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Methodology of Project Management

Course developer

Course abstract

Course main task is to introduce students with world-renowned and widely used methods of project management standards, methods and tools. Raise students' competence in selecting and using a variety of project management methods and tools during project implementation. To be able to see and approve their work methods, which help to achieve the greatest effect. To be ready change, manipulate with the project management tools depending on the situation, and choose a creative approach to the project management process for implementation.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge of project management methods and standards, project life cycle stages and their most important analytical, implementation and monitoring techniques. Knows and understands the principles of project implementation and selection criteria of project management methods, stakeholders, methods of analysis and planning. Knowledge of project management methods, standards, analysis and planning methods, stakeholders, project monitoring methods, project closure methods - individual work, test, presentation, examination.
Students are able to analyze and compare project management tools independently and give their evaluation in their use. Able to determine the necessary method or standard for effective project implementation, apply methods and tools for in-depth project analysis. Able to see and analyze the causes of project successes and failures, combine and synthesize. Able to develop communication and communication skills appropriate to the profession - Independent work, practical work (group work, independent choice of methods for the task), presentation.
Able to methodologically manage and analyze private and public sector projects in various sectors of the economy. Able to collaborate and develop independent conclusions and suggestions on the project management process in the standards or methods studied - all previous methods accumulatively.

Course Content(Calendar)

Lecture topics:
1. History of project development. Concepts and definitions. (1h)
2. Project life cycle. (1h)
3. Project management standards. Certification of project managers. (1h)
4. Binding documents and institutions involved in the use of EU Structural Funds and other financial sources. (1h)
5. Identification of project idea - investigation of pre-project situation, application of situation analysis methods. (2h)
6. Analysis of project stakeholders. (1h)
7. Working methods for the project development and implementation team. (2h)
8. Project problem and goal definition. The essence of the project objectives, definition of objectives and coherence. (1h)
9. Horizontal priorities. Planning project parameters. Project strategy selection(2h).
10. Planning of project results. Result indicators. (1h)
11. Conditions for project content - horizontal priorities, sustainability, etc. (2h)
12. Publicity events and planning. Visual identity of projects. (1h)
13. Communication planning. Communication objectives of EU funds. Communication channels. (2h)
14. Elaboration of the project structural plan. Activities, sub-activities. (1h)
15. Project resources and their planning methods. Planning project parameters. (3h)
16. Organizational structure of the project. Project monitoring and regulation. (2h)

List of practical work:
1. Project definition. Concept of project, essence of project management (2h)
2. Project management standards. IPMA standard. PMBook PM Guidelines. PRINCE2 Project Management Standard Basic Guidelines. M2P standard. (4h)
3. Test (2h)
4. Phases of project life cycle from different authors' point of view. (2h)
5. Application of project management methods - logical matrix of structure, analysis of strengths and weaknesses. (4 h)
6. General and complex methods of project management. Methods of evaluation and control, their advantages and disadvantages, comparison. (6 h)
7. Test (2 h)
8. Development of project implementation goals and strategy. (2h)

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 seminars;
- 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 - 20%;
- presentation - 10%;
- practical group work - 20%.
- test work - 10%
- Exam - 40%
All works must be completed, submitted and presented in due time.
Independent work is evaluated by the quality of the task fulfillment requirements set by the lecturer.

Compulsory reading

1. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge ( PMBOK® Guide). 5th Edition. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, 2013. 589 p. ISBN 9781935589679.
2. Adkins L. Coaching Agile Teams. A Companion for ScrumMasters, Agile Coaches, and Project Managers in Transition Addison-Wesley Professional, 2010. 352 p. ISBN-10: 0321637704, ISBN-13: 978-0321.
3. De Bono E. Sešas domāšanas cepures. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2009. 199 lpp.
4. Maley C. H. Project Management Concepts, Methods, and Techniques. New York; Auerbach Publications. 482 p. ISBN-10: 1466502886.

Further reading

1. The standard for program management. Project Management Institute. 3rd ed. Newtown Square, Pa.: Project Management Institute, 2013. 176 p. 2. Raydugin Y. Project Risk Management: Essential Methods for Project Teams and Decision Makers. 1st edition. Wiley. 2013. 400 p. ISBN-10: 1118482433, ISBN 978-1118482438.
3. Džounss R. Projektu vadības pamati: praktisks ceļvedis projektu vadībā un izpildē. Rīga: Lietišķās informācijas dienests, 2008. 222 lpp. (Mazās un vidējās uzņēmējdarbības bibliotēka). ISBN 9789984826059.

Periodicals and other sources

1. LR Finanšu ministrijas vietne. [Tiešsaiste] [Skatīts 12.12.2023.]. Pieejams: www.esfondi.lv
2. Project Management Institute. [Tiešsaiste] [Skatīts 12.12.2023.]. Pieejams: http://www.pmi.org/
3. Starptautiskā projektu vadīšanas asociācija. [Tiešsaiste] [Skatīts 12.12.2023.]. Pieejams: http://ipma.ch/