ACCREDITATION. APM Academic CASE STUDY. Faculty of Business and Law Coventry University

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1 Faculty of Business and Law Coventry University Introduction Coventry University can trace its roots back to 1843 when it opened as the Coventry School of Design. It developed into a polytechnic and in 1992 became a fully-fledged university. In 2015, it broke into the top 15 of the Guardian University Guide, achieving its highest ever listing and cementing its position as a leading modern university, with over 26,000 students and a robust academic presence regionally, nationally and across the world. The main campus is in the heart of Coventry, with a second campus in London and a third recently opened in Scarborough. It offers a wide range of undergraduate courses and has a long tradition of postgraduate study. Courses range across art and design, business, health, engineering and computing. Its mission is to aspire to be a dynamic, global, enterprising university. Coventry prides itself on understanding the need to meet and exceed the expectations of existing and future employers, with faculties and schools establishing effective collaborative partnerships with industry. 1

2 Gaining an integral advantage The Faculty of Business and Law forms a major part of Coventry University, which and is one of the university s four faculties with some 8,000 students. The School of Strategy and Leadership is one of three academic schools within the faculty, and introduced two project management modules for third year business undergraduates to respond to the growing need. The number of students going into roles which require project management skills is increasing and it is therefore an essential part of any business-ready graduate s skill set. Business and organisations are constantly evolving, said Marie Sams, Senior Lecturer in Project Management. Regardless of whether organisations are planning to expand or rationalise, managing projects that facilitate change are an essential part of ensuring competitive advantage. The content of the modules reflects the authentic challenges and opportunities that project managers face in their professions. Both modules are designed to introduce students to project management in a business environment, with topics informed by and mapped to the APM Body of Knowledge 6th edition,as it had previously been used as one of the resources on the module, and represents the main principles used by project managers today. APM provides a wide breadth of project management knowledge which links closely to the aims of our modules, recognising the soft skills as well as the technical abilities required, said David Ellis, Project Management Lecturer. Aligning the modules with APM enhances their credibility. Preparing for projects in the real world All students on the BA Business Administration programme have to complete their module in the autumn of their final academic year. It is also taught in Hong Kong as a mandatory module for the same course at the School for Higher and Professional Education, an academic partner of Coventry University. Those on the Business and Human Resource Management course and Erasmus (contemporary studies) students who are at the university for just one term can choose this as an option. The second module is optional for those studying for a BA in Business Management, International Business, International Business Management and Business Studies and is delivered in the second and third semesters. This is an extremely popular choice and attracts approximately 250 students each year. Both modules cover a broad spectrum of approaches to managing projects, from planning through to understanding the use of commonly used systems. Topics include: Linking projects to business strategy and objectives Project definition Project scope Project planning Project organisation Project quality Risk management Stakeholder management Success and learning from projects Implementation and control People skills for the project manager Communication Ethics International perspectives Marie Sams, Senior Lecturer in Project Management On successful completion, students can expect to be able to evaluate current project management issues and their application in the business environment. They will also be able to critically evaluate different tools and techniques and assess the impact of hard and soft skills on the management of a variety of different projects. The 20-credit modules are delivered over 16 weeks made up of 11 teaching weeks, three reading weeks and a fortnight s assessment. A mix of lectures, seminars and project-based workshops form the basis of delivery, presenting key material and providing opportunities to explore and 2

3 discuss the literature. Seminars help students understand how theory relates to practice. This approach is strengthened with case studies and guest speakers from industry to facilitate a practical approach on implementing project management in real world. Those on the teaching team are experienced project managers from business and industry, bringing additional valuable knowledge and insights. Social media is also being used as innovative addition to this practical application approach, giving students the chance to have direct, virtual discussions with practicing project professionals. To achieve APM accreditation, learning programmes have to demonstrate all aspects of project professionalism, not only academic rigour. On the Coventry courses, professional standards and ethics are underlined and students are encouraged to explore these. They are introduced to APM s Code of Conduct, debate ethical dilemmas and how to respond and even research the benefits of APM as one of their self-study assignments. Each student is assessed at key points in the modules, with half the mark based on course work and the other half on examination. However, it does not end there. Continuing professional development (CPD) is very much a part of the Coventry approach. It is required of all business degree students for other modules throughout their three years study to demonstrate personal development planning. This is being revised so that attending events will count towards CPD credits, providing an excellent opportunity for students to engage with APM and other professional bodies and set them on the path to further professional growth after graduation. Members of the teaching team are also expected to undertake CPD, such as attending conferences, other external and internal events and taking advantage of networking opportunities. The project management modules are regularly reviewed, including taking student feedback into account and their verdict is extremely positive. Student satisfaction ratings for both modules in the 2014/15 academic year were well over 90 per cent. One student commented: I just wanted to extend my thanks to you for all the support you gave us this year, easily one of the best modules I ve had during the whole time I ve been at Coventry University! I now have a project management role at Jaguar Land Rover so I am pleased to say the least! 3

4 Gaining accreditation for the modules and courses we deliver to students is extremely important to our continued growth as a university. APM accreditation has recognised the high standard of teaching in project management, and ensures that what we deliver is credible. This helps our students to market themselves to prospective employers using their understanding of how projects help businesses achieve competitive advantage. Dr Mohammad Ali, Head of School Strategy and Leadership Personal story Al Azhar Rangwala, Graduate Buyer, Air Liquide I undertook the project management module in the final year of my BA Business Administration course. The description provided related to the understanding of projects that can be effectively managed to give operational and strategic efficiency to businesses. I was sure that this module would set the standards for the beginning of my final year and I was interested to see what was in store. I was required to attend two lectures and one seminar a week and I found the module challenging at the onset. However after understanding the proper application of terms such as critical path analysis, work breakdown structures, risk analysis and project governance among many other elements in the module, I could see the systematic methods of tackling situations while managing, delegating or working on a project. This was one of my favourite subjects throughout my three years study at Coventry University, due to the excellent incorporation of theory alongside practical discussions. It has broadened my horizons in understanding how companies operate and delegate projects to team members and managers. In fact, the impact of this module has been so helpful that I operate with the attitude that every task is a project that needs organisational and work breakdown structures to achieve them. I thoroughly enjoyed this module and it has made a positive impact in my professional working environment. 4

5 Association for Project Management and Coventry University Faculty of Business and Law Coventry University is a corporate member of APM, with two other project management related courses also accredited by the association. The Faculty of Business and Law project management courses are aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge 6th edition and APM Competence Framework, and teaching team members are involved in APM s Education in Project Management Network to discuss the opportunities for the future of project management education The Association, its qualifications, standards and professional codes are studied by those taking the project management modules and students are given information on taking APM qualifications. Students are informed in the first week of the benefits of APM student membership, and plans are currently being made to hold an event hosted by the APM to demonstrate to students the benefits of getting engaged. 5

6 Association for Project Management Ibis House, Regent Park Summerleys Road Princes Risborough Buckinghamshire HP27 9LE Telephone +44 (0) Facsimile +44 (0) Web apm.org.uk APM Corporate Accreditation APM Corporate Accreditation will help you stand out as an exemplar in the development of project management professionals. It provides assurances to your customers and suppliers and allows you to attract and retain the best project management talent in the country. APM Corporate Accreditation recognises the commitment of organisations and professional development services to the defined, APM FIVE Dimensions of Professionalism, each of which is supported by an APM standard: Breadth The APM Body of Knowledge defines the knowledge needed to manage any kind of project. It underpins many project management standards and methods including the National Occupational Standard in Project Management. Depth The APM Competence Framework provides a guide to project management competences. It is part of your professional toolkit; mapping levels of knowledge and experience to help you progress your skills and abilities. Achievement APM qualifications take your career in new and exciting directions. They are recognised across the profession and aligned with IPMA s 4 level Certification Program. Commitment Continuing Professional Development helps develop your project management practice. A targeted development plan will enhance your project management career. Accountability The APM Code of Professional Conduct outlines the ethical practice expected of a professional. Becoming an APM member shows your commitment to the Code and sets you apart from others. BRO