Reflections on a completed module: M815 Project Management

What was the module? M815 Project Management

Whether you are a project manager, an aspiring project manager or a member of a project team, this online module will support you in improving your practice and making your contribution to the project even more effective. You will gain an understanding of the essential steps in the project life cycle and reflect on the techniques available to you and how they can be applied. You will have the opportunity to review, in the light of your new knowledge and experience, a project on which you have already worked. The topics covered include stakeholders, finance, risk, people, project administration and quality. The module takes a broad approach to technological projects and will be relevant to project managers and those wishing to increase their knowledge about project management. The tools and techniques presented will be of use to project managers and team members in improving the effectiveness of their teams. This module is accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM). It refers to the APM Body of Knowledge (6th edition), British and International Standards, Prince2 and many other established sources

Module dates:  May20-Oct20

Why did I choose it?

I needed to complete one further module worth 30 credits before doing the MSc dissertation - so looked to see what modules were available which would fulfil this need.  Of the options this was the most obvious choice as I've worked in projects for many years - plus work is very busy at the moment so I thought it would be easier than tackling something completely unknown.  Only concern at the start was the comment that the module would take a broad approach to technological projects as I've not worked in technology for a long time (and don't plan to in the future!)

Was it what I expected?

The module very much did what it said on the tin.  Much of the material was known to some extent though it was useful to bring a range of project management material and thinking together in one place - thought the 'branding' of the APM did feel somewhat overpowering at times.  Just because the module is accredited by the APM doesn't mean that it has to be drummed through all the materials.

The coverage was very comprehensive and covers a huge amount of ground in the 6 months with pointers to more detailed sources for specific areas eg green book for business cases.

What did I think?

Like the MBA modules I did the feedback/ guidance was to 'apply the module materials'.  So frustrating to feel constrained not to bring in other sources. 

The style of the TMAs was different to previous modules - less narrative and more like a school maths exam ie calculate the value of x rather than looking at wider issues.  Testing my ability to add isn't going to be of huge value to me in a real project given the preponderance of software tools in the workplace.

The most useful part of the module was the EMA.  There were two aspects that were particularly useful:

• Having to really narrow down the topic for analysis to a very specific situation will be useful for the research module
• The process of applying academic rigour to analyse a real project situation after the event enabled me to identify some root causes of issues in that project in a way that hadn't been possible previously 

Overall - I did learn some new material and consolidated previous understanding.  Did I enjoy the module?  Not sure - it felt more like a means to an end.