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2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5971M Managing Digital Information Projects

15 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Shahla Ghobadi
Email: S.Ghobadi@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module aims to demonstrate awareness of, and via a simulation environment, ability to participate in the management of projects within the information systems and information management area. Projects are the key delivery mechanism for many, if not most, developments and innovations within the information management and Information Systems areas and the aim of this module is to provide students both with an overview of the general function of project management within an organisational setting (from portfolio management through to benefit management) as well as specifically developing their knowledge of structured delivery mechanisms (Prince 2) and agile delivery processes (Scrum). The module aims to make use of a structured project management simulation game in order to develop students practical skills and assessment will encourage students to reflect on the fit between theoretical approaches and their practical experience.

Objectives

This module aims to demonstrate awareness of, and via a simulation environment, ability to participate in the management of projects within the information systems and information management area. Projects are the key delivery mechanism for many, if not most, developments and innovations within the information management and Information Systems areas and the aim of this module is to provide students both with an overview of the general function of project management within an organisational setting (from portfolio management through to benefit management) as well as specifically developing their knowledge of existing standards (e.g., Prince 2) and agile delivery processes. The module aims to make use of different approaches for managing the complexity of digital projects in order to develop students practical skills and assessment will encourage students to reflect on the fit between theoretical approaches and their practical experience. The course stresses case studies in which students work within and cross teams to develop analytical skills. Assignments and interactive cases give hands-on experience in analysing business cases and in developing approaches to managing digital projects.

Learning outcomes
On successfull completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Outline, in the Organisational Context, the Key Stages of the End-To-End Project Management Process from project selection to benefit realisation.

2. Critically assess, the ability of structured project management methodologies to deliver benefit for the organisations employing them. Examples and emphasis will focus on the Information Systems and information management field.

3. Critically assess the contribution that agile methodologies have made to the delivery of projects in the Information Systems and information management field.

Skills outcomes
Employability

While many of the skills required for project management correlate very closely with the Leeds for life category areas the module is also intended to provide a clear foundation for those wishing to go forward to qualification either in structured methodologies, agile methodologies or a blended area (such as the crowdfunding models, open innovation models for managing projects, familiarity with Prince).


Syllabus

The module is structured around two key blocks of content:

1. Introduction and characteristics of digital projects (weeks 1-2) Week 2. During the seminar times, Groups of 8 students are formed. It is very important that students attend this seminar that happens in Week 2.

2. Emerging trends in digital projects (weeks 3-10)
Managing digital workforce (week 3)
Agility, managing perceptions, and risk management (week 4)
Crowdfunding models of management (weeks 5-6)
Project management by Prince 2 (weeks 7-8)
Leveraging and managing open innovation (week 9)
Managing business model change in digital companies (week 10)

Block 1: These two lectures aim at motivating the need to learn from digital projects in various industries. This block aims to provide an understanding of the historical and emerging approaches to managing digital companies.

Block 2: This block aims to provide both an understanding of several traditional and emerging trends in digital projects, i.e., different stakeholders, crowdfunding models of financing, business model change complexities.

Week 7-8: Structured approaches to project management – with emphasis on Prince 2 aims at providing both critical assessment of the approach and, also to provide a foundation for those wishing to go forward to Practitioner level qualification.


Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture102.0020.00
Seminar52.0010.00
Independent online learning hours15.00
Private study hours105.00
Total Contact hours30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

Private study will be mainly concerned with reading of appropriate academic journal and industry specific materials in preparation both for lectures and for assessment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

1. Each Seminar: The lecturer gives case studies and provides several opportunities to interact about the course and plans.
2. There is a Minerva Discussion board in which students are encouraged to take part for discussions about the course work.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2,000 word essay75.00
Presentation15 minute group presentation25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

The assessment asks the students to provide a reflective individual essay to analyse and offer strategies for managing a digital project environment. The essay is complemented by a group presentation where the individual groups who have undertaken the case study (teams of eight) reflect on their performance and the relevance of theory to their practice. Resit will be by 2,000 word essay for 100% of the module mark.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/10/2019

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