Project Management – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The following indicate the range of modules that may be offered:

Core Modules (15 credits each)

Accounting and Finance – This module aims to develop an understanding of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management, and the financial aspects of managerial decision-making. On completion of the module, students should have an understanding of the organisational role of accounting and finance and the theory underlying financial accounting, management accounting and financial management. In addition, students should have developed technical and analytical skills with regard to accounting, finance and decision-making.

Marketing & Operations Management – This module aims to introduce students to key concepts and aspects pertaining to marketing and the management of design and operations in business organisations. It explores, in depth, marketing and operations concepts issues and provides an understanding of the marketing mix, strategies for new products and branding, and the strategic aspects of marketing. The module seeks to define and understand the purpose and functions of marketing concepts and tools for business organisation success.

People and Organisations – This module is intended to encourage independent and critical thought on how the terms ‘people’ and ‘organisation’ are understood, related and managed.

Project Scope and Portfolio Management – This module incorporates scope management and integration management, which assess the scale of the project, its component parts and processes, and their integration in order to achieve project goals. It will also consider how these aspects impact on the organisation as a whole and the overall delivery of the full portfolio of projects to be undertaken by the organisation. Fees and contact hours information, correct at time of printing but subject to change.

Sourcing and Supply Strategy – This module covers the acquisition process for both product components needed by the project and the provision of methods, tools and systems to support a project.

Metrics, Estimation, Analysis and Teams – A modern project manager must be comfortable with a number of underpinning technologies and skills if they are to be effective at both a project and an organisational level. In particular, the majority of techniques involve the collection and use of metrics and their subsequent analysis for either project monitoring or process improvement. This module aims to provide the student with the requisite skills and knowledge in these areas. The student will also understand the construction of teams and be able to function as both a team member and a team leader.

Project Management Distributed Group Project (30 credits) – This module will involve students working as part of a small project team to undertake the research and project management necessary to produce a bid in response to a project scenario. The students will each have an opportunity within this module to apply the skills they have learnt across the full spectrum of modules, as the bid response will require the production of plans, estimates, scoping documents, risk and quality plans and the selection of appropriate staff to populate the project plan.

Dissertation or Internship (60 credits) – Students will undertake either a dissertation or an internship based in an industrial organisation.

Company Internship

The aim of this is to give Masters students the choice of undertaking a company internship, plus producing an accompanying 7,000 word management report. Should students opt to select the company internship module, it is only available to them after a comprehensive selection process. Masters students who meet the company internship criteria will be attached to an organisation/ company for a period of between 8-12 weeks. During this time they will need to undertake, in conjunction with the School and organisation, a discrete management project on behalf of the organisation/company. Applicants must meet the required selection criteria demanded by the School and facilitating organisation. The company internship will be available for Masters students during the period June-September for students enrolling during the preceding October on the full-time course. At the end of this the students will be able to:

* Identify, evaluate and propose possible solutions to an identified managerial issue (this will be subject to an agreed project proposal)
* Comprehensively develop a personal skills set enabling them to work successfully in any comparable organisation after completing the course
* Present and prepare a management report jointly to the employer and faculty.
* Work independently and within the guidelines and parameters of the sponsoring organisation
* Demonstrate competence in employer in a way agreed in a learning contract
* Reflect on their working practice from a managerial perspective

Dissertation

This involves the student undertaking an independent research dissertation that will involve both research and the development of a defined project management related topic, either drawn from a list of such proposed topics or defined by the student in conjunction with either Faculty staff or a sponsoring organisation. Apart from the topic, the aims and process are identical to those currently used on existing MSc’s run from either the School of Computing and Mathematics or Keele Management School