This module assumes no prior knowledge. It is designed to give you a combination of theoretical project management and financial assessment tools based on an experience based approach to practical project management.  Many real life examples are used to illustrate aspects of project failure.  It is not intended or expected that you will be capable project managers after completing this module but you should have a grasp of project management techniques, the principle causes of project failure, and an understanding of the importance of relevant experience.  Financial management is explored, primarily in a project context.

Although it is assumed that you will primarily be interested in multi-disciplined construction based projects, other project management environments are also discussed where appropriate.

An introduction to both quantitative and qualitative project management techniques and an overview of methodologies that minimize the risk of project failure.  You will also be given a basic understanding of financial project appraisal and an understanding of investor priorities.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 exhibit a sound knowledge of a range of project management principles;

2 understand the balance between the objectives of time, cost and quality whilst also providing an acceptable level of health and safety.
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

3 demonstrate awareness of the appropriate management method to deal with standard project management tasks, but also appreciate the practical difficulties and common failings that are typically encountered in a real project management situation;

4 display project and financial management skills in the context of a high value, multi-discipline construction environment.
 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

5 grasp the practical application of project management and financial appraisal techniques. This requires the development of not just problem solving skills, but also an appreciation of how to identify risk and manage uncertainty, and how to focus on the key issues in a complex environment.

- introduction to basic concepts;

- scope of work;

- work breakdown structure;

- critical paths;

- project monitoring and review;

- project estimating;

- risk assessment and management;

- earned value analysis;

- project appraisal;

- contract law;

- basic interpretation of accounts;

- the investor perspective;

- cash flow and project appraisal;

- contextual summary and revision.

As above 1 piece of CW 40% and/or 1 Exam 60%

Basic reading:

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and electronic resources:

www.businessballs.com/project.htm

Reading list for this module: