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Practical project management

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Ekon5095, Project Financial Management

VadZ5078, Project Portfolio Management

Course abstract

The main task of the course is to provide students of in- depth practical knowledge of project management theory of the main aspects of projects implementation phase. Strengthen theoretical knowledge base on the grounds of analytical tasks and discussions. To draw students' attention to the various project management process control methods, their application. Promote an innovative and creative approach to project management and the use of its methods and tools for analyzing realized projects and developing new project applications.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge the project derived from practical management of the specifics of the project life cycle stages, phases and to the most important management techniques and these methods commitment.
Knowledge and understanding of project implementation principles and criteria of project management methods selection, their analysis - individual work, practical work, (evaluation of methodology, development of project implementation examples), exam.
Able to see and apply the causes of project successes and failures, to combine and synthesize different project management methods. Able to identify and apply the required method or standard for effective project implementation.
Able to see and analyse the causes of project successes and failures, to combine and synthesize different project management methods and tools in a single unit to ensure effective achievement of project objectives. Able to develop communication skills appropriate to the profession - Permanent job, practical work (group work, independent choice of methods for the task), presentation, independent work.
Able to methodologically manage and analyse private and public sector projects in various sectors of the economy. Able to collaborate and develop independent conclusions and proposals on the project management process in the standards or methods studied - permanent job, practical work (group work, presentations, discussions), exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

Lecture topics:
1. Project problems, goal analysis, formulation. (1 hour)
2. Project management standards. Work with sections of project management standards. (1 hour)
3. Development of project activities. Project process adaptation techniques. (1 hour)
4. Preparation of the project application, design of forms, preparation of attachments. (1 hour)
5. Analysis of project stakeholders. (2 hours)
6. Project financial resource management. (2 hours)
7. Evaluation of projects. (1 hour)
8. Project time planning. Performance indicators. (1 hour)
9. Project risk management. (2 hours)
10. Creating public relations and publicity. (1 hour)
11. Project management team. Principles and possibilities of team building. Mutual communication. (1 hour)
12. Development of logical structure matrix, environmental impact assessment methods, sustainability assessment. (1 hour)
13. Evaluation of project results and impact. Ways, process and criteria of project efficiency assessment. (2 hours)
14. Completion of the project. Preservation and archiving of project documentation and information. (1 hour)
15. Project monitoring and project feedback. (2 hours)

List of practical work:
1. Project problem tree, its creation and application. Formulation of goals. (2 hours)
2. Techniques for creating and adapting the project management process. (2 hours)
3. Phases of the project life cycle from the point of view of different authors. (2 hours)
4. Logical matrix of the project structure, analysis of strengths and weaknesses. (2 hours)
5. General and complex methods in project management. Evaluation and control methods, their advantages and disadvantages, comparison. (2 hours)
6. Risk management methods. Examples of risk analysis. Risk identification and recording methods. (2 hours)
7. Application of planning methods in the development of the project application. (2 hours)
8. Requirements for visual design when working with investment and construction projects. (1 hour)
9. Publicity measures, possibilities in their planning. (2 hours)
10. Presentation of independent work (3 hours)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam.
It consists of a cumulative assessment of progress during the semester:
- the independent work has been submitted and presented in due time;
- group work in practical works;
- inspection work;
- an examination in due time.
All independent and practical work and tests must be assessed with at least 4 points.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

- Independent literature studies on topics (materials are available in the e-study environment), preparations for workshops;
- Development, presentation and defence of homeworks.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The 10-point exam consists of a cumulative grade (100% system) of performance during the semester:
- independent work - 25%;
- presentation - 15%;
- practical group work - 20%.
- exam - 40%

Compulsory reading

1. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide ) - Fifth Edition, Project Management Institute, 2013, 589p.
2. Kerzner Harold R. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley; 11 edition,1296 p.
3. Rodney Turner. Handbook of Project-Based Management. McGraw-Hill Professional; 4 edition, 400 p.
4. Maley Claude H. Project Management Concepts, Methods, and Techniques (ESI International Project Management Series) Series: ESI International Project Management Series (Book 9), Auerbach Publications; 1 edition, 482 p.

Further reading

1. Adkins Lyssa. Coaching Agile Teams: A Companion for Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and Project Managers in Transition (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Cohn)). Addison-Wesley Professional; 1 edition, 352 p.
2. Hermarij John. Better Practices of Project Management Based on IPMA-C and IPMA-D. Van Haren Pub; 3 Revised edition, 692 p.
3. Kerzner Harold R. Project Management Metrics, KPIs, and Dashboards: A Guide to Measuring and Monitoring Project Performance. Wiley; 2 edition, 448 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Project Management Journal. Pieejams: https://journals-sagepub-com.db.rsu.lv/doi/abs/10.1002/pmj.20053
2. Latvijas Nacionālā projektu vadīšanas asociācija (LNPVA). Pieejams: http://lnpva.lv/
3. Project Management Institute (PMI) Pieejams: https://www.pmi.org/
4. International Project Management Association (IPMA). Pieejams: https://www.ipma.world/

Notes

Compulsory course for the ESAF Professional Master`s Degree Program Project Management