MSc - Project Management

University of Hertfordshire

This module covers advanced project management concepts, focusing on risk, scheduling, budget management, quality management and associated subject areas in hybrid project lifecycles. You will learn about project management roles, governance, and the importance of comprehensive project management plans. The module includes a critical assessment of stakeholder requirements, evaluation of project delivery options, and application of effective scheduling and resource allocation techniques. You will develop skills in analysing and adapting business cases to align with organisational goals, ensuring successful project outcomes with effective use of relevant technology.

The importance of leadership and communications are increasingly acknowledged as project managers deliver outcomes with both direct and indirect forms of authority, control and influence. Students will explore the influence of people in project environments along with the need for building and leading effective teams and maintaining relationships between key roles in the project environment. Students will investigate underlying theories of leadership, compassion, motivation, power and influence, culture, competencies, communication, and conflict, as applicable to projects, and explore strategies for effectively managing people during implementation.

This module explores managing risks, time, and costs in hybrid project lifecycles, integrating iterative and linear approaches. You will gain skills in advanced risk management, including identification, assessment, and mitigation. The course covers creating and managing optimised project schedules and advanced budgeting techniques. You will also learn how to monitor and control project performance throughout a project lifecycle. Emphasis is on how effective schedule and budget management serve as crucial risk management strategies to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, achieving success.

Projects are vehicles for improving business performance and sound initiation is the basis for effective project implementation, especially when addressing wicked problems or complex situations. How a project is framed and perceived by different stakeholders influences its implementation and outcomes. This module uses systems approaches to help students think through complex and 'messy' situations, understand one another's perspective, focus on the desired ends, and identify appropriate changes to manage the boundaries and interdependencies and understand the impact on people and related processes during project implementation.

This module aims to equip students with the skills to independently conduct research projects, while developing research, analytical, and practical skills for effective project planning and management. Students will explore applied research methodologies, analyse project factors with tools like PESTLE/SWOT/VUCA and develop communication plans. You will gain insights into stakeholder engagement, scope, risk management, quality assurance and investment appraisal techniques like IRR NPV. The module covers transition planning, change control and significance of diversity, inclusivity and sustainability for project success, thereby enhancing employability.

Success at university requires a full understanding of institutional expectations as well as the development of key academic skills needed to enable students to fulfil their potential. This module will provide a structured step-by-step guide along the student journey to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to best achieve their goals. Using engaging and interactive content, this module aims to provide students with all the tools and a strong foundation upon which to build successful academic and professional experiences.