Course overview
This module provides an understanding of the tools and techniques of project administration and the environment within which projects are undertaken. The course aims to introduce students to the range of issues that affect projects and the strategies, tools and techniques for managing them.
The course content is very practical in nature and aims to help students to develop the skills, knowledge, attributes and behaviours that a project manager needs. The course is aligned with the Association for Project Management’s APM Project Management Qualification (previously APMP) and, subject to availability, there may be the opportunity for very high performing students to undertake the APM’s examination to gain the professional qualification. The UCL School of Management’s APM accreditation status provides professional body recognition that the course provides a good grounding in project management techniques which can be applied to projects in any industry. Students may cite on their CVs that they have attended a project management course from an APM accredited provider.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:
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Define the concept of a project in relation to commercial and not-for-profit organisations.
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Define a project, its characteristics and the role of the project manager.
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Explain the success / failure indicators for managing projects and how potential causes of project failure might be overcome.
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Demonstrate a divergent approach to problem-solving through the analysis and presentation of arguments and discussions of project problems / situations.
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Demonstrate a practical working knowledge of key project management tools and techniques.
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Produce a project plan.
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Identify their own motivations, strengths and weaknesses as members of a project team.
Topics covered
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Project definition
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Project selection
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Project planning
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Scope management
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Scheduling
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Resource management
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Risk management
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Stakeholder management
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Leadership and team-working
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Monitoring and control
Assessment summary
50% is awarded on the basis of an unseen 2-hour examination in the Summer Term. 50% is awarded for team report with individual component
Essential reading
Essential reading items are listed and / or available via course Moodle site