Module Information

Module Identifier
ABM2920
Module Title
Project Management Tools and Techniques
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Also available in
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Report  (4,500 words)  80%
Semester Assessment Group Discussion  (15 minutes)  20%
Supplementary Assessment Written Essay  (1,500 words)  20%
Supplementary Assessment Written Report  (4,000 words)  80%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. ​​Independently demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the essential features of the project management process to engineering management functions for a range of different scenarios.

2. Critically compare various project planning techniques and to apply these techniques to create detailed project plans for given scenarios.

3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the connection between Project Management techniques and more general operational approaches to management.

4. Apply the project management method to individual engineering disciplines.

Brief description

Through the process of examining and reflecting on the processes of the planning, organisation, and managing of engineering projects, the module aims to critically analyse a range of project management models, engineering project planning tools and techniques and to apply these techniques to the design, planning, cost control and management of given project scenarios.

Content

Management philosophy - Overview of engineering projects and the concept of engineering project management; project management versus management; project types; effect of size on project organisation; Ethical, sustainability, moral, and legal questions.

Tools and techniques - User requirements definition and specifications; Milestones; Project Planning, Work Breakdown Structures; Network techniques: Gantt, PERT, CPA ; Project finance. Estimating, monitoring. Resource scheduling; Crash Programming; Negotiation. Presentation skills and management of meetings.

Organisation and management - Project team organisation and methodologies; Project QA; Project Approval; Tender documents; Contract Law and contractor management; model form contract documents; control of Health and Safety issues, risk management.

Use of Software planning systems and simulation - Structure of software planning systems; use of MS Project; application of MS Project to given scenarios; resource levelling and scheduling using MS Project.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number N/A
Communication Must provide high quality reports and deliver a sound and well developed presentation of the key issues relating to the EM projects.
Improving own Learning and Performance The students are required to adapt their strategies and approaches to providing a solution to the identified problem or issue and to show strong leadership skills to provide an effective solution to the issues identified.
Information Technology Use a variety of electronic web- and library-based resources to review available information and retrieve pertinent information. Use of word-processing and spreadsheet skills in assignment and application of MS Project.
Personal Development and Career planning Students must show critical reflective skills and adapt and improve solutions and the quality of the reports on an ongoing basis. EM/PM analysis undertaken on real world engineering/technology issues with solution requiring realistic responses.
Problem solving The module demands the participants to apply analytical skills to reason and understand the challenging nature of the subject. By introducing a variety of theoretical as well as empirical topics, the module enables students to develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving and to critically evaluate potential solutions to complex and challenging problems. These skills will have to be applied in seminar discussions, preparation of the written assessment. Project management tools and techniques will be applied to business situations.
Research skills The module demands the participants to apply analytical skills to reason and understand the challenging nature of engineering and technology projects and apply specific tools and techniques to given situations. By introducing a variety of theoretical as well as empirical topics, the module enables students to develop creative thinking approaches to EM based problem solving. These skills will have to be applied in seminar discussions, preparation of the coursework and timed assessment.
Subject Specific Skills This module develops students’ understanding and appreciation of environmental economic theories and how these can be applied to address engineering/technology issues.
Team work The students are required to adapt their strategies and approaches to providing a solution to the identified problem or issue and to show strong leadership skills to provide an effective solution to the issues identified.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7