Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module BUSI4L8D1: Project Management (Online)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4L8D1: Project Management (Online)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2021/22
Tied to N1T717

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Project Management (Taught) BUSI4L910 and Project Management (Online) BUSI4L8D2

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
  • Scheduling
  • Role of the Project Manager and Project Team
  • Project Monitoring and Close
  • Risk management and communication plan
  • 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 to describe the major tasks, responsibilities of a project manager.
  • Be able to describe the major tools and techniques of planning and executing a 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.

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, reflective activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within tutor-facilitated discussions.
  • The formative assessment serves to encourage students to study regularly and to monitor their learning progress. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype).
  • 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 innovative assessment design will provide comprehensive testing of the module learning outcomes.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Video content, tutor-facilitated discussion, directed reading, reflective activities and guidance for further independent study 100
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:

A maximum 5 minute video presentation on the scope statement part of the summative assessment.


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