IT Project Management (COM532)

Organisations are continually changing either in response to internal or external factors. These changes may see the introduction of new services, processes and systems or the improvement of service effectiveness and efficiency through managed processes of change and development. Increasingly these changes are implemented in the form of a project or programme; each project/programme having an associated plan, business case and a benefits realisation schedule. The project approach ensures that there is an improved ability to identify, allocate and manage often scarce resources required for the successful completion of the work along with management of project costs, risks and issues and the consequent realisation of the expected benefits.

Although apprentices may not be managing projects in their organisation, it is important that they understand the key project management concepts and approaches and the roles and responsibilities of those involved in a project.

The topics covered on this module include:

• Introduction to Project Management. Key Concepts and Terminology.

• Project Management Roles and Responsibilities

• Project Methodologies, Tools and Techniques

• Stages of a Waterfall Project in detail

• Phases of an Agile project in detail

• How the Role of a Project Manager compares in Waterfall and Agile Projects

• Measuring Benefits and Benefits Realisation

• How to Maximise Project Success and Minimise Failure

• Project Portfolio Management

By the end of this module, apprentices will:

1. Understand best-practice methods and approaches for project management
2. Investigate and analyse how projects are managed in your own organisation
3. By shadowing a project manager on a live project, you will fully understand its aims and objectives and be able to reflect on the outcomes against these aims.
4. Work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
5. Discuss and present findings in written and presentation formats.