Indicative content is expected to be diverse in nature, reflecting the issues that are current and/or of direct concern to the students at the time. For the core content of this module typical areas might be selected from the aspects listed below but other aspects may be added/subtracted as considered appropriate:

- The fundamental principles of project management and the project lifecycle
- The reasons for doing a project (making a business case)
- Examine a problem using problem tree technique and other tools
- Identifying key outputs using output based planning techniques
- Structural approaches to project design using project summary framework
- Quality and quality Planning in relation to outputs
- Planning tools and techniques including output based planning, Gantt charts, key milestones and critical dependencies
- Resource and Financial Planning
- Project Board - roles and responsibilities
- The Stakeholder Matrix Tool and Stakeholder analysis
- Communication in projects and developing a communication strategy/plan
- The risk management process and documentation
- Linking information into the Project Initiation Documentation (PID)
- Overview of the implementation and closure processes
- Change Control and Version Control
- Roles and responsibilities of the project team manager in the implementation
- Defining and creating a work package
- Conducting stage reviews
- Closing the project

The learning strategy for this module will require the student to commit to 150 hours of learning (including assessment and 35 hours of workshops and 265 hours of independent study). The main emphasis is on the application of the learning in the workplace and the return on investment to the organisation resulting from the learning, supported by academic study including:

- formal articles
- case study analysis
- activity based learning and reflection on student experiences in the workplace
- workshops
- case studies
- in-class group discussions
- videos
- blended learning etc
- opportunities for formative feedback, evaluation and reflection on the outcomes of work actions
- formative feedback throughout the programme

APM (2004). Project risk analysis and management guide (2nd edition). APM publishing, High Wycombe.
Cobb, T. (2006) Project Management. Open University, Thomson Learning, London.
Field M, Keller L (2001). Project Management. Open University. Thomson Learning. London.
Lock, D. (2007) Project Management (9th Ed.) Gower Publishing, Aldershot.
Maylor, H. (2005) Project Management (3rd edition), Pearson Education, Harlow.
OGC (2005 impression 2). Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2. ISBN 0-11-33-946-5.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
Recommended website: www.pmboulevard.com

A written work based assignment of 5000 words which will include a critical analysis of a live project and Project Initiation Documentation (PID). Weighted at 100% covering all five learning outcomes.