Strategic Project Management Integration D, 30 Credits

Contents

The course highlights key issues in strategic project management. It integrates profound theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active student participation, both individually and in groups.

The course is given and examined in English.

Generic learning outcome.
In addition to the specific learning outcomes for each module (see below), the course has a number of goals for the development of generic skills. After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• work effectively in multicultural teams
• appreciate diversity and multiculturality
• integrate expertise from different knowledge areas in order to identify, analyze and solve organizational problems
• plan, conduct, and present investigations, both orally and in writing, for an academic audience as well as an audience of business practitioners.

The core course consists of three modules, which will be further described below:

Module 1.  Research Methods, 7.5 credits
Module 2.  Strategic Project Management Decision Making 7.5 credits
Module 3.  Master’s Thesis 15 credits

Module 1. Research Methods, 7.5 credits
The overarching aim of this module is to develop advanced knowledge of perspectives, strategies and design in research. This will increase the student’s ability to carry out and assess business research and investigations. Important building blocks are the problem formulation, frames of reference, scientific approaches, including the ontological and epistemological points of departure, and methods for data collection and analysis.
 
Expected learning outcomes:
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• identify and discuss how fundamental assumptions, scientific ideals, perspectives and frames of reference influence a process of scientific knowledge creation,
• formulate and argue for relevant research questions, including the theoretical relevance and positioning,
• discuss characteristics of research strategies and approaches, critically review and assess literature, and discuss and evaluate the suitability of various methods to solve different research questions,
• apply acquired knowledge in the planning, design, implementation and reporting of scientific studies,
• demonstrate an ability to assess and discuss social, environmental and ethical dimensions of business research issues.

Focus of instruction:
Learning is supported by lectures, seminars, practical assignment(s), individually or in groups and should together with the reading material help students to develop knowledge of what scientific research in business and management fields is all about.

Examination modes
The final grade is based on an individual written exam and reporting of assignment(s) given during the module. For a passing grade at the module participation at all seminars and presentations is compulsory and the student must have passed all assignments and compulsory course elements. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 2. Strategic Project Management Decision Making, 7.5 credits
The module will explore and integrate different perspectives on strategy and decision-making in strategic project management. Strategic project management will be examined from an applied perspective through a series of case assignments covering major areas of interest for the strategic project manager.

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

• understand and comprehend the complexity of strategic project management decision making,
• analyze the complexity, and critically assess strategic options in a dynamic environment,
• integrate managerial expertise from different knowledge areas in order to, identify, analyze and solve organizational problems related to strategic project management,
• appreciate diversity and work effectively in multicultural teams and as team leader.

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures, seminars, and several case assignments that will address decision-making and complex management problems. Students will work in teams as well as individually with assignments that will be presented in seminars.

Examination modes
The examination will be based upon the student's active participation in seminars, and the successful completion of case assignments. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 3. Master’s thesis, 15 credits
The objective of the Master’s thesis is to develop the student’s knowledge of scientific work and to provide students with the understanding of how to plan, conduct, and present their work independently. A further aim is to develop skills for the critical examination of investigations and research reports and to provide the student with the opportunity for a deeper level of theoretical study within a chosen area.

Section 1. Side-oppositions, 0 credits
The aim of this module is to develop the student’s ability to examine investigations and reports from a critical and scientific point of view. This module of the thesis work requires the student to submit written critical analyses of two other Master’s theses and attend the seminars where these theses are presented. This is an individual assignment.

Section 2. Master's thesis, 15 credits
Thesis work should prove the student’s ability to apply a scientific approach in independently treatment of theories. In addition, the thesis should be characterized by relevance and topicality. The methodology discussions must be very clearly connected to the problem area and the different parts of the theses must be well integrated into a harmonized unity. The thesis should aim to deliver a theoretical contribution to the area.

Section 3. Main opposition, 0 credits
In this module, the aim is to document the student’s critical abilities through the performance of an individual written as well as an oral major critical analysis of another Master’s thesis. The oral part of the main opposition can be conducted together with the co-author of the thesis.

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

• demonstrate a good understanding of the chosen topic, the area of research, and related methodological issues
• independently select a for business administration appropriate topic and formulate relevant research questions
• apply a scientific perspective in using theory and prior literature
• assimilate and evaluate scientific publications
• follow the knowledge development in the chosen area and discuss how the thesis contributes or relates to scientific knowledge in the chosen area
• evaluate different research methods and data collection methods in relation to a specific research question and convincingly argue for the choice of research method
• summarize, analyze and discuss an empirical (or equivalent) material in an independent and scientific manner using relevant methods for analysis
• discuss societal and/or ethical issues of relevance for the thesis
• communicate the main arguments, contents and results of the study in a scholarly manner
• defend the thesis at a scientific seminar
• critically examine other reports both orally and in writing.

Focus of instruction
The author’s independence and responsibility is emphasized in the conducting of thesis work. Thus the supervisor’s influence and control is reduced in order to create the necessary conditions for individual autonomy, creativity, and personal responsibility. It is understood that the ongoing Master’s thesis work is presented to the supervisor on at least three occasions during the thesis process. Normally, the student can be expected to take active part in in-progress seminars organized by the supervisor. Supervision is only guaranteed during the semester when the student is firstly registered on the thesis course.

Examination modes
Section 1. Side-oppositions, 0hp
The module is examined through written ‘side-oppositions’, i.e. critical analyses, of two other one-year master theses (or Swedish ‘Magister’ theses, but not Bachelor’s theses). Written side-oppositions are always individual assignments. The side-oppositions should be numbered consecutively (D1, D2). Instructions are given in the thesis manual. In addition participation in each of the thesis seminars is required. Side-oppositions are graded as pass or fail.

Section 2. Master's thesis, 15hp
The module is examined through authoring and defending an independent work. The grades used are: pass with distinction, pass or fail. The thesis is evaluated and graded by a grading teacher and examiner, whereas the individual effort in the defense is graded at the seminar.

In case the Master’s Thesis is not accepted as it is, it may be revised according to instructions given by the supervisor (or by the grader) or subject of a new effort. In cases of revision, the new version should be completed and delivered to the grading teacher within four weeks after the final seminar/or the date the revision was presented.

Section 3. Main opposition, 0 credits
The module is examined through an individual written as well as an oral main opposition (critical examination where the student is responsible for leading the seminar) on another one-year Master’s thesis (or a ‘Magister’ thesis). The oral main opposition can be conducted in collaboration with your co-author on your thesis. The main opposition is graded as pass or fail.

For the course as a whole, the following grading system is used: Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG), Pass (Godkänd, G) and Fail (Underkänd, U).

Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory elements. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Additional regulations
When a thesis has been written in English, the seminar should as a general rule also be held in English, unless all seminar participants (including side opponents and seminar leader) are Swedish speaking. The written main- and side-oppositions may be in Swedish provided that the seminar leader is Swedish speaking.

The thesis should normally be jointly written by two authors. It is not possible for two students who jointly write a thesis, to be registered for different types of theses (e.g. one student writing a 1st year Master’s thesis and the other a 2nd year Master’s thesis).

Supervision is only guaranteed during the semester when the student is firstly registered on the thesis course, regardless of how much supervision that has been utilized.

The thesis course is a campus course, which implies personal presence for supervision, participation in seminars, and collaboration with a thesis partner.

For students following a master’s program, the subject for the thesis should be within the scope of the master’s program. For further information, see descriptions for awarding degrees (in Marketing, Management etc.).

As a rule of thumb, the scope of the thesis should be approximately 40-60 pages.

The empirical material that is utilized in the thesis should on request be available for supervisor, main opponents and the graders in its original form (raw-data).

The thesis seminar (defense) should, if possible, not be held until the compulsory side-oppositions have been completed. The thesis seminar and the main opposition are normally carried out at the end of the course (usually the end of the semester). For students not completing their thesis on time, a seminar is arranged when the thesis is completed and when there are opponents available.

When the grade has been set, archive copies of the completed thesis shall as soon as possible, and within 4 weeks, be submitted in both paper and digital form. For details, see
http://www.usbe.umu.se/english/dept/fek/for-our-students/theses/printing-and-archiving/

Expected learning outcomes

See respective module.

Required Knowledge

University: Admitted to the joint study Master’s Program in Strategic Project Management.
Language: English B from Swedish gymnasium 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)
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 cannot 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 course is only offered to incoming exchange students participating in the joint program, Master Program for Strategic Project Management (MSPME).