Project Management

This module considers the role of project management as a core driver for managing and delivering successful projects. You will understand the concept of project lifecycle and how planning techniques play a role as an instrument of change. In particular, the application of a range of project management tools are critically evaluated for the execution, management and control of project management throughout its phases.

This module draws on the bodies of professional project management knowledge and connects theory and practice.

In this module you consider the growing importance of responsible project management, by which project managers deliver projects ethically and sustainably. You will learn about the global political, environmental, economic and social tensions which present challenges to achieving successful project outcomes.

Contemporary project management theory underpins the teaching on responsible project management where you are expected to challenge your individual beliefs and values. You will develop awareness of how change can lead to benefits and disbenefits in the project management process.

There has been an increased focus on new types of project organisation including flexible and virtual project teams which are challenging traditional institutional hierarchies. There has additionally been a focus on projectification theory which argues that these traditional structures are being changed by temporary project teams. This is seen in the expansion in project management governance processes, including project management offices (PMOs) and portfolio, programme and project management.

This module considers the meaning of organisational project management by considering these features, and how traditional skills of management and leadership are integrated within them. You will understand how to boundary span and negotiate professional practice in complex organisations.

This module offers you the opportunity to horizon scan project management as profession focusing on emerging trends in the sector. You will develop your understanding by engaging with professional project management bodies as well as the DMU Careers team.

The module also provides an opportunity for you to reflect on your project management ‘future’ by situating your learning on the MSc Project Management as part of your personal and professional development. In doing so, you focus on ‘project me’ by using project management competence frameworks to link your own career aspirations with the future of project management as a profession.

You will identify your own project management knowledge, skills and behaviours in order to develop your personal SWOT analysis for career realisation.

The Project Management Dissertation (PMD) is an individual and independent extended piece of work. This can be in the format of an extended essay, an individual research project or live project brief. These options will be subject to availability and interest.

• Firstly, you will apply your learning about project management to write a 2000-word research proposal. This will analyse a preliminary research problem guided by gaps in existing knowledge, on an issue related to project management. You will engage with research method approaches and the principles of research ethics in this module.
• Secondly, the core 10,000-12,000-word PMD is studied independently with the assistance of a supervisor and is a chance for the student to academically pursue a relevant area of project management of particular interest. The PMD requires the student to apply a range of skills developed during the programme such as:
  • Researching and critically reviewing national and international literature
  • Applying theoretical frameworks
  • Research design and ethics
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Research writing and dissemination.