Masters in Project Management. Evening and weekend degree programmes for career professionals

Transcription

1 Masters in Project Management Evening and weekend degree programmes for career professionals

2 welcome In today s sophisticated business world the qualifications needed to reach the highest levels in many business disciplines has grown significantly. Increasingly, professionals in areas such as Project Management are turning to Masters Degrees to accelerate their careers. In the UK, over 350,000 people each year enrol in Masters programmes and, on average, their lifetime earnings will benefit to the tune of 250,000 over the equivalent bachelor degree student. No wonder then that the demand for Masters Degrees is so high. At QA we recognise that for many of these career professionals, the traditional academic route to a Masters Degree is too slow, too costly and takes them away from the very careers they are trying to develop. Our answer is a part time approach which allows both study and career to exist side by side. Flexibility to earn while you learn We understand the pressures of work and the need to fit around each student s circumstances, so QA Executive Education has flexibility; flexibility to study either in the evenings or the weekends, flexibility to study at a state-of-the-art training centre, flexibility to review recordings of live sessions and flexibility to have online tutorials and discussion groups that you access when you want to. Quality learning from industry experts With 25 years experience in delivering project management programmes and industry leading lecturers who have real world experience, QA are ideally positioned to deliver business oriented programmes that draw from our expertise across many industry sectors. The high standards of our course materials and lecture content are driven by the expectations of the world-class organisations globally that we regularly work with, meaning you will receive the very best tuition and support. And the good news is that you can qualify for the Masters Degree in Project Management by having suitable work experience and certain professional qualifications such as PRINCE2 or APM, or if you already have a bachelors degree. Too good to be true? Well, with 16% year on year growth, part time post graduate study is an established and successful route to success. So why not boost your career today? Don t have time to do a degree? Think again. William Macpherson Chief Executive, QA Ltd 2 PRINCE2 is a registered trade mark of the Cabinet Office

3 Why study a Masters in Project Management? Why come to QA? People undertake higher education for a variety of reasons. Overwhelmingly it is to seek promotion and increase their earning potential, but the underlying desire to perform better and improve their professionalism is a personal driver for many. QA is one of the largest commercial learning organisations in the UK, and we are dedicated to making our clients more successful through the provision of world-class training services. This ethos has been built into every Masters degree programme we deliver, ensuring you get the latest industry insights and real-life anecdotes that really help to put your learning into context. Some reasons to join the Masters in Project Management course with QA: Can you answer yes to any of the following? I want more responsibility in my organisation through promotion. I would like to lead larger, more complex projects and programmes. I wish to develop my career further. Having the potential to earn more is appealing. I am looking for job security by having sought after skills. I want to differentiate myself from my peers. If you can, then apply for a Masters in Project Management with QA today. Network with like-minded project managers. We encourage you to relate your learning to your current projects. We provide progressive learning through supported work-based assessments. Our Lecturers become your mentor, giving you real world practical support. Our small class sizes ensure you interact and participate fully. Earn while you learn with our flexible study times. Gain the latest industry and professional insights. 3rd Floor, International House, 1, St Katharine s Way, London, E1W 1UN [email protected] 3

4 Masters in Project Management An overview Don t have time to do a degree? Think again. The programme is designed to provide a career development opportunity for practitioners from various backgrounds, to enhance and develop their project management skills in an organisational context. The aim of the programme is to balance theoretical analysis with practical application to develop a critical and questioning approach to the conceptual underpinnings of project management. To this end the programme leads with core taught modules that critically examine the scope of a project, its significance as an instrument of change and the personnel involved, and the fundamentals of marketing, financial and legal considerations. Minimum Entry Requirements Second Class Undergraduate Degree or Approval of prior learning made up of prior work experience and learning (including previous courses undertaken such as PRINCE2 and APM.) Where do I study QA s flagship training centre, located in St Katherine Docks, provides a unique, modern, state-of-theart training facility with 33 dedicated training rooms, four delegate breakout areas, PC access and Wi-Fi throughout, and an onsite Cafe. Located between the Tower of London and the rejuvenated Docks area, the venue offers a stunning back drop to modern learning. The centre is ideally positioned to support local and international organisations through its accessibility, transport links and enhanced facilities, providing a truly high quality learning environment for career professionals. EveningStudy One evening a week. Time: 18:15 hrs 21:15 hrs Held on a Thursday each week the evening classes are the ideal study option for those working in the close proximity. Simply extend one of your working days each week giving you a unique opportunity to complete a Masters in Project Management a unique approach by QA. WeekendStudy One weekend per month. Time: 10:00 hrs 16:00 hrs This option is held over one weekend each month consisting of both a Saturday and Sunday making this the perfect option for people who work outside of London or who cannot commit a regular weekly study option. 4 PRINCE2 is registered trade mark of the Cabinet Office

5 Intakes This programme is designed to be undertaken alongside a career and therefore we understand that you may wish to begin your Master s programme at different times of the year. For that reason you are able to enrol and start the Masters three times a year. September, January and May allowing maximum flexibility another unique reason to choose to do your Masters in Project Management with QA. Free trial* We understand the significant personal and financial investment that is required to undertake a Master s, so we provided an opportunity to experience the lectures and network with other students through a free trial. The next trial dates are: Evening (Thursday) 28th August 2013 Weekend (Saturday only) 31st August 2013 Call us now on to book your place on the free trial This is a perfect opportunity to see if you enjoy the programme so contact us today to secure your place. Costs and Payment Total Tuition Fee - 7,650 Minimum deposit - 1,600 What is included? There are no hidden fees with this programme, everything is included: Access to online material and online library facilities. Core text books Access to all recorded lectures online, in case you cannot attend or need to refresh your knowledge. Unrivalled industry related teaching from world class lecturers. Access to course related forums and discussions with your peers housed in QA s award winning QA365 platform. Monthly interest free payment plan** We are able to offer a monthly payment plan, please contact us for details. * Applicants must evidence their eligibility for the programme before attending. ** Sponsored students will need to pay course fees in full. 5

6 Masters in Project Management Course structure The programme The programme will last approximately 24 months, either one evening per week or one weekend per month. This is split into five taught modules, and a dissertation or in company project. Module 1: Leader Identity and Leadership Module 2: Project Management Skills Development Taught modules take place over a period of approximately 18 months, with the option of studying one evening a week or one weekend a month. Module 3: Contemporary Issues in Strategic Project Management Module 4: Strategic Alignment Module 5: Leading and Building Employee Engagement Dissertation Management Investigation Project The dissertation is completed over 6 months and is supported by one on one meetings with a tutor and unlimited online access. 6

7 Course modules Module 1: Leader Identity and Leadership Module Background Information The module considers the individual leader, involving the student in a detailed self-analysis and personal development planning process. You will consider your leader identity; exploring your values, motives and goals for becoming a leader. You will develop intra and interpersonal awareness through critical reflection and will evaluate your leadership style in terms of their impact on others and the organisational context. The learning strategy places considerable emphasis upon independent and work-based learning, alongside the formal input from the module tutor and the use of recommended sources. Learning Outcomes At the end of the module you will be able to: critically reflect on your identity as a leader critically analyse and evaluate leadership theory and processes within your own context. Aims of the Module The module aims to: enable you to analyse your leadership approach, underlying values and motives and the evolution of your leader identity through critical reflection and evaluation develop the leaders capability, via action, reflection, reflexivity and evaluation introduce the concepts of effective leadership behaviours through contemporary theory enable participants to evaluate the effectiveness of your leadership approach in your context to plan for greater effectiveness as a leader, with a positive impact on others. Assessment The module is formally assessed by submission of a detailed 4,500-5,000 word report. 7

8 Module 2: Project Management Skills Development Module Background Information This module aims to provide an overview of the nature, scope and use of project management in implementing change; establish the key stages of managing projects and the critical tasks to be undertaken within each stage and demonstrate the use of a range of analytical tools techniques and methods associated with the planning, execution and control of projects. Participants will be encouraged to explore the application of project management processes to any type of project and to their own work environment. Throughout the module, participants will be encouraged to apply the concepts to critically appraise and evaluate the performance of their own and/or organisational practice. This will be achieved through the use of guided reading and activities prior to the contact sessions; the latter being used to clarify issues related to theory, and through group activities and discussion, to explore the transfer of theory to the participants own practice. The assessment for the module will comprise of a work-based assignment based upon the critical analysis of an aspect of the participants own or organisational project management practice. Learning Outcomes At the end of the module you will: have an understanding of what a project is and a good grasp of the key management features of project based activities have a working knowledge of the use of some tools and techniques, which facilitate detailed planning and control of projects be able to critically review how projects are currently delivered in their organisations utilising analytical tools and methods learnt be able to apply such tools and methods to managing projects in the future. Aims of the Module The module aims to: provide an overview of the nature, scope and use of project management in implementing change identify the key phases of the Project Life Cycle and the critical tasks to be undertaken within each phase demonstrate the use of an appropriate range of analytical tools, techniques and methods at the various phases of the project life cycle in relation to establishing and delivering project expectations / critical success factors explore the application of project management processes to any type of project encourage participants to apply the disciplines and practices of project management in the context of their own work environment. Assessment The summative assessment of this module will be a 5000 word written report linking theory, principles and techniques to individual and/or organisational practice. You will be expected to show evidence of reflective and critical approaches to the task. Formative assessment will take place through group work, discussions, the action learning sets and the assignment tutorial sessions. Formative feedback relating to specific tasks will be provided to you throughout the workshops both from the tutor and in-class peer group and via the elearning portal discussion forums. 8

9 Module 3: Contemporary Issues in Strategic Project Management Module 4: Strategic Alignment Module Background Information This module aims to provide you with the necessary academic and research based insights to enable evaluation of contemporary project management developments and challenges from both within British Aerospace and also the wider project management community in relation to their organisational context. The approach to teaching and learning is based upon the generation of knowledge through research and application. Throughout the module, participants will be encouraged to critically appraise and evaluate contemporary / innovative approaches to project delivery. This will be achieved through the use of guided reading, individual and group activities and discussion designed to explore frameworks for the evaluation of contemporary and innovative practice and its potential impact on the participants own / organisational project context. Learning Outcomes At the end of the module you will be able to: analyse contemporary challenges and innovative approaches to project delivery critically review the potential impact of relevant contemporary challenges and innovative approaches to project delivery within your own / organisational context evaluate the potential for project management process improvement within your own / organisational context. Aims of the Module The module aims to: provide an insight into the contemporary challenges and innovative approaches to project management within the wider project management community identify their relevance and importance to the key phases of the Project Life Cycle consider structured approaches to information gathering, evaluation and dissemination encourage participants to apply consider the impact of contemporary project management challenges and innovations to your own work context. Module Background Information This module is intended to develop your awareness and critical evaluation of strategic management by assessing the impact of the business environment on organisations and exploring the management issues involved in the implementation of strategy. A strong focus will be placed on evaluating the organisational context and strategic position of the organisation the role of managers and other stakeholders in formulating strategy and constructing a basis for strategic success by the implementation of initiatives which are aligned to the overall organisation s strategy Learning Outcomes At the end of the module you will be able to: formulate strategy for the business or institution in terms of basic established criteria demonstrate an understanding of the current organisation and map it out for the purposes of evaluation and change construct a basis for strategic success by the implementation of initiatives. Aims of the Module The module aims to: define the nature of business or institutional strategy learn the established tools for formulating and evaluating strategy learn how to review the strategic environment and work out the responses which are possible evaluate and practise the above learning points. Assessment Assessment is by a work related report. The submission should contain evidence that you able to critically reflect on strategic decisions by using relevant theoretical frameworks. Assessment The summative assessment of this module will be a 3000 word written report reflecting on the potential impact of a contemporary project management issue on individual and/or organisational practice. Formative assessment will take place through group work, discussions, the action learning sets and the assignment tutorial sessions. Formative feedback relating to specific tasks will be provided to the students throughout the workshops both from the tutor and in-class peer group and via the e-learning portal discussion forums. 9

10 Module 5: Leading and Building Employee Engagement Dissertation: Management Investigation Module Background Information The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. An interactive approach to lecture sessions will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and participants own experiences. Throughout, the emphasis will be on high levels of participant participation, both individually and within small groups or teams. Participants can therefore expect the reflective-practitioner approach to learning to be embedded in all workshop/seminar sessions through undertaking activities which facilitate them to apply theory to real-life situations, critically analysing and making recommendations for appropriate ways forward for the organisation/individual. Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including reading, preparation and participation in interactive activities. Independent learning will centre upon the participants identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the subject area or by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection, research etc. Critical reflection on knowledge, experience and practice underpins the learning and teaching philosophy along with the explicit development of competence. Learning Outcomes At the end of the module you will: understand key concepts around the notion of engagement be able to relate and influence the behaviour of employees towards customer expectations and requirements be able to contribute to the way organisational culture is established and functions in order to generate high levels of engagement and satisfaction understand the principles associated with engaged and transformational leadership and to be able to use this knowledge appropriately. Aims of the Module Provide specialist inputs around the concept and practice of employee engagement. It links the achievement of this to the ability to create positive mind sets and behavioural pattern in employees through enlightened and informed leadership practices. Its aim is to build leadership capabilities that can be used to generate and sustain high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction and consequently support a culture of excellence and customer service. Module Background Information This module provides a process which will enable students to use and extend the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their programme of study. Using appropriate research methodologies and data collection methods, you will critically synthesise a body of knowledge relevant to the taught programme. On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct research and organise the findings into a comprehensive and explicit structure that is critically assessed and is linked to the conclusions drawn. You will achieve this outcome by investigating an organisational issue and making recommendations for change and/or improvement. You will critically reflect on how their research contributes to enhanced organisational and personal practice. You will present your work in a written report, poster and oral presentation. Learning Outcomes At the end of the module you will be able to: develop your understanding of how organisations work identify a problem or issue and decide on a suitable methodology for investigation critically analyse the problem/issue within the organisational context apply theory to a practical problem / issue and evaluate / assess a range of possible options make recommendations for change and improvement via poster, presentation and management report. Aims of the Module The module aims to: critically analyse a work based problem or issue and derive recommendations for improvement / implementation as appropriate critically reflect on real work practices, with a view to implementing appropriate change develop management knowledge, skills and personal effectiveness within the work environment. Assessment Summative assessment is based on an individual assignment of approximately 3000 words. It is individual, research based and tests. Formative assessment will take place through group work, assignment discussion and reflection, case study activity, and theory/practice related discussions. 10

11 QA - dedicated to learning With over 25 years experience and revenues of over 120m, QA is one of the largest business learning providers in the UK, developing skills and capabilities for everyone from apprentices to business leaders. Currently we deliver: More than 480,000 delegate days of professional training annually Vocational training for over 1,000 apprentices Degree level teaching to over 1,600 students across 2 campuses More of the world s leading organisations choose us for their business and technical skills development than any other provider in the UK. We support over 60% of the FTSE 250 and deliver 2 out of every 3 Microsoft accredited training courses run in the UK. We directly employed a team of over 300 industry leading trainers and lecturers who deliver learning to the highest quality across a curriculum which is without parallel. Our courses are constantly updated and we link them to the real world of business wherever relevant. QA has grown through long term relationships with businesses and individuals. Our values of integrity, commitment and service underpin our commitment to provide Customer Excellence both in the experience of each and every delegate and the quality of the outcomes that help individuals to realise their potential and businesses to grow and succeed. For more information contact us on: [email protected] 11

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