Main Field of Study and progress level:
Business Administration: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Business Administration
Contents
The course 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 course, the student should be able to:
explain theories, models and concepts for management of projects, programs, and portfolios of projects in organisational contexts,
understand the nature of projects in an organizational and industrial context,
understand the need for governance of multi-project settings,
collaborate in and manage project work,
plan for, analyse, and control project progress and changes,
work hands-on with project management tools, both in groups and individually,
assume responsibility for own and group learning,
reflect upon one’s own learning on the subject.
Required Knowledge
Admission to the course requires that the student is registered on one of the master programs at Umeå School of Business, and has passed at least 45 ECTS credits at their master program.
Students are also required to have English B from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent.
Form of instruction
The course 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. It included case seminars, and a workshop on the use of project management software. The second part is assessed in two ways. Partly, through a 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 course. See also note 6 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%).
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 course parts 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, no later than two weeks after the completion of the course.
Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within a month. 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. (see instructions in the Thesis manual. Thesis writing in Business Administration.) Urkund records may be used for control.
Students who fail to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have their results registered.
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 literature and other relevant course materials.
A 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. The course is included in the Master programs in Business Administration and Economics at Umeå School of Business.
Literature
Valid from:
2013 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
Umeå School of Business and Economics (latest edition) Thesis writing in Business Administration. Thesis manual. Företagsekonomi : Mandatory
Business ethics : managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization Crane Andrew, Matten Dirk 3. ed. : Oxford : Oxford University Press : 2010 : xxv, 614 s. : ISBN: 978-0-19-956433-0 (pbk.) Search the University Library catalogue
