MODULE TITLE:
Project Management
MODULE CODE:
COM617J1
DATE OF REVISION:
2007-08
MODULE LEVEL:
3
CREDIT POINTS:
10
MODULE STATUS:
Compulsory
SEMESTER:
1
LOCATION:
Jordanstown
E-LEARNING:
Web supplemented
PREREQUISITE(S):
CO-REQUISITE(S):
MODULE CO-ORDINATOR(S):
Johnston; W
TEACHING STAFF RESPONSIBLE
FOR MODULE DELIVERY:
Johnston; W
HOURS:
Lectures
24 hrs
Tutorials/practicals
12 hrs
Independent study
(including assessment)
64 hrs
TOTAL EFFORT HOURS:
100
ACADEMIC SUBJECT:
Computing
MODULAR SUBJECT:
RATIONALE
Practical project management skills are essential for the information systems (IS) practitioner
and are relevant to all types of IS project, from individual project work through to large
commercial projects. This module presents modern project management principles and
techniques as a means to help deliver successful software development projects.
AIMS
1. To introduce the technical and non-technical management activities which pervade
information systems development.
2. To give understanding of the techniques and procedures for the planning and control of an
information systems development project.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A successful student will be able to show that he/she can:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
K1
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the approaches and techniques used in the
management of information systems projects
K2
Demonstrate an understanding of the role and professional responsibilities of the project
manager
INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES
I1
Demonstrate a sure grasp of the broad picture and thus work with an appropriate level of
detail.
I2
Critically evaluate information technology project scenarios
PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS
P1
Apply project management principles in a project scenario
P2
Use appropriate software tools to help plan and manage projects.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
T1
Evaluate information from a variety of sources and make reasoned, objective judgments on
information and their own learning.
T2
Communicate effectively using appropriate media and technologies
CONTENT
Background; Organisations and Projects; the Project Management Body of Knowledge;
Core processes and facilitating processes.
Strategies for IS projects, Lifecycle models.
Project initiation; project charter.
Project planning and project execution.
Classic Mistakes and Best Practices.
Estimation and metrics.
Time and cost management.
Quality management.
Human resource management; individuals, teams and motivation.
Project tracking and control.
Risk management and recovery.
Project closure, professional responsibility.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Lectures will deliver the core material and refer to supplementary material and web-based
resources. Tutorials and practical exercises will illuminate concepts and give experience in
using software tools to assist in project planning, monitoring and control.
Students will be directed to read journals and online articles related to the module content
as independent study and in relation to the assignment.
The module is web supplemented with links being provided on the lecturer’s home page to
relevant URLs and a course-text companion website. Students will be expected to perform
online research to further expand their knowledge of the area.
ASSESSMENT
Coursework:
An individual piece of coursework, for example a report that requires students to research
successful and unsuccessful information systems projects in industry, healthcare, government,
etc., and to examine why they achieved or failed to achieve success.
This assignment will measure the student’s achievement of module learning outcomes I1, I2,
P1, P2, T1 and T2
Examination:
A 2-hour paper, students to answer any 3 from 5 questions. Learning outcomes K1, K2 and I1
will be assessed
50% Coursework
50% Examination
READING LIST
Required
Schwalbe, K., 2006, Information technology Project Management, Thomson
Schwalbe, K., Student Online Companion [online] Available from:
http://www.course.com/downloads/mis/schwalbe/
Recommended
Francis, D. & Horine, G., 2004, PMP ExamCram 2, Que Publishing
Galin, D., 2004, Software Quality Assurance, Pearson
Jones, C., 1997, Software Quality, analysis and guidelines for success, Thomson
Computer Press
Jones, C., 2000, Software Assessments, Benchmarks, and Best Practices, AddisonWesley
Meredith, J. & Mantel, S., 2003, Project Management, a managerial approach, Wiley
McConnell, S., 1998, Rapid Development, Microsoft Press
McManus, J. & Wood-Harper, T., 2003, Information Systems Project Management,
Pearson
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
This module presents modern project management principles and techniques as a
means to help deliver successful software development projects.