MN5055 - Project Management (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||
| Module title | Project Management | ||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
In this module, you will be introduced to the core principles of project management—covering conceptualisation, design and planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure—and learn to select the most effective approach, whether linear, agile or hybrid. You will evaluate and prioritise project proposals and assess stakeholder influence, power and interest to ensure strong support and clear direction. You will define project boundaries through the development of comprehensive scope statements that align with your project objectives, providing a clear framework for what is in and out of scope. You will implement effective execution strategies by using structured planning tools, including project management software, to organise tasks and manage timelines, ensuring that your project stays on track, even when facing change or uncertainty. Finally, you will identify and manage project risks through systematic analysis and robust contingency planning, equipping you with the skills to mitigate challenges, secure successful project outcomes, and steer your project through to formal closing.
This module not only aims to deepen your theoretical understanding of project management but also aims to enhance your practical capabilities. By linking proposal evaluation, stakeholder analysis, scope definition, execution planning, risk management and the systematic steps required for project closure—including documenting lessons learnt and realising benefits—you will be well-prepared to tackle real-world project challenges and drive success in your professional endeavours.
Prior learning requirements
Data Analysis for Business Decision Making or Equivalent at Level 4
Syllabus
Foundations of Project Management
The module opens with a thorough exploration of projects and project management. It investigates project types ranging from highly predictive to highly adaptive, examines methodologies such as linear, incremental, iterative and evolutionary lifecycles, and introduces the Iron Triangle alongside comparisons between traditional and agile approaches. (LO1)
Project Initiation and Governance
The module then digs deeper into the project lifecycle by analysing its stages and associated activities, reviewing essential project documentation, and detailing management processes and systems that support successful outcomes, while emphasising the importance of a business case. The module examines how project proposals undergo rigorous evaluation and prioritisation by applying MUST and WANT criteria, establishing a strategic foundation that filters and selects viable initiatives before detailed planning begins. Projects are further contextualised as temporary organisations, with a focus on the role of sponsors, boards and committees; the principles of assurance, governance, and the function of the Project Management Office. The dynamics of stakeholder engagement is examined and the Power-Interest matrix is introduced as an essential tool to map stakeholder influence, thereby enhancing governance and decision making processes. (LO2)
Project Management Framework and Execution Planning
The module proceeds by defining project requirements and deliverables through the development of scope statements, work breakdown structures and product descriptions. Agile prioritisation methods, such as MOSCOW, further refine project planning. Emphasis falls on formulating a clear scope statement to delineate project boundaries and to align stakeholder expectations, ensuring a focused and coherent development process. In the design and planning phase, methods for estimating activity durations are demonstrated using network diagrams and Gantt charts. Subsequent topics incorporate resource management by integrating resources into planning tools, while agile timeboxing techniques illustrate efficient scheduling during project execution. (LO3 and LO4)
Risk Management, Progress Tracking and Closure
Risk management features prominently, with strategies for risk assessment and contingency planning taking centre stage. To support robust risk management practices, a risk analysis matrix is introduced, providing students with a systematic framework to identify, assess and mitigate potential project risks. The module also presents techniques for tracking project progress and reporting through earned value analysis. Finally, formal project closure procedures are covered. Students examine structured approaches to documenting lessons learnt, managing acceptance processes, and realising benefits. This final phase reinforces the importance of wrapping up a project methodically, ensuring insights gained can inform future projects and contribute to continuous organisational improvement. (LO4)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Learning and teaching are structured around three hours of class contact time per week, comprising a 2-hour lecture and 1-hour seminar. Several seminars take place in computer labs, enabling students to acquire practical experience with project management software.
Learning materials, including weekly presentation slides, activities with solutions, videos, AI conversation exercises and self-tests, are provided via WebLearn. Computer-based tasks, where relevant, are integrated into the weekly schedule.
Lectures introduce the theory, processes, metrics and templates that underpin the project management function, incorporating worked examples to illustrate their practical application. Interactive seminars adopt a problem-focused approach and facilitate active learning through individual and collaborative practical exercises that cultivate essential project management skills.
Independent tasks, including research and guided activities, complement in-class sessions and are completed outside formal contact hours. Students are expected to dedicate five hours per week to self-directed study for every three hours of class time. A total of 54 hours is allocated for assessment preparation.
Reflective learning is incorporated into the module and students are actively encouraged to discuss their learning experiences with peers and tutors during seminars. By engaging with the weekly feedforward opportunities, students can continually develop their skills, refine their work and enhance their learning effectiveness.
Learning Through Assessment
The module is assessed through one summative coursework, contributing 100% to the overall mark. Coursework briefs and assessment criteria are uploaded to WebLearn and discussed in class to ensure clarity of requirements and transparency in marking. Working from case scenarios, students prepare a portfolio of project documents (up to 2000 words), structured around three domains: Evaluation and Approach, Design and Management, and Risk and Planning. The portfolio requires students to apply appropriate project management methods and models, demonstrating their ability to justify project choices, structure and plan work, and evaluate risks. All four learning outcomes are assessed through this portfolio, which is due at the end of week 12. Following internal moderation, provisional results are published on WebLearn within three weeks of submission.
Formative assessment is embedded to support preparation for the portfolio. These tasks provide feedback and feedforward on key stages of project evaluation and planning.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Understand core project management principles—conceptualisation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure—and select an appropriate project approach;
2. Evaluate and prioritise proposals and assess the varying levels of power and interest among identified stakeholder groups.
3. Define project boundaries by formulating a comprehensive scope statement aligned with project objectives;
4. Implement effective project execution strategies using structured planning tools and digital
technologies—including AI-enabled applications—to organise tasks, allocate resources and
monitor timelines;