Project Management Methodologies Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course explores a range of industry-standard project management methodologies and their relationship to the success of project outcomes. Learners will evaluate and critique  methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, Scrum, Kanban, Prince2 and eXtreme.  The course covers the rationale for the use of methodologies and the practices, procedures, techniques and rules that are employed within them. Project management industry frameworks such as PMBOKn are evaluated. Learners will examine the criteria for the selection or customisation of methodologies depending on, the client, stakeholders, scope, complexity, importance of specified outcomes and the context of projects.

Course Aims

• Train learners to understand project management methodologies and the contexts in which they operate.
• Train learners to take a robust systematic approach to project management.
• Train learners to develop the skills, ability and flexibility to oversee, manage and plan a project from inception through to completion.

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

Moran, A. (2015). Managing Agile : Strategy, Implementation, Organisation and People. Cham : Springer

Perrin, R. (2008). Real-World Project Management: Beyond Conventional Wisdom, Best Practices, and Project Methodologies. Wiley

Wysocki, R. (2011). Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme : Wiley

Journals

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

Electronics Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on project management methodologies.

Indicative Topics

• Agile
• Waterfall
• Prince2