MSc Project Management & Innovation

This class introduces the tools and techniques used in project and programme management. It'll begin by introducing the methods used to define the scope of a project including the objectives it needs to achieve and the deliverables to be generated. It then goes on to examine lifecycle management, planning and scheduling techniques and cost control before finishing with risk management.

The theme of this class is to promote project performance not only in terms of meeting the time, cost and performance targets of each specific contract but also in relation to complementing the overall business strategy by exceeding customer expectations and therefore leveraging new business.

Drawing on a range of in-depth case studies, this class introduces you to fundamental questions and approaches to the study of technology and organisational change. Specifically, it'll explore how organisational structures enable and constrain the development of new technologies, and how new technologies enable changes in the process of organising.

The purpose of the course is to provide you with a thorough grounding in various perspectives on technology development and use combined with real cases of organisational change and transformation.

The purpose of this class is to introduce the operations function, in service and manufacturing organisations, as the transformation of system inputs to value-added outputs and to address key aspects of design, planning and control of operations systems, and to provide an understanding of the operations function in a global context.

This class provides opportunities to explore, understand and apply the language of strategy and strategic management. By examining real-life organisations, you'll develop your understanding of the forces within their contextual and transactional environments that influence their strategy, and by applying different strategic frameworks, develop the ability to critically analyse the strategic direction being adopted.

This module is designed to build knowledge of the processes underpinning innovation. The class will provide an introduction to the main concepts and frameworks related to definitions, processes, strategies, organisation and sources of innovation. Towards the end of the class, new trends in innovation, such as social innovation and frugal innovation, will also be covered.

This module provides a firm foundation in scholarly, practitioner and policy perspectives for "mega-trends" in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology. This is a student-driven class, where you'll develop research and presentation skills, and learn about cutting-edge developments such as digital health technology, the sharing economy and social innovation, while also learning how entrepreneurial ecosystems function.

In the current harsh and fast-changing competitive environment, organisations are becoming increasingly engaged with the management of a complex collective set of projects. Assembling a project portfolio management (PPM) system is a process that must be carefully and strategically devised, as well as frequently and regularly maintained and reviewed.

This is fundamental to ensure that the organisation supports those projects which provide the most appropriate match between its capabilities with the opportunities available. This class focuses on all key aspects of PPM ranging from selecting projects and facilitating their successful execution.

The class responds to the need for developing skills for innovation at a global scale when social needs and sustainability-driven priorities with potential for impact are considered by organisations. It seeks to create the space for participants to gain a rich, informed view about underlying challenges at global scale, prototype alternative solutions via high level scenarios and create routes into impact through supporting a real organisation. It also seeks to adopt an intensely collaborative way of working, as a creative, innovation driven based method that informs its logic and approach, and supports the outcomes sought.

The class will prepare students for the Internationally recognised project management qualification - Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) - from the "Project Management Institute" (PMI). By completing the 20-credit module of study, participants will then be in a position to sit this external exam from PMI and gain the CAPM qualification. This will enhance their job prospects as professionally trained project managers.

This module explores a range of strategic and operational issues in commercial management of projects experienced by project managers. The dynamic business environment within which project managers operate means that they need to be astute when competing or bidding for work and seeking commercial partnerships with third parties. This module therefore provides an opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to operate in this competitive commercial environment.

As the final class in the degree programme, the Consultancy in Practice class is aimed at developing effective and reflective practitioners/managers. It provides students with the opportunity to deploy many aspects of their learning by engaging with a live issue provided by a client company. It commences with a review of key theories and tools that students have studied as part of their degree with consideration given on how to use these in this exercise.

This is followed by analysis of material provided by the client which describes the issue to be addressed and the outcome expected by the client. This then leads into a group activity which applies particular techniques for addressing aspects of the client’s issue. More detailed client input is provided at certain points in the process often through direct interface with the client. This allows students to gain a more in-depth understanding of the issue and to try out various solutions.

Further analysis is carried out by the groups and the class concludes with students presenting their thinking to their client. The client presentations are then followed by a reflective session where the tutor, client and students are encouraged to explore the process of the class and develop the learning gained.

The Project Management & Innovation project provides you with a valuable opportunity to apply what you have learned through the taught modules to a more practical situation. Working under the supervision of a member of our faculty, you'll spend time working individually, or in a group, on a topic of central interest in the area of project & innovation management.

You'll learn the skills needed to develop a proposal and conduct an effective enquiry into your topic area, producing a report that is both informed and practical. Project subject matters are diverse, with a vast array of industries and topics to consider.

While many projects can be subject specific, increasingly, many projects are undertaken with organisations, which allow you to learn more about a specific industry or work with a particular company. Our experience shows that such interactions often act as a catalyst for future career opportunities. While you'll be encouraged to put forward your own suggestion of a company, we do have client projects on offer, so are more than happy to assist you in identifying appropriate clients and partnerships.