"False"
Umeå University
printicon
Main menu hidden.
Syllabus:

Project Management and Organizational Design D, 15 Credits

Swedish name: Project Management and Organizational Design D

This syllabus is valid: 2011-09-05 valid to 2013-08-25 (newer version of the syllabus exists)

Course code: 2FE122

Credit points: 15

Education level: Second cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Business Administration: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: Three-grade scale

Responsible department: Business Administration

Contents

The course highlights key issues for understanding and dealing with different organizational characteristics and design issues in organisations and in society. It integrates profound theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active student participation, both individually and in groups. Module 1. Project management (7,5 ECTS) Management is dependent upon general organizational characteristics and circumstances, rendering organizational forms and structures of major importance. The focus of this module is on projects and project management. The course will also cover multi-project-portfolio issues, thus providing an insight into general management concerns in a project-intensive organization. This first module attends thus to the present trend towards “projectification” in both business and public organizations, which calls for in-depth knowledge on the nature of projects and how to manage particular projects as well as a portfolio of projects in an organization. Students will deal with established planning and organizing techniques, examine the relationship between projects and between the project and the surrounding organisation, and critically reflect upon the role of projects in wider society. Module 2. Organizational Design (7,5 ECTS) The second module asks why are some organizational forms more popular at one point in time, and why are some organizational forms more suitable than others, and addresses classic and contemporary principles for organizational design, focusing practical application of existing knowledge as well as critical reflection on how business ideas, stakeholder interests, fashion and theoretical perspectives influence what we experience as proper organizational design. The module begins by providing a comprehensive overview of alternative approaches to organizational design and their application on various types of real-life organizations. Subsequently, the course turns its focus to the historical and stakeholder dependency on favored design choices – hence reducing the possibility to find one rational and objective design solution. Instead, different design choices will have different consequences. In the concluding part of the course, emphasis is placed on developing a holistic understanding on how to take advantage of the design of an organization while at the same time being aware of and dealing with the allied disadvantages

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to: - understand the nature of projects in an organizational and industrial context - collaborate in and manage project work, - identify basic principles for organizational design and analyze their suitability in different empirical contexts - critically assess, evaluate and compare design choices in various types of organizations - identify and solve organizational design problems taking the business idea and different stakeholder interests as a point of departure - contribute to a creative dialogue on organizational design issues In addition, the course has the following generic learning outcomes: - work effectively in teams and as team leaders - integrate managerial expertise from different knowledge areas in order to identify, analyze and solve organizational problems - plan, conduct, and present managerial investigations, both orally and in writing.

Required Knowledge

University: Courses in Business Administration (75 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance courses. At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 ECTS. Alternatively, courses (75 ECTS) from one of these subjects: Pedagogy, Psychology, Sociology or Political Science. Language: Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section).

Form of instruction

The modules are based on lectures that outline general theories related to the course topics. Seminars will be utilized to examine the details of the theories and the practice of the topics under study. In some cases more advanced simulation processes will be used. Students are expected to be well prepared and to participate actively in discussions during the seminars and different project activities. Moreover, group or individual assignments with both oral and written presentations will be used throughout the entire course.

Examination modes

The examination consists of active participation in seminars and successful completion of group or individual assignments. For module1 there will also be a written comprehensive examination (tentamen). On module 2, the examinations will conclude with an individual written examination. Individual assignments will amount to no less than 60 percent of the total course credits. Participation in seminars on module 2 is obligatory. Material from guest lectures may also be examined. The following grading system is used: Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more), Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more) and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%). To receive the grade Pass with distinction on the course, the student must have achieved at least 75% of the total of points on the separate modules or the equivalent In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given on each occasion. Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within 2-3 weeks. Beyond that, additional opportunities to complete the written examination normally arise every academic year one-week prior to the start of the autumn term. When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. Lectures are normally not obligatory. However attendance is expected because the lectures are designed to facilitate students towards achieving course specific learning objectives. In addition lectures often provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials. Student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grading. Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. Academic credit transfer Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

Other regulations

This is a course at the D-level in a MSc-degree at Umeå University within the master program “Leadership and organization”. The course can also be included in study programs in Business Administration and Economics at Umeå School of Business.

Literature

Valid from: 2012 week 35

Blomquist, T. & Müller
Middle Managers in Program and Portfolio Management: Practice, Rolers and Responsibilities
Newton Square: Project Management Institute : 2006 :
Mandatory

Maylor Harvey
Project management
4. ed. : Harlow, England : Financial Times Prentice Hall : 2010 : xxiv, 414 s. :
ISBN: 978-0-273-70432-4 (pbk.)
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Müller Ralf.
Project governance
Aldershot : Gower : 2009. : 105 s. :
ISBN: 978-0-566-08866-7 (pbk.)
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Umeå School of Business and Economics (latest edition)
Thesis writing in Business Administration. Thesis manual.
Företagsekonomi :
Mandatory