The Project Lifecycle Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course introduces project management through the lens of the project lifecycle and its four phases: initiation, planning, implementation and closure. Learners will examine the roles of the project manager and management tools and techniques appropriate for each phase. The course utilises case studies and real-world examples to demonstrate the inner workings of a project.

Course Aims

• Train learners in the four phases of the project lifecycle.
• Train learners in the roles of a project manager in each phase of the project lifecycle.
• Allow learners to explore and evaluate case studies for a range of project lifecycles.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• On-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summative assessment and is made available to the student either via email, the VLE or another appropriate method.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

Wilson, R. (2014). A Comprehensive Guide to Project Management Schedule and Cost Control: Methods and Models for Managing the Project Lifecycle. Pearson FT Press

Wells, K. and Kloppenborg, T.J. (2015). Project Management Essentials. New York, New Jersey : Business Expert Press

Wilson, R. (2015). Mastering Project Management Strategy and Processes: Proven Methods to Meet Organizational Goals. O’Reilly

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on the project lifecycle as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on the project lifecycle.

Indicative Topics

• Project lifecycle
• Project manager roles
• Project management tools and techniques