Programme and Project Management (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of programme and project management to enable students to recognise the importance of the discipline in a variety of organisational and functional contexts. Students should develop a critical understanding of the concepts employed in programme and project management at strategic, systems and operational levels, and an appreciation of the knowledge and skills required for successful programme and project management. Theory is constantly grounded in examples and case study exercises. By utilising examples and case studies, both from their own backgrounds and from the literature, the student is guided to an understanding of the benefits, and power, of well-run projects and programmes.

Managing a project in a real-world environment can be daunting for a freshly qualified manager. This module aims to give confidence to such personnel by supporting and guiding them through the various stages in a project's lifespan using PRINCE2 methodology. It will enable students to apply their theoretical PRINCE2 skills gained during the module to an organisation (perhaps their own) or case studies as well as giving them the option to sit the PRINCE2 foundation examination. 

The module focuses on equipping students with the skills to assess, manage, and mitigate risks in organisational and project environments. It covers key areas such as risk identification, evaluation, mitigation strategies, disaster recovery planning, and risk documentation using tools like fishbone diagrams and probability trees. The module also explores organisational psychology to understand attitudes toward risk and how they impact decision-making. Through case studies and real-world applications, students learn to develop effective risk management strategies. By the end of the module, students will be able to critically analyse and improve risk management frameworks in various industries.

This module focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to leverage data analytics and business intelligence in project management. It covers key areas such as data exploration, predictive modelling, decision analytics, and risk assessment, enabling students to make informed, data-driven decisions. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, governance, and quality, are also emphasised. Through a combination of lectures, lab exercises, and real-world projects, students gain hands-on experience in applying analytics tools to business scenarios, preparing them to optimise project outcomes and enhance strategic decision-making in a data-driven world.

The Sustainability in Industrial Projects module explores organisational sustainable development principles and practical applications within industrial contexts. It introduces key sustainability concepts, metrics, and methodologies for assessing environmental, social, cultural, and economic impacts. The module examines global sustainability drivers and barriers, including the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in shaping industrial practices. You will engage with frameworks such as the circular economy, life cycle assessment, environmental management systems, ESG, and CSR to gain insight into how industries can minimise environmental impacts while maintaining efficiency and profitability. Using case studies, you will consider real-world challenges and opportunities, developing the skills and knowledge to apply organisational sustainability in industrial projects.

In this module, students will gain knowledge required for conducting research. This includes: developing research questions, study design, participant sampling, consent, confidentiality, ethical considerations, and data analysis.

The Research Dissertation module is designed to develop students' ability to conduct independent, in-depth research in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation. It provides an opportunity to explore a significant research problem, applying theoretical frameworks, data analysis, and critical evaluation to generate new insights. Students will work closely with a supervisor to define research objectives, review relevant literature, design methodologies, and present findings in a structured dissertation. The module emphasizes academic writing, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, preparing students for careers in digital innovation, research, and consultancy, or further academic pursuits such as a PhD.