels of coordination and present different types of opportunities and risks. As such, aspects of ‘P3 management’, the management of projects, programmes and portfolios, as considered in this wider context are explored here. Taught content is constructed around research-led curriculum (i.e., current knowledge in the field), and through its study, you will gain knowledge and develop conceptual understanding around P3 Management, including the relevant approaches available to a practising project manager. You will also critically evaluate project management knowledge and competencies, reflect on lessons from project case studies and embrace the necessary ethical and professional standards to attain competence in the future management of P3 projects.