This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES.

This module will look at

Project management approaches such as PRINCE2
Software and System Development Life Cycles - structured, throwaway, prototyping etc.
Scheduling techniques - GANNT, PERT, etc.
Risk Management - Planning, Identification, Analysis, Response And Action
Soft, agile and OO methodologies
- Including Agile Manifesto, Peter Checkland, SCRUM, XP etc.


Introduction to Quality; 6 Sigma, TQM, 'Lean' approaches, CMM
Research Skills
Personal & Career Development
Global issues
Legal Issues
Professional Issues & Ethics
Report writing; presentation skills

A GROUP assignment weighted at 50% comprising the following:-
The first part of the assignment will be to access a given scenario and produce an appropriate project plan then reflect on that project plan and how risks would be reduced.
You will also reflect on how alternatives to traditional methods could be used successfully to aid a project lifecycle and how these would be integrated into traditional project management (3000 words)
Learning outcome 1, 2 and 3.


An INDIVIDUAL portfolio weighted at 50% covering:
Personal & Career development, Research skills, Professional, legal and ethical issues.

3000 words, covering learning outcomes 4 and 5

24 hours of lectures and 48 hours of practical sessions. In the practical session you will work through exercises to get hands-on experience of the principles taught in the lecture.

Mixture of group work, presentations, problem based learning and research

This module requires students to develop skills of critical evaluation, personal reflection and analysis. Concepts will be introduced in lectures and developed and expanded through practicals and independent study, supported by formative assessment.

Project Management for Information Systems 5th ed Cadle & Yates (2008) Pearson Education Limited
Agile Project Management For Dummies, Mark C. Layton, (2012)
Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Projects 2nd ed. Highsmith J (2010) Addison-Wesley
Project Management for IT-related Projects 2nd Edition BCS, Hughes B, (2012),
Testing Foundations 3rd ed, Spiller A, Linz T & Schaefer H (2011) Rocky Nook

1. Describe, analyse and apply different methods of project management in the implementation of a project. (Knowledge & Understanding, Problem Solving)
2. Evaluate and reflect on how risk management can be applied to assist in project management. (Communication, Reflection)
3. Evaluate and reflect on how soft, oo and agile methods can assist in modern application development. (Communication, Reflection)
4. Demonstrate an understanding and critically evaluate professional, legal and ethical issues relevant to computing and communicate these issues to fellow professionals. (Communication, Reflection)
5. Critically evaluate personal development and career needs and develop personal and career action plans. (Reflection)