Programmes, Projects and Portfolios Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course covers programme, project portfolio management and the skills required to effectively deliver a range of programmes and projects within an umbrella portfolio. The course explores the criteria for the selection of projects and programmes in relation to business and organisational strategy and external factors, the research required to establish project feasibility and how the portfolio manager ensures that it is balanced and that appropriate measures to review and deliver are in place and actively applied.

Course Aims

• Train learners to understand the business context for programme project portfolio management and how it operates to secure successful outcomes in multi project contexts.
• Train learners to apply strategic and analytical skills in the management of programmes and projects in relation to business strategy, aims and objectives.
• Train learners to establish rigorous governance and selection criteria for programmes and projects within a business portfolio and the skills required to manage them.

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: 

• On-line learning
• On-line discussion groups
• On-line 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:

• Learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• Private study (18 hours per week) = 108 hours

Total = 150 hours

Assignments (see below) will be completed as part of private study.

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 Mentor. These 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

Stewart, S., Piros, C. and Heisler, J. (2019). Portfolio Management. Wiley

Brentani, C. (2004). Portfolio Management in Practice. Oxford : Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann 

Enoch, C. (2015). Project Portfolio Management : A Model for Improved Decision-making. New York, New Jersey : Business Expert Press

Journals

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant journals on portfolio management. 

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant electronic resources on portfolio management.

Indicative Topics

• Multi project portfolios
• Risk analysis
• Resource management