module specification

CO7011 - Contemporary Project Management Practice (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Contemporary Project Management Practice
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of the Built Environment
Total study hours 200
 
40 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
124 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Individual Presentation 25%   10 minute individual presentation plus Q&A
Project 75%   Individual Project (3000 words)
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Monday Morning

Module summary

Through studying this module, you will develop a critical awareness and understanding of the application of leading contemporary project management methodologies (principles, tools and techniques) and how these contribute to the successful delivery of projects. It will take a detailed look at the management of the project lifecycle. It will consider the role of project management and project managers in the global move towards a sustainable and low/zero carbon future.

You will evaluate and apply a project management methodology such as Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Hybrid, and PRINCE2 alongside project management bodies of knowledge as defined by professional bodies such as Association for Project Management (APM), the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the International Project Management Association (IPMA).

By the end of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate:

• the challenges in leading a different project types.
• various project management methodologies and practices.
• the selection and application of a suitable project management methodology.
• contributions the project methodology and project manager can make towards sustainable project management.

Syllabus

The syllabus is informed by various project management methodologies and project management bodies of knowledge and codes of practice as defined by professional bodies such as the APM, PMI and IMPA.

The syllabus will include:

• The identification, appraisal, and implementation of: (LO1,2)
o Traditional project management methodologies eg. Waterfall and  PRINCE2
o Contemporary project management methodologies eg. Agile, Scrum, Kanban
o Project management bodies of knowledge

• Complex project environments (LO3)
• Project procurement (LO2)
• Sustainable project management (LO4)
• Total Quality Management (LO5)
• Project closure (LO5)
• Continuous improvement in project outcomes (LO5)
• Six Sigma and Lean methodologies ((LO5)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

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 practice in context and within the framework of the existing project management methodologies and bodies of knowledge. 

Workshops will facilitate group study of authentic case studies from around the world, presenting typical project management challenges which will require the students to propose and test solutions to them and them 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.

Learning outcomes

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

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of a range of project management methodologies.
2. Apply suitable procurement methods in practice.
3. Formulate and align project objectives with organisational strategy and goals.
4. Integrate sustainability principles into project management practice.
5. Evaluate the impact of quality management on project success and stakeholder satisfaction.

Bibliography

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://idp.londonmet.ac.uk/idp/profile/SAML2/Redirect/SSO?execution=e1s1