Project Management is a critical element of the delivery of the majority of engineering works. Organisations outside the engineering arena are increasingly adopting a “project” approach in many of their activities. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the management of projects in a variety of settings. It aims to give an understanding of all key components of the project life cycle and of the skills required to successfully deliver projects.
The philosophy adopted assumes that project outcomes can be achieved by active management and planning, and provides a framework for proactive management of projects in a variety of settings. The traditional philosophy of project management in an ordered environment is adopted, although other philosophies in project management literature such as Agile and Lean are also acknowledged.
Note that one of the major assignments is team-based and as such students are expected to make time to meet with their team members.
The course will have a total of 12 tutorials, delivered on a weekly basis. The weekly topics covered will be a review of the online modules (note that the order in which topics are delivered may change):
1. Introduction to Project Management
2. Leadership, Teams, and People
3. Project Fundamentals and Stakeholders
4. Proposing and Scoping the Project
5. Estimating, Scheduling and Trade-offs
6. Quality Management
7. Risk Management and Finalising the Plan
8. Starting Execution - Procurement, Tendering, and Contracts
9. Communication and Collaboration
10. Managing, Monitoring, and Execution
11. Integration, Monitoring, and Reporting
12. Close/Finishing the Project
In addition, there is a final presentation of the group project in the final week of the course which will typically be arranged to coincide with the last tutorial. The length of the presentation depends on the number of course participants but is likely to be 1 - 3 hours in duration.
Students are expected to undertake considerable additional work per week reading, contributing to discussions, and completing assignments.