Courses Master Display 2014-2015

Course Description To PDF
Course title IT Project Management
Course code EBC4118
ECTS credits 6,5
Assessment None
Period
Period Start End Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
4 2-2-2015 3-4-2015 X/E X/E
Level Intermediate/Advanced
Coordinator Frank Harmsen
For more information: f.harmsen@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Language of instruction English
Goals
This course introduces students to the field of project management with particular emphasis on the management of information technology (IT) projects. Students will develop an understanding of the most common processes, tools, techniques, and theories applied to the management of IT and non-IT projects. Traditional and emerging methods for the management of IT specific projects will also be explored. This exploration is intended to provide students with a greater understanding of how they can address some of the unique challenges associated with IT projects. Advanced topics will also be introduced throughout the course to foster greater depth of understanding, to challenge students to think about established issues in new ways, and to highlight gaps in our current understanding. As part of the process of preparing to conduct independent research, it is further expected that students will develop an improved ability to understand and critique research published in the field of project management.

Key Learning Objectives
 Develop an understanding of key project management concepts and principles including those associated with the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects
 Develop familiarity with some of the key findings reported upon in recent project management literature
 Acquire skills in the preparation of project management plans, progress evaluations, and risk identification and response efforts
 Improve ability to recognize and describe important information system development methodologies and determine their suitability to particular circumstances
 Acquire knowledge concerning some of the tools available to support project management activities
 Improve ability to recognize and effectively address threats to project success
Graduates have profound, evidence-based and up-to-date academic knowledge and understanding of theories, methods and tools in business/economics. This includes demonstrating the ability to develop new ideas.
Graduates can apply their profound knowledge and understanding to identify and solve also unstructured or semi-structured real life business/economic problems in unfamiliar environments within broader multidisciplinary contexts. This includes demonstrating
analytical skills and a problem-solving attitude.
Graduates can integrate various perspectives to formulate Judgments even with incomplete information on complex theoretical and practical business/economic issues.
Graduates can effectively communicate both to specialist and nonspecialist audiences. This includes demonstrating strong presentation skills, project- management skills, interpersonal skills, a high level of argumentation and context sensitivity.
Graduates have self-directed learning skills and the ability to regulate their own learning process.
Graduates have a professional attitude. This includes demonstrating an open mind, proactive behavior, critical reflection and accountability.
Description
This course introduces students to a wide range of tools and techniques that are routinely employed by practicing project managers to help them overcome the well known challenges of completing projects on time and budget. As such, it includes numerous opportunities to apply the methods discussed to practical situations encountered during the key stages of the project management process. Such efforts are intended to foster greater appreciation for both the value and the limitations of these methods.
Literature
Jeffrey K. Pinto Project Management: Achieving competitive advantage plus selected readings from academic literature.
Prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites for the course, however it is expected that Master level students will have the general math and other skills needed for success.
Teaching methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) PBL / Presentation / Lecture / Assignment / Groupwork
Assessment methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) Participation / Written Exam
Evaluation in previous academic year For the complete evaluation of this course please click "here"
This course belongs to the following programmes / specialisations
Master Business Research IB Electives
Master Business Research Track OR IB Electives
Master Human Decision Science Electives
Master International Business Track Accountancy Electives
Master International Business Track Controlling Electives
Master International Business Track Entrepreneurship Electives
Master International Business Track Finance Electives
Master International Business Track Information Management and Business Intelligence Information Management & Business Intelligence
Master International Business Track Organisation Electives
Master International Business Track Strategy and Innovation Electives
Master International Business Track Sustainable Finance Electives
Master Information and Network Economics Business Electives
SBE Exchange Master Master Exchange Courses
SBE Non Degree Courses Master Courses