module specification

This module will introduce the student to the fundamental theories and concepts for successful project management. It examines the theory behind project management and best practice in the built environment industries in a local and a global context. It will consider how organisational strategic objectives drive projects and the role the project manager performs in the early stages of the project lifecycle, including the development and use of models to drive portfolio and project management. Following this it will move the focus to the operational stage of the project and how the key project objectives are identified and managed towards a successful project completion.

The syllabus is guided by professional body project management bodies of knowledge and codes of practice (such as the APM and CIOB). The module explains the strategic context within which projects operate to enable the students to understand that a project needs to have a strategic fit with the organisation's wider aims and ambitions.  By the end of the module students should be able to critically evaluate the following:

• the link between organisational strategy, programmes, and projects
• project economics
• project finance mechanisms
• project management methodologies and their underpinning theories
• the challenges of leading a complex project
• the contribution project management makes towards a sustainable built environment
• the responsibilities of the modern global project manager
• strategies to monitor and control the complete project lifecycle

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The syllabus is informed by the project management bodies of knowledge and codes of practice such as those defined by professional bodies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).  Topics will include:

• Strategies for project implementation (LO 1,3)
• Project economics and finance mechanisms (LO3)
• Project inception stage (LO 1,4)
• Governance and oversight (LO 2,3)
• Project feasibility (LO 1,4)
• Project pre-construction and early lifecycle (LO 1,5)
• The project management professional bodies and their bodies of knowledge (LO 1,2)
• The sustainable project manager (LO 2,3,5)

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 management 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 typical project management challenges which will require the students to propose and test solutions to them and then evaluate the outcomes.

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 online 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. Investigate and critically evaluate the theories and concepts behind the project management discipline
2. Examine the nature of the built environment sector and the contribution professional bodies and professional ethics and values make towards sustainable construction.
3. Appraise a project measuring its aims and objectives against an organisation's strategic objectives and available finance mechanisms.
4. Design and deliver appropriate strategies to control and monitor key elements within the project life cycle and a client setting that is complex and unpredictable.
5. Autonomously display a deep and systematic understanding of how high performing management teams within a dynamic project environment are developed.

The module coursework integrates the key issues raised in the module including the real-world context of projects and project management.  They will require the student to demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of how a project fits with the client organisation’s strategy, from project inception to feasibility and finally the project strategy stage.  Knowledge and understanding of how the professional bodies influence project management and project managers, and how a project responds to the dynamic landscape within which it is placed will need to be evidenced.

The student, as a part of a group, will develop a project proposal which aligns with a client organisation’s strategic objectives. Following this student will prepare an individual project strategy to deliver a successful project for a client and respond to change.  Details of the project and the context of the assignment will be contained within the assessment brief. Further detail will be provided in the coursework briefing documents.

Coursework 1: Formative Group Presentation (15 mins plus Q&A)

Formative Group Presentation: (Formative Assessment only). How to successfully test the feasibility of a project and ensure a satisfied client. An early opportunity to test your group cohesion and presentation skills. Assessment choice is provided to the groups who can agree with the module team the format of the presentation which, for example, could be live in person, a recorded talking head video, or a recorded PowerPoint presentation with commentary. If recorded, then there will still be a scheduled opportunity for Q&A.

Coursework 2: Group Presentation (20 mins plus Q&A)

Coursework 2 requires the group to apply the theory covered in presentation 1 to an actual project scenario. The group will present a project proposal which aligns with a client organisation’s strategic objectives. Once again assessment choice is provided to the groups who can agree with the module team the format of the presentation which, for example, could be live in person, a recorded talking head video, or a recorded PowerPoint presentation with commentary. If recorded, then there will be a scheduled opportunity for Q&A.

Coursework 3: Individual Report. (3750 words)

The report embraces enquiry-based learning and is designed to assess if the student can respond to a case study to demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the strategies and team required to control and monitor key elements of the project such as finance, sustainability and environmental objectives, constraints, and dependencies. Students will have to develop a report offering recommendations to a professional audience. 

The assessment will be inclusive and accessible to enable students with different backgrounds and experiences to participate on level terms. Project choice will be available through allowing students to choose where in the world they locate their projects which will allow them to discuss different perspectives within and outside the UK.  This will aid students in critical thinking and awareness of how different perspectives on issues relating to diversity in ethnicity, culture and nationality can impact the project manager and the management of projects.

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 included in the core text list. There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).  

CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a huge range of information relevant to this module. Useful books and articles for this course are listed below:

Link to library reading list