Project Management

Aims of this Unit

This unit examines the approaches that help successfully implement projects. It reviews the various frameworks and methodologies used in project management and the role of the Project Management Office (PMO). It also compares the roles of the PMO and the Project Management Company (PMC) and how they differ and depend on one another.

The unit allows learners to evaluate the organisation's business structure and capability requirements against the project management framework to guide the developers and implementers of an emerging project-based operation. This is also linked with the type of resources needed in a project. Project management provides the foundations for navigating the triple constraints – quality, time and cost (QTC) - and the project management skills needed to ensure successful project delivery. It examines project stakeholder management, communications and change, as well as the forecasting of time, cost and effort.

The unit offers an opportunity to develop skills in identifying the sources of possible variance and reducing variances in time and effort. The specification of a project and how it relates to the QTC are also examined, as are the main sources of risk in a project. Project risk management and integration management are also evaluated and linked to the updates that the project manager is required to provide to clients.

Project knowledge management is also examined with respect to ways of collating and using knowledge for future projects. The unit covers the principles, skills and techniques required for project management and integrates project management concepts into a contemporary organisation's structure. It also addresses the resources associated with implementing and executing organisation-centric projects and the development of the necessary contingency plans as part of project implementation. Project management is also about collaboration and this is covered in the unit by examining the relationships between the PMO, PMC and the client. Project leadership and the practical application of team-based skills in managing human resources within a project environment are also addressed.

Knowledge and Understanding

This unit is designed to provide students with an understanding of:

• How projects fit within a contemporary organisation.
• How the organisation's management works with the Project Management Team.
• The interface between the Organisation's Change Manager and the PM Team.
• What phases of the project's lifecycle must be supported.
• What strategies can be used to integrate project management structures.
• What project management principles need to be supported by the structure.
• How project-based organisations operate in contemporary business.

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Explain and evaluate the principles, skills and techniques required for the management of projects and integrate project management concepts in a contemporary organisation's structure.
2. Analyse the risks and resources associated with implementing and executing organisation-centric projects and the development of the necessary contingency plans.
3. Appraise the importance of collaboration, teamwork, leadership and the practical application of team-based skills in managing human resources within a project environment.
4. Evaluate the organisation's business structure and capability requirements against the project management framework to guide the developers and implementers of an emerging project-based operation.
5. Apply a high order of skill in analysis, critical reflection and evaluation and professional application.
6. Create flexible and creative approaches to the application of knowledge and skills in new situations, to resolve problems and to think rigorously and independently.