Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module BUSI4K010: Project Management (FT)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4K010: Project Management (FT)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2021/22
Tied to N1T517
Tied to N1T617

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • BUSI4J910 Management Consultancy (FT)

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To contribute to the overall aims of the programme by providing students with an opportunity to develop their understanding and skills within a specialised area of management practice.
  • To provide a critical examination of the complexities of managing projects in a business context: planning, monitoring, quality control and closure.
  • To explore the intricacies of leadership, culture, change and the motivation of project teams.
  • To develop links with the Business School’s research strategy by incorporating current research into the management of projects across a diverse range of functions and industry sectors to improve business performance.

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:
  • At the end of this module, students should have:
  • A critical appreciation of the requirements for managing and contributing to projects efficiently and effectively within the business environment;
  • An understanding of the theory, themes, principles and techniques for project management.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • At the end of the module students should have:
  • An appreciation of the complexity in managing project teams at the individual, team and organisation level throughout the duration of a project and/or programme.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication
  • Planning, monitoring and controlling all stages of a project through to completion (including risk management)
  • Time management
  • Resource management
  • Problem solving and analysis
  • Using initiative during the effective planning of a project
  • Ability to select and apply appropriate software and support (e.g. Gantt charts, planning schemes, etc.)

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

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of workshops including taught input, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading.
  • The summative written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of taught input, groupwork, case studies and discussion) 24
Preparation & Reading 76
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written assignment based on a case study 3,000 words maximum 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Case study project with presentation. Students work in groups of 4-5 on a case study 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