Project Management and Organizational Design D, 15 Credits

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 credits  
Module 2. Organizational Design, 7.5 credits  

The course is given and examined in English. The core course consists of two modules, which will be further described below:

Module 1.   Project Management (7,5 credits)
The first module attends 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.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• explain theories, models and concepts for management of projects, programs, and portfolios of projects in organisational contexts,
• discuss the nature of projects in an organizational and industrial context,
• explain the need for governance of multi-project settings,
• collaborate in and manage project work,
• plan for, analyse, and control project progress and changes,
• assume responsibility for own and group learning,
• reflect upon one’s own learning on the subject

Focus of instructions
The module consists of two parts. In the first part lectures are given on traditional project management, based on the literature. This part is assessed through a written exam. The second part dealt with project organizations, and a section on research methods via lectures and literature seminars. The second part is assessed in two ways. Partly, through an individual reflection paper, and partly through a group assignment where students choose a topic from the lectures and writes a memo in which they propose a new research idea, including a research question, literature review, and appropriate method.

Examination modes
The examination consists of active participation in seminars and successful completion of group and individual assignments. There will also be a written comprehensive individual exam. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

Module 2. Organizational Design (7,5 credits)
In this module it is asked why some organizational forms are more popular at one point in time and place, and why some forms are more suitable under specific situations than others. In addition, the module addresses classical and contemporary theories of organizational design, and focuses on practical applications of existing knowledge. It aims at critical reflection on how strategy, multiple stakeholder interests, and new emerging forms and/or fashions influence what we consider as proper organizational design.

The module begins by providing a comprehensive overview of what constitutes organizational design. Subsequently, it turns its focus to the historical account of different organizational design options and explores opportunities for complementary design solutions and their consequences. In the concluding part, the module emphasizes on developing a holistic understanding of the embedded advantages and disadvantages of different design option.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing the module, the student should be able to:

• explain basic principles and forms of organizational design and analyze their suitability in different empirical contexts,
•  critically assess and compare organizational design related choices in various types of organizations,
•  identify and solve organizational design related problems from multiple stakeholders’ point of view,
•  contribute to a creative dialogue on organizational design issues in different context,
•  make comprehensive theoretical reflections on organizational design issues and their applications,
•  critically reflect upon the existing theories in the field,
•  to understand the concept of complementarity as a way of synthesizing different design solutions

Focus of instruction
The module will be delivered using lectures, seminars and group work. Lectures will be utilized to introduce major design issues and establish a theoretical framework for subsequent application. Students will work individually on small-scale cases that illustrate important design aspects. Their case solutions will be examined and discussed in seminars. Students will also work in groups on an integrating case, which will be analyzed through a particular stakeholder perspective. The group work will be reported both in writing and orally. The module concludes with an individual examination.

Examination modes
The examination modes used are oral and written individual- and group assignments, as well as active participation in all seminars. The final examination is an individually written home exam. No less than 60 percent of the total course credits will be examined through individual assignments. A passing grade, minimum 50 % of the points, is required for each part of the examination to pass the course.

Expected learning outcomes

See respective module.

Required Knowledge

90 credits with 75 credits in Business Administration, at Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 credits in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance courses. At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 credits. Alternatively, courses (75 credits) from one of these subjects: Pedagogy, Psychology, Sociology or Political Science.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B or the equivalent.
 

Form of instruction

See respective module.

Examination modes

See each separate module and below.
 
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%).
 
Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.
 
A student who does not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within two months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term.
In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.
 
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.
 
A student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.
 
If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.
 
Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the thesis manual, Thesis Writing in Business Administration). Urkund records may be used for control. In addtion, Umeå University rules and regulations  for education and research applies:  http://www.umu.se/regelverk/utbildning-pa-grund--och-avancerad-niva
 
Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.
 

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer 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.