module specification

The module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to manage and measure benefits to the organisation. You will learn how to assess the return on investment (ROI) and have an awareness of the broader social and environmental impacts (Social Value) of projects. In today's dynamic business environment, organisations should optimise financial returns while also considering their societal and environmental contributions.

Upon completion of this module, you will be equipped with the requisite knowledge and competencies to excel in project management, empowering you to maximise project success across multiple dimensions, balancing the financial bottom line with societal and environmental contributions.

The syllabus is informed by contemporary research and practice in the procurement of projects, Topics will include:

• Benefit identification, measurement, and realisation (LO1)
• Determination and application of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics (LO2)
• Strategies for stakeholder engagement (LO3)
• Return on Investment (ROI) concepts and methodologies (LO4)
• The concept of Social Value (LO5)

Student’s teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of lectures, seminars, discursive sessions, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in seminar activities in which the use of case studies from around the world stimulates discussion and helps them to develop a deep understanding of project procurement in context and within the framework of the existing project management bodies of knowledge and codes of practice.

Workshops will facilitate group study of authentic case studies, presenting project scenarios and challenging the students to consider the advantages and risks associated with different procurement strategies. The case studies will be diverse in project type and seminars and workshops will include taking the projects on a journey around the globe to use material that explores and develops the student’s critical awareness of how different factors, such as social and economic influence approaches to project procurement in practice.

A blended/ technology enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Formal lectures will introduce and develop themes that relate to the core subject. The delivery of the module will be broken down into key elements that have discrete tasks. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study, to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Throughout the module student output’s will be reviewed, and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

Study will be supported via lectures, tutorials and seminars that will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. Explore advanced concepts in benefit identification, measurement, and realisation.
2. Develop knowledge and expertise in the determination and application of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for tracking and evaluating project benefits throughout the project life span.
3. Examine advanced strategies for engaging stakeholders throughout the project, including techniques for managing diverse stakeholder expectations and interests.
4. Introduce Return on Investment (ROI) concepts and methodologies, emphasising the importance of financial benefit realisation in project management.
5. Explore the concept of Social Value, including methods for identifying, measuring, and maximising the social and environmental impacts of projects.

Both module assessments test knowledge and understanding that should have been developed throughout the module. The students will be able to negotiate with the module team the geographical location within which they place their assignments to promote diversity of scenarios and ensure the project is inclusive, allowing students to bring their own personal, academic, workplace and cultural backgrounds and experiences into the module.  Students will be supported throughout their assessment preparations through having access to formative feedback which will be available throughout the module, during lectures, seminars, and workshops. Further detail will be provided in the coursework briefing documents.

Coursework (1): Individual Project (3500 words)

The course work is designed to assess students' advanced understanding of benefit management, their ability to determine and apply key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics, and their strategies for effectively engaging stakeholders in a project.

Students will work individually on a complex, real-world project case study provided by the instructor. The case study will involve a project with multifaceted benefits and a range of stakeholders. Throughout the assessment, students will be required to demonstrate advanced benefit understanding, the application of benefit metrics and evaluation, and effective stakeholder engagement strategies.

Coursework (2): Group Presentation: (15 minutes)

Each group will select a real-world project and conduct an in-depth analysis of its benefit management practices, including ROI calculations and assessments of Social Value. They will propose improvements and assess the potential impact on project success.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/DDF1FB79-9E65-1B0B-6259-ED53ED699696?