Project Management Methodologies Module Code: UBGLL1-30-M

 Module Handbook 2022/23 Module Name: Project Management Methodologies Module Code: UBGLL1-30-M Module Leader Name: Dr Maria Kapsali  

Introduction

Welcome to the Project Management Methodologies module

The module starts in two weeks and Blackboard has been set up for you to prepare in advance.

This module will help you learn about Agile, Traditional and Hybrid Methodologies. Specifically it covers:

  • Principles, values & practices of Agile (Scrum, Lean, Kanban, XP, ScrumBan, Crystal, Spotify, DevOps, SAFe SoS, DAD etc)
  • MPBoK and APM traditional methodologies
  • PRINCE2 & PRINCE2Agile

This module covers the basis of these methods in order to help you develop the skill to compare & discern which methodologies suit which types of projects and your skill to change or tailor them according to the needs of the project

There is a wide array of material so please engage with them timely in order to catch up. All information is organized in the left-hand side panel in BB.

  • Start with the Module Handbook
  • Continue with the Assignment Briefs
  • You can check the Learning Material organized in folders according to teaching week
  • Please pay close attention to what the Handbook and Briefs say. Pay attention to the directions about formative feedback as well, included in detail in these documents.
  • Communication will be contacted promptly via BB announcements accompanied by an email, so please do not skip them when they are sent to you.

 Looking forward to meeting you soon.

Contents

Introduction. 2

1.      Module team information. 3

2.      Module enhancement 3

3.      Module specific information. 3

4.      Assessment(s) 3

5.      Feedback. 4

6.      Reading and resources list(s) 4

7.      Communication. 5

8.      Advice and support 5

9.      Supervision of projects and dissertations students’ expectations. 5

1. Module team information

Module Leader(s) name(s) Dr Maria Kapsali

Module Team – Dr Nnamdi Maduka

External examiners from other institutions are appointed to each module to act independently and work with the module team in the management of threshold academic standards.  Information is available about the external examiner appointed to this module

2. Module enhancement


This module is designed to be interactive and activities are developed to help students understand and apply learned knowledge into practice. The application of knowledge would help students in delivering their assignment.

3. Module specific information

 ‘Preparation’ – what preparatory tasks might be required,

Students are asked to be proactive and check the learning material before each session. Students are asked to make a note of any query regarding the material and especially for the practise of the workshop exercises. students are advised to familiarise with the workshop templates, gay studies and videos.

‘Participation’ – what engagement is expected,

Performance in this module requires active participation and engagement in the class and with their study material. Students are expected to participate in class activities and workshop exercises each week. Attendance will be kept thoroughly in each session.

‘Practice’ – applying learning to assessments and real world scenarios.

Students will demonstrate their comprehension of the study material within the weekly workshop exercises and within their reports, where they will use the study materials to investigate a real world case scenario.

By the end of the module you should be able to:

LO1. Critically evaluate the major concepts and principles of different project management methodologies.

LO2. Critically analyse and compare the benefits and challenges presented in different methodological approaches to the management of projects.

LO3. Select and justify a chosen methodology for use within an organisation, making recommendations on approaches suitable to that organisation.

LO4. Deploy systematic and in-depth understanding of the principles and terminology of the PRINCE2® method.

LO5. Apply problem-solving, research-based skills to project management practices and communicate the results using the PRINCE2® Methodology

Component A (controlled conditions) Description of each elementElement weighting (as % of component)
Individual 3,000 word report)100%
Component B Description of each elementElement weighting (as % of component)
Individual presentation with embedded script/audio (15 minutes)100%

Component A: Report 3,000 words (50% of Module Mark)

  • Due date: 08/12/22
  • This is an individual report that will assess learning outcomes LO1, LO2 and LO3.
  • This task will require the student to develop a 3,000-word report for an organization of his/her choice suggesting implementation of a specific project management methodology. This assessment strategy has been chosen because this form of assessment is suitable to the task at hand and because it can improve students’ work performance, productivity, report writing skills, and self-confidence as these skills are needed for master’s level study as well as for the workplace in the future.
  • This report will provide the students’ perspective and capability to assess the suitability of the methodology to match the project and its organizational environment. The students will provide arguments regarding the agile or traditional methodology they will suggest for the organization in terms of advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and risks.  
  • In preparation to this assessment, students will be able to undertake a series of formative exercises as topics are covered in the module and gain feedback in response during workshops.

Component B: Individual presentation with embedded script/audio (15 minutes) (50% of Module Mark)

  • Due date:  12/01/23
  • This is is an Individual presentation that will assess test learning outcomes LO4 and LO5.
  • The student will be required to provide information on an area of your interest of the PRINCE2® methodology (principles, themes, processes) as delivered in Part B lectures.

5.        Feedback

You will receive feedback in a variety of forms throughout the module, therefore it is important to attend timetabled sessions to ensure you do not miss out on these opportunities.

You will also receive feedback on assessed work; this may be individually or as a group/cohort, which will enable you to understand how you have met the assessment criteria and identify areas for your further improvement.

MyUWE is used to communicate unconfirmed marks, provide cover sheets for assessments and to submit work. Further information on all aspects of your myUWE portal is available on the website.

6. Reading and resources list(s)

Your module reading list can be accessed online, either directly through the link below or through the module’s Blackboard page.

The short video available on the library’s website will introduce you to some of the key features of the online reading list system.

 

An indicative reading list can be found at: 

https://rl.talis.com/3/uwe/lists/0048B2AE-904E-ECA1-B4BD-E45D8A4E2B7D.html?lang=en-GB&login=1

A guide to referencing can be found at: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/referencing.aspx

 The University’s policy on word count can be found at: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/aboutus/policies.aspx

7. Communication

Throughout your time with us, you will receive regular communications; the main communication channels used are Blackboard sites and your UWE email address.   It is your responsibility to read everything that you are sent and act upon it where appropriate.

The module leader and administration will communicate information about the module via announcements. Throughout your time with us, you will receive regular communication from your module leaders, and also administrative staff. It is your responsibility to ensure that you read everything that you are sent, and act upon it where appropriate.

The main communication channel used is Blackboard (BB) for all the modules you are currently studying. You should check it regularly for module specific information, new content and announcements.

       Information about the assignments will be placed on BB > Assignments tab. Please check the assignment briefs for details on assessment.

       Informaton about the schedule and changes on it is on BB > Module Information tab.

       Learning materials will be organized according to teaching weeks on BB > Learning Materials tab.

Please see further information on all aspects of your myUWE portal.

In addition, the Faculty also has a Staff and Student Communications Policy that applies to all FET staff and students.

8. Advice and support

There are a range of facilities and services available to go to for advice and support depending on what the issue is. Remember – asking for help at the earliest possible stage will help you in the long run. 

Please contact Information Point who may signpost you to other professional services such as;

Student Support Advisers

Disability Service

Health and Wellbeing Services

Money and Finance

Immigration Advice Service