Course: Project Planning: Strategies and Systems

Course Code: MGT642

Rationale

This course builds knowledge and skills in the planning and management of projects and programmes. It is designed to deepen critical understanding of the strategies, processes, techniques and issues involved in taking ideas for development and turning them into practical realities with identifiable outcomes and benefits.

The course provides an excellent basis for career enhancement or conversion for those with interest and experience in projects management and planning. The focus of the course is on projects planning and allows individuals working in both public and private organisations to be able to lead the planning process for all types of projects, including those for commercial benefit.

Course Description

The course addresses the principles which govern the practice of Project Management Planning. The course takes a holistic approach to determine how to plan projects and the various strategies that are used to effectively plan projects. The course also assesses case studies, outlining various systems within which projects must be effectively and efficiently planned through their life cycles and within their scopes and contexts. This course provides students with several project management techniques, tools and approaches to apply when planning projects. Appropriate emphasis is also placed on qualitative factors, including Leadership, Human Resource Management, and the issues of Power in the process of Planning Projects.

General Objectives

On completion of the course, students will demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critically examine:

• The discipline of project and programme management, within an overall appreciation of the nature and purpose of projects.

• The principles and practice of project planning, design, preparation, and appraisal techniques for projects in a development context.

• The theory and practice of management skills for project and programme management, focusing particularly on hard and soft skills for successful project implementation.