Introduction to project management/IPM100 OERu course specification

=Part A: Course specification=

Metadata

 * OERu course name: Introduction to project management
 * Level: 1st year Bachelor Degree
 * Notional learning hours: 160
 * Micro-courses (four micro-courses of 40 hours each)
 * Role of the project manager (IPM101)
 * Initiating a project (IPM102)
 * Planning a project (IPM103)
 * Executing and closing a project (IPM104)
 * OERu course codes: IPM101, IPM102, IPM103, IPM104
 * OERu assessing institutions: Otago Polytechnic
 * Micro-credential options: Yes
 * OERu mode of study: Self-directed study or cohort-based independent study with peer-learning support.

Course aim
To gain knowledge of project management theory and apply it to a team project.

Learning outcomes

 * 1) Analyse relevant theories of project management.
 * 2) Apply theoretical knowledge to manage a team project.
 * 3) Write a project plan for a simple project.
 * 4) Apply theoretical knowledge to implement and prepare for future projects.

Indicative content

 * Basic project management theory
 * Introduction to project management software
 * Implementation and management of projects
 * Scope, resources, time and risk management
 * Development and success of project teams

Otago Polytechnic (Edubits)

 * 1) Course summary for IPM100
 * 2) Micro-credential approvals
 * 3) * IPM101 short course approval
 * 4) * IPM102 short course approval
 * 5) * IPM103 short course approval
 * 6) * IPM104 short course approval

Pre-requisites

 * 1) Proof of your English language capabilities: A copy of your official English language test results. Otago Polytechnic accept IELTS, TOEFL and New Zealand Certificate in English language (Levels 1-5) results.

=Part B: Detailed objectives=

Micro-course structure and learning objectives (Optional)
Introduction to project management comprises four micro-courses of 40 notional hours each covering the project management context and key phases of a project.

Learning objectives: LO1 and LO2

Micro 1: Role of the project manager
Learning outcomes: LO1 and LO2

Role of the project manager micro-course is designed for students who want to gain knowledge of the different roles in project management, how to manage stakeholders and lead teams.

Learning objectives

 * Identify different careers in the field of project management
 * Determine if an activity meets the requirements and attributes of a project
 * Prepare a job advertisement for a project manager role
 * Describe the phases of a project
 * Summarise the components of the project management body of knowledge
 * Describe different project management methodologies
 * Illustrate the interrelationships among the project management knowledge base, phases and methodologies.
 * Differentiate between internal and external stakeholders of a project
 * Recognise the impact and importance of stakeholder dynamics on projects
 * Prepare a stakeholder analysis and communication plan for launching a new project
 * Identify how corporate culture could influence the management of projects
 * Research and select guidelines for building and managing effective teams.
 * Document recommendations for leading an effective team.

Micro 2: Initiating a project
is a free Open Online Course designed for students who want to gain knowledge of project management theory and apply it to planning the initiation of a team project.

Learning objectives

 * Plan the launch of a simple project
 * Select a project on which to base a series of tasks related to planning a project according to specified criteria.
 * Write project objectives which are measurable, time-bound and specific.
 * Identify and analyse project stakeholders
 * Identify and describe the scope of a simple project
 * Write a project charter that can be used to guide decision making during a project.

Micro 3: Planning a project
At the heart of any successful project is a well-considered plan. In the planning a project micro-course learners will develop an understanding of budgets, resource allocation, scheduling, quality and risk in order to produce a project plan.

Learning objectives

 * Select a project on which to base a series of tasks related to planning a project according to specified criteria.
 * Identify and describe resource requirements for integration into a project schedule
 * Prepare a visual schedule (Gantt chart) incorporating activities and recognition of dependencies between activities.
 * Prepare a cost estimate based on selection of budget approach and describe how to manage a budget
 * Describe the quality standards and corresponding plan for quality assurance and control procedures
 * Identify, assess and control project risk

Micro 4: Executing and closing a project
is a free Open Online Course designed for students who want to ensure effective implementation and prepare for their future projects by focusing on communication, project implementation, project closure and review and reflection post implementation.

Learning objectives

 * Select a project on which to base a series of tasks related to planning a project according to specified criteria.
 * Recognise the importance of communication in executing a project
 * Understand the basic model of communication
 * Distinguish the basic types of communication
 * Assess the benefits and shortcomings of different communication options
 * Create a communication plan
 * Ensure all participants clearly understand their roles and activities
 * Clarify inter-dependencies between tasks and teams
 * Establish methods to monitor progress
 * Understand implementation challenges
 * Create a change control process
 * Consider and address possible contingencies
 * Understand the process of contract closure
 * Plan the release of team members from project responsibilities
 * Create and implement a document archive
 * Perform and record performance reviews
 * Measure customer satisfaction
 * Create appropriate management reports
 * Undertake reflection and knowledge capture

Course links (if available)

 * Introduction to project management planning page
 * Course materials
 * IPM101 Outline (Role of the project manager) --- IPM101 Wordpress site
 * IPM102 Outline (Initiating a project) --- IPM102 Wordpress site
 * IPM103 Outline (Planning a project) --- IPM103 Wordpress site
 * IPM104 Outline (Executing and closing a project) --- IPM104 Wordpress site