LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY. Course Specification. BScH Project Management (PROMT)

Transcription

1 LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY Course Specification BScH Project Management (PROMT)

2 Record of Enhancement No. Detail of modification (Provide a brief description of the modification and where the Course Specification has been updated) 1 Level 5 Module, Financial Management module to be replaced by Management Practice in Semester 2 2 Level 6 Module, Contemporary Issues in the Build Environment, correction of an error in the assessment weighting 3 Restructure of the course at L5, including new Project Teams and Project Methodologies modules to replace Interdisciplinary Project and Construction Contracts respectively. Restructure of the course at L6, including new Advanced Planning & Tracking, Research Paper, Major Project 1, Major Project 2 and Projects & Organisation Strategy modules, to replace Financial & Commercial Management, Contemporary Issues in Construction, Dissertation 1, Management & Design Project and Dissertation 2 respectively. Date Effective (Indicate the academic year of entry and course level(s) to which the modification will apply) October 2015 September 2015 November 2016

3 Faculty of Arts, Environment & Technology School of Built Environment Engineering Award and programme title: BSc (Hons) Project Management Level of qualification: Level 6 Interim awards available: Award Level CRTHE Project Management 4 DIPHE Project Management 5 BSC Project Management 6 Length and status of programme and mode of study Programme BSc (Hons) Project Management BSc (Hons) Project Management BSc (Hons) Project Management BSc (Hons) Project Management Length (years) Status (FT/PT/SW) Mode (campusbased / DL or other) 3 years FT Campus-based 3 years PT Campus-based 4 years SW Campus-based 3 years FT Distance Learning

4 Course Specification Overview and Aims Organisations of all types are now utilising formal project management to bring about change. This can include business start-ups, mergers/ acquisitions, new product or service developments, process improvements and many other changes. This course is not sector specific and a key unique selling point (USP) is that it is generic in nature. This means our graduates move into an increasingly wide variety of organisation types and working environments. Project Management is an important facet of all business and organisation related activities and this degree will provide graduates with the necessary skill set to gain employment. The successful delivery of projects requires such expertise as the management of the human, material, and financial resources assigned to the project. Organisations of all types therefore need project managers who have expertise in the principles and processes of project management, who are knowledgeable of the specialist professional areas and who understand how to manage effectively the resources involved in the process. The BSc (Hons) Project Management degree programme meets this need for students and employers The overall aim of the programme is to enable students to develop project management skills and competencies enabling them to become more creative, analytical problem solvers and acquire an ability to synthesise information to resolve conflicts and therefore fulfil the multidisciplinary role of a Project Manager. One key aspect of the BSc (Hons) Project Management degree programme is its generic nature; this allows students to study the principles and practices which can be applied to any area of business and organisational life. Examples of graduates who are employed in the following areas: Finance and Banking, NHS, Construction, Computing IT, Insurance, Engineering, Public sector, and Voluntary sector. Course Learning Outcomes 1 Develop knowledge and understanding of the principles, roles, and techniques of project management. 2 Apply key concepts, theories, and principles to create, define, and control a project using a range of technologies and analytical tools to arrive at a solution. 3 Recognise and apply relevant project management skills and analytical tools and apply them to a range of projects and project specialisms, such as: Planning and Scheduling, Negotiation and People Management. 4 Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, critical thinking, and analysis of fundamental issues relating to a project management practitioner. 5 Gather and summarise information, cite evidence and critically evaluate proposals to inform the management and scheduling of projects. Using project management software and methodologies. 6 Use a range of skills appropriate to the working environment including working effectively with others, using appropriate contemporary digital

5 technologies, and communicating effectively with stakeholders orally, and in writing. Course Structure Level 4 Semester 1 Core (Y) Semester 2 Core (Y) Principles of Project Y Introduction to Commercial Y Management Economics Project Practice Y Contemporary Projects Y Legal Frameworks and Regulation Y Collaborative Working Y Applications Level 5 Semester 1 Core (Y) Semester 2 Core (Y) Risk and Value Y Project Methodologies Y Project Teams Y Management Practice Y Y Project Decision-Making (FT Y Planning and Scheduling students) Work-Based Learning (PT Y students) Level 6 Semester 1 Core (Y) Semester 2 Core (Y) Advanced Planning & Tracking Y Inter-professional Studies Y Research Paper Y Major Project 2 Y Major Project 1 Y Projects & Organisation Strategy Y Learning and Teaching Details relating to contact hours and other key information sets (KIS) are available on the course page of our Online Prospectus on our website. Learning and Teaching Approaches The course is delivered in relation to the mode of study chosen by the student. Part Time is typically delivered during one day of the week which may also include the evening. Lectures use the full range of the Leeds Beckett Learning and Teaching Strategy, some of which include: project case study teaching, simulation of project scenarios, interactive workshops, experiments where students can apply direct learning from the scenario, group observations and presentation. Teaching material is provided electronically via VLE to enable remote access. Hand-in of Coursework is wherever possible, done electronically in line with university policy. All course modules are placed on the University s virtual learning environment, VLE to enable remote access. VLE enables students to engage with the course anytime and anywhere. As well as providing an electronic repository for learning material, it provides an additional means of communication with

6 other students and staff; it promotes technology enhanced learning, digital literacy and can be used for assessment purposes. Libraries and Learning Innovation (LLI) and Information, Media and Technology Services (IMTS) play a key role in the student and staff experience at Leeds Beckett. The library, computing, information systems, reprographic, media and learning technology services support the teaching, learning and research needs of staff, as well as students. Integrated library, computing, and media facilities are provided on each of the University s campuses at City Campus and Headingley. The Library opens 24 hours every day of the year providing over 2100 study places of which approximately 800 offer access to computing or multi-media facilities. Wireless networking is available throughout the Library and across much of the University s estate and wireless enabled laptop PCs are available for loan within The Library. Learning and Teaching Activities In addition to the formal lectures, tutorials, IT laboratory sessions and hands-on project scenarios classes are delivered to help reinforce the learning process. The feedback and progress assessment, extracurricular seminars, field trips and the involvement of industry experts as guest speakers enrich the learning experience and students knowledge of current issues in the project management context. Graduate Attributes (UG only) All our undergraduate students will develop distinctive attributes. Students will: be enterprising be digitally literate have a global outlook. These attributes have been chosen in order to enhance students employability prospects and provide skills for graduates to cope in the wider world in the future, as well as to enhance each student s learning experience. Digital literacy is promoted through: The use of the Virtual Learning Environment in teaching and learning in all the modules and especially in the following modules: Project Practice Level 4, Work Based Learning Practice level 5 and Inter Professional Studies Level 6 The use of digital technologies which assist with planning, tracking, controlling, and the associated cost and performance management. There are specialist software programmes such as Microsoft Project, Project Planner, Suretrack and BIM. These are used mostly in the following modules: Project Practice level 4, Information technology for Professionals Level 4, Project Simulation level 5, Project Appraisal Level 5, Work Based Learning Practice Level 5, Inter Professional Studies Level 6 and Major Design Project Level 6. The global outlook is encouraged and achieved through: Academic staff and guest speakers who have international project management experience and who bring that experience into their delivery. Embedding sustainability in relation to project management is brought into teaching throughout the course. This also relates to global aspects and perceptions of sustainability. Examining and evaluating project management practices in other countries. This enhances the professional awareness of students to the wider application of their skills within a global setting Enterprise skills are supported throughout the course

7 Independent learning and research attributes which form an important part of the course. In the final year, students complete a supervised dissertation on an approved project-related subject of their choice. This Independent piece of work enables students to show their research skill, and ability to collect, and interpret relevant data gathered to form and generate meaningful and logical conclusions about professionally relevant themes. The learning attributes associated with a successful dissertation are well valued by employers throughout the profession. Final year students complete a major project, which seeks to consolidate all the previous learning, and develop a practitioner toolkit as preparation for their professional careers. On the sandwich degree programme, students gain real-life experience of working within the profession through a twelve month work placement. Furthermore, our students' practical knowledge and understanding of project management is enhanced through our liaison with organisations who encourage students to apply for work placements, visit their organisations, and assist on real-life projects. Use of the Virtual Learning Environment The university has a Virtual Learning Environment. This is branded as MyBeckett and supports the university s Assessment, Learning & Teaching Strategy in respect of technologically-enhanced learning. The university encourages the use of VLE across all courses. The course team recognises the need to provide a diverse and flexible learning environment and continues to expand the use of VLE across the course. Use of Blended-Learning With the support of the Virtual Learning Environment, VLE and Elluminate, students will be able to access all course materials as well as take part in live tutorials and discussions. Guest lecture slots are recorded and uploaded to VLE so that the student can access this material. Assessment Strategy A variety of assessment is provided, including: coursework assignments; presentations; practical work; group projects; individual projects; phase tests and end examinations. The assessment strategy is based on a transition from summative assessment of knowledge and understanding through examination and phase tests, to increasing application through projects. At Level 5 and level 6 there is a move to assessment through self-directed management of project-based work and working in teams to deliver common solutions. Feedback on Assessed Coursework Feedback typically takes the form of: Written feedback on course work, face to face during meetings with staff and peer and tutor feedback during group work. Assessed coursework will be returned to students with feedback within three weeks. Module leaders will dedicate some tutorial feedback sessions.

8 Module Assessment Methods Module Titles Principles of Project Management Y (L4) Project Practice (L4) Y Core (Y) Unseen closed-book end examination Open-book time-controlled phase test Closed-book timecontrolled phase test Assignment Presentation / portfolio Viva-voce Demonstration Introduction to Commercial Y Economics (L4) Contemporary Projects (L4) Y 100 Collaborative Working Applications (L4) Y Legal Frameworks and Regulation (L4) Y Risk & value (L5) Y Project teams (L5) Y 30/7 0 Planning & scheduling (L5) Y 50 20/3 0 Project methodologies (L5) Y 50/5 0 Management practice (L5) Y Project decision-making (FT only) 50/5 (L5) 0 Work-based learning (PT only) (L5) Advanced planning & tracking (L6) Y Research paper (L6) Y 100 Major project 1 (taught element) Y 100 (L6) Inter-professional studies (L6) Y 100 Major project 2 (student-led) (L6) Y 100 Projects & organisation strategy (L6) Y Employability and Professional Context

9 Through a number of case study and real project simulations delivered in various modules (seminars, workshops, guest lectures and field trips) students develop excellent project planning, project strategy, project implementation, management and leadership skills enabling them to lead and project manage these teams. This early exposure to project management practice impacts on students' decisions as to what aspect of the profession they wish to specialise in. One key aspect of the BSc (Hons) Project Management degree programme is its generic nature; this allows students to study the principles and practices embedded in the course, which in due course can be applied to any sector. Recent figures indicate an employment rate in excess of 98% for graduates of this course, six months after graduating. This demonstrates the continuing and growing demand for qualified project management professionals. Career paths Many graduates from the course initially obtain positions as assistant project managers with a variety of organisations, examples of these are: Finance and Banking, NHS, Construction, Computing IT, Insurance, Engineering, Public sector, Government Organisations, and the Voluntary sector. They would subsequently be expected to progress to full Project Manager roles. Professional Body membership: Students who register on the course are encouraged to become student members of the APM. Graduates may gain associate membership and then can apply for full membership upon gaining professional competence. Successful graduates of the BSc (Hons) Project Management can also continue on to our MSc Strategic Project Management award. Work-Related Activities Students have access to a range of activities to broaden and extend their knowledge and experience of project management and its wider context. These include: Site visits, incorporating project case studies. Guest lectures organised throughout the academic year, presenting project management case studies. Summer work placements across the UK, with a variety of organisations. Year-long sandwich placements with a range of organisations. Placement or Work-Related Activity Level: A placement tutor is in place to support the students with both the application process for the placement and the support needed throughout the placement year. A placement journal is completed by the student on a regular basis. This journal is reviewed and supported by the

10 student's placement mentor and the placement tutor. In addition students are visited at least twice at their work placement, by their placement tutor or a member of the course team. These visits provide support and guidance for both the student and the placement organisation. During their time on placement, students are involved in project management in practice, and gather valuable information from which they can develop their dissertation themes and explore the development of their professional skills in the major project element. Placement or Work-Related Activity Length in Weeks: 48 weeks Type of Placement or Work-Related Activity: The third year of the sandwich course is taken as a work-based placement. This is for a minimum of 48 weeks, in an environment which is directly related to project management or involves supporting activities on a project. For example, a project manager, project support officer or assisting an organisation with their project related activities. Some students have entered into exchange programmes with other universities and study a semester with them and complete their placement in the host country and then return to Leeds Beckett for their final year of study. Reference Points used in course design and delivery All our courses leading to Leeds Beckett University awards have been designed and approved in accordance with UK and European quality standards. Our courses utilise the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and relevant subject benchmarks (where these are available) and professional, statutory and regulatory body requirements (for professionally accredited courses). We review our courses annually and periodically, responding to student feedback and a range of information to enhance our courses. Our University is also subject to external review by the Quality Assurance Agency. Our latest report can be found on the QAA website at We appoint External Examiners to verify that our University sets and maintains standards for awards which adhere to relevant national subject benchmark statements and the FHEQ (UK), ensure standards and student achievements are comparable with other Higher Education Institutions in the UK, with which they are familiar, and ensure that assessments measure achievement of course and module learning outcomes and reach the required standard. External Examiners may also provide feedback on areas of good practice or potential enhancement.