PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE N/A N/A N/A SSE/SCM. Level 7. Second Cycle N100. FT and PT modes. Standard University criteria

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1 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE 1. Awarding Institution/Body Teesside University 2. Teaching Institution Teesside University 3. Collaborating Organisations (include type) 4. Delivery Location(s) [if different from UoT] 5. Programme Externally Accredited by (e.g. PSB) N/A N/A N/A 6. Award Title(s) MSc Strategic Project Management 7. Lead School TUBS 8. Additional Contributing Schools 9. FHEQ Level [see guidance] 10. Bologna Cycle [see guidance] 11. JACS Code and JACS Description 12. Mode of Attendance [full-time or part-time] 13. Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s) SSE/SCM Level 7 Second Cycle N100 FT and PT modes Business and Management (generalist Masters) 14. Relevant Additional External Not applicable Reference Points (e.g. National Occupational Standards, PSB Standards) 15. Date of Production/Revision April Criteria for Admission to the Programme (if different from standard University criteria) Standard University criteria

2 17. Educational Aims of the Programme The overall aims of the programme are to: Provide students with an appreciation of strategic dimensions of business and management in organisations from a project management perspective Provide students with knowledge of customer/client management on projects Develop students analytical and critical thinking skills through the strategic analysis of organisations and environments Develop skills in project and operational management Provide students with a critical awareness of change, processes and practices in project management Underpin the key strategic and functional areas of business through a critical awareness of cross-cultural, inter-organisation and silo structures and the impact on project management issues Develop an awareness of the ethical and legal issues and consequences of project management from a national and International business dimension Assess the risk and financial viability (planning and resource inputs) of projects and the potential wider organisational consequence. Gain awareness of social responsibly and external organisational constraints and their impact on creating and operating projects Develop an awareness of project implementation and performance monitoring 18. Learning Outcomes The programme will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills listed below. Intended learning outcomes are identified for each category, together with the key teaching and assessment methods that will be used to achieve and assess the learning outcomes. Knowledge and Understanding K1 Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of techniques, tools and methods relevant to Strategic Project Management K2 Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the breadth and depth of knowledge of current concepts, principles and theories of project management, informed by current research and professional practice in the area of Project Management K3 Demonstrate an understanding of the organisational processes of strategy formulation and project choice. Appreciate the relevance of a customer/client focus, leadership, governance, strategy decision making and business planning in the process. K4 K5 K6 Understand the risks and financing of the business projects: sources, uses and management of finance; use of project accounting for managerial and financial reporting applications Understand the strategic importance of project management and the associated issues of, performance management, leadership and people management in organisations Examine the conceptual underpinnings of cross-cultural and interorganisational structures and understand the importance of making

3 decisions which are organisationally sensitive and make sense of multiparticipatory, personal, socio-economic and organisational values. K7 Evaluate the range of project methodologies available and have an understanding of the suitability and limitations for providing information and evaluating options in an uncertain project performance environment K8 Possess a critical awareness of current issues in business and project management which is informed by leading edge research and practice in the field. K9 Planning and organise projects form a holistic business perspective and assess their implications for project success, especially from a resource allocation and scheduling viewpoint, include the need for contingency and continuity planning. Cognitive/Intellectual Skills (insert additional rows as necessary) C1 Intergrade and synthesise knowledge, evidence, concepts, theory and practice to promote understanding and/or god practice and solve foreseen and unforeseen problems in a project management C2 Demonstrate intellectual adaptability and questions/ changes own assumptions within the context of the strategic management of organisations. Can evaluate alternative approaches C3 C4 C5 C6 Understand, critically evaluate and use with discrimination the complex theory and concepts associated with management theory & practice, strategy and leadership in a project management context Identify, value and engage positively with the arguments of others from a cross-cultural perspective Able to integrate and synthesise diverse knowledge, evidence, concepts, theory and practice to promote understanding (and/or good practice) and solve seen/unforeseen problems in both a national and an international business context Apply intellectual skills to a topic of participants own choosing Practical/Professional Skills (insert additional rows as necessary) P1 Exercise initiative and autonomy in undertaking tasks within the professional and legal standards of the project managed discipline. P2 Reflect critically on project and strategic management theory and practice; related theory and complex knowledge to practice; and use this to evaluate and appraise approaches to the management control of operations. P3 Be able to synthesise and integrate knowledge from various domains to offer solutions to a range of general management problems P4 P5 Be able to use evaluate a range of project methodologies and know and work within a professional framework Be able to demonstrate critical understanding of how culture, human and organisations influences project management performance

4 P6 Reflect critically on the practice of project management in authentic professional settings Key Transferable Skills (insert additional rows as necessary) T1 Identify, manage and reflect on one s own learning and development, including time management and organisational skills, for containing professional development. T2 Be able to gather systematically, interpret and evaluate evidence drawn from a diverse range of sources which are chosen independently or with minimal guidance. T3 T4 T5 Be able to provide own interpretation on the basis of evidence and recognises strengths and weaknesses in conclusions/derivations arising from a sceptical approach to evidence/informed practice. Know and use a range of communication strategies that are matched to different audiences; able to present a structured, rational, evidenced, coherent argument. Competent in ICT/numeracy skills commensurate with the demands of the programme. T6 Able to plan, organise, solve and reflect on project and self in the fulfilment of agreed outcomes including resource allocation and contingencies. 19. Key Learning & Teaching Methods Lectures will be the primary vehicle, within contact time, for delivering the relevant subject knowledge. Knowledge and Understanding Teaching and learning methods used are designed to offer an integrated, holistic and independently managed learning experience, with an opportunity to examine and evaluate project management and related topics, problems and issues. Through case studies and realistic work scenarios, supported by formal learning inputs and learner support activities. i.e. lectures, tutorials seminars and e- support, offer an opportunity to explore in depth and reflect on their learning and knowledge content across the modules. Students will engage in individual and group work, case studies, class debates, directed and guided reading and research. This approach will foster the use of presentations and practical applications are in support of the learning and as a vehicle for feedback and debriefings. Managing own time, working to deadlines/project plan are in-bedded into all assessments and directed team work as is independent learning, ICT workshops, group exercises, preparation for assignments and dissertation. Cognitive / Intellectual /Practical & Professional Skills At this level students will be encouraged to develop and use a range of cognitive and intellectual skills. Many of the modules require the students to develop and apply a range of skills within a variety of learning and assessment related activities. Students will be encouraged to apply practical and professional skills, through formative and summative assessments, to explore and examine issues around theory and practice. Where appropriate assessments will be project oriented, work-related or based on a case study scenario to encourage students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Module assessments will incorporate elements appropriate for demonstrating and developing key transferable skills such as presentations, report writing, numbers and IT. Students will develop and be able to apply a range of relevant project management skills

5 including reflection, review, communication, business planning, leadership and mentoring and decision making. 20. Key Assessment Methods The assessments will be designed to allow the development, application and evaluation of knowledge and understanding in a project specific and general business context across the programme. Students will complete a dissertation within final stage of the programme; this has been designed to further allow students to demonstrate a holistic understanding and application of knowledge within strategic project management. During the programme a range of key formative and summative assessment methods will be used, they will be designed to motivate, stimulate and inform learning and will include such assessment strategies as: case studies; simulations; practical; essays; presentations; and, business reports and plans. Knowledge and Understanding The Assessments will include a range of assignments, case studies, simulations, practical business reports and project plans, designed to allow the development, application and evaluation of knowledge and understanding in a project planning and operational context. In addition the dissertation at the final stage is designed to ensure a holistic understanding and application of key aspects of strategic project management. Cognitive / Intellectual Skills/ Practical & Professional The assessment for many of the modules asks the students develop and apply a range of skills within the learning and assessment activities, both formative and summative. All assessments will require students to use a range of cognitive and intellectual skills which will be directly assessed. The stage 3 dissertation will be the vehicle for an in-depth study of an issue related to project management from a strategic dimension and will be undertaken as an individual piece of work which requires learners to operate independently. Timely and effective feedback and assessments are integral to the learning process. Students will receive timely and constructive formative and summative feedback. The feedback will clearly identify the strengths and those areas for further development, guidance will be provided on how to strengthen these areas. Feedback will be provided through a variety of mechanisms, as appropriate, and students will be encouraged throughout the programme to seek, reflect upon, and respond to feedback.

6 21. Programme Modules (additional copies to be completed for each named pathway) Level Code Title Credits Status Non- Compensatable BIN4039-N Strategic Project Management (TUBS) 20 C Y CEN4018-N Procurement and Contract Strategy (SSE) 20 C Y CEN4017-N Risk Management in Projects (SSE) 20 C Y BIN4036-N Project Performance and Evaluation (TUBS) 20 C Y MUL4049-N Managing Project with Prince2 (SCM) 20 C Y BIN4011-N Dissertation (TUBS) 60 C Y Option (TUBS) 20 O Y Compensatabl e Page 6 of 9

7 22. Programme Structure MSc Strategic Project Management (Full-time) Stage Module Module Module Block 1 Strategic Project Management Procurement & Contract Strategy (SSE) Managing Projects with Prince2 Block 2 Week 30 onwards 20 Credits Project Performance and Evaluation 20 Credits Dissertation 20 Credits Risk Management in Projects 20 Credits 20 credits Option 2 x 10 Credit modules selected from: Management Research Business Ethics Entrepreneurship Managing Careers 2 x10 Credits 60 credits MSc Strategic Project Management (Part-time) Year Block 1 Week 1 to week 13 Block 2 Week 14 to week 28 Year 1 Strategic project management Procurement & Contractual Strategies Managing Project with Prince2 Year 2/3 Risk Management in Projects Project Performance and Evaluation Option (2 x 10 credits) From the following: Management Research Business Ethics Entrepreneurship Managing Careers Dissertation (60 credits) Page 7 of 9

8 23. Support for Students and Their Learning There are a number of support mechanisms in place for students. These include: One-to-one tutorial support integrated into the programme. Assignment and examination workshops integrated into the programme. Access to Learning and Development Tutors Regular sessions with module tutors supported through other forms of communication such as . Guest speakers and projects In addition:- An induction programme helps students to make the transition into Masters and to feel part of the School and the programme. This includes a range of liaison meetings with the Programme Leader aimed at developing a relationship between staff and students and to explain relevant programme information included in Programme and Module handbooks. A Retention Support Officer (SSO) will provide generic support to students and will assist in ensuring the effective integration of students into the University and TBS. The SSO will play an active part in induction events and will supervise Student Advisors / Mentors and will act as a point of contact for students who require non-academic assistance and advice. The programme continues to enhance develop key professional, academic skills and transferable skills to a standard which will prepare the student for success in subsequent assessments and provide subsequent application in the formative and summative assessment and feedback. Students will be able to draw upon the support provided by Learning and Development Tutors who can provide advice and support on a wide range of pastoral and academic issues. DISSC provides specific support for students with basic numeracy and literacy skills. The School Disability Co-ordinator oversees the needs of students with special requirements. The School Intranet/Blackboard is used by most staff to communicate with students, provide study material and to post notices. Students can access this information externally and is a crucial medium of support for part-time students. E-Learning@Tees is the University s online learning environment powered by Blackboard. Lecturers use this system to support learning and teaching. The system facilitates communication between staff and students and can enable structured learning (web pages, presentations, lecture notes, announcements, assessment feedback, and podcasts). E-Learning@Tees is a web based system and therefore is available both on and off-site using the following address: access is based upon your username and password. Further information is available via the IT help desk and Information Technology guidance material. Page 8 of 9

9 24. Distinctive Features MSc Strategic Project Management provides a significant grounding in management. It offers clear links between theory and practice and places discussion of relevant management techniques and themes in the context of the business environment. The programme focuses on project management from an organisational strategic perspective and how projects can be managed in a national and international context. The programme has been benchmarked against the relevant QAA benchmarking statement the 2007 QAA Benchmarking statement for Masters Degrees in Business and Management. The programme core is designed to enhance the student learning experience by focussing on the development of knowledge, skills and competencies throughout the programme and has been informed by the QAA subject benchmarks and businesses in relation to general business and project management. Students will be exposed to the interrelationships and partnerships between theory and practice, researchers and businesses, through staff and guest presentations delivered throughout the programme. The intention of the programme is to give students exposure to real world business project management situations in order to enhance their skills and employability, by providing students with the opportunities to learn from work/practical related experience is embedded throughout the programme Students will apply their knowledge and skills in the Dissertation module by undertaking a major project related to a selected area of project management. Students will be supported throughout the process by a supervising tutor who will monitor progress and provide regular formative feedback. The programme includes a stand-alone option which comprises 2 x 10 credit modules selected from a list of four. The rationale behind this is to provide students with an opportunity to broaden their learning experience and enhance their employability. It is also envisaged that this option may assist in redressing any programme gaps should the programme later seek accreditation from the relevant professional body. Included amongst the option choices is a Management Research option. Students will be strongly encouraged to participate in this particular option where they have not previously studied any similar module in the past. Page 9 of 9