PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA - 2020/1

Module Overview

One of the fundamental drivers of change in today’s world is digital transformation. This change extends beyond the digitalisation of current process. Across global industries, organisations are embracing latest technology and digital transformations for delivering value and continuous improvement. Understanding how to manage and successfully implement these transformations in the digital era has become a fundamental challenge for managers.

Managing digital transformation programmes and projects requires new set of skills to operate effectively with stakeholders either through digital platforms or through other distinct forms of communication and social engagement initiatives such as co-creation, collaboration and co-designing.

This module approaches management of transformation programmes from a triple perspective: First, by critically reviewing past and current project management methodologies, approach to planning and its socio-technical dimensions and practices. Second, by deconstructing conceptually the meaning of digital transformations to help us understand it. We will also analyse issues of current business models, new forms of power and influence, and its systemic connections. Thirdly, we promote forward thinking and problem
solving through experimentation of the challenges and opportunities in a digital era.

The rationale of this module is to provide master-level students with the tools, framework and techniques essential for
developing the practical skill set and theoretical understanding for delivering successful digital transformation projects for public and private sector organisations, and Small-to-Medium sized enterprises(SME).

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

SOTUNDE Deji (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Digital transformations opportunities and challenges


• Evolution of Programme and Project Managemen Methodologies


• Building a business case and scope management


• Managing Key Stakeholders - dynamics, communications and engagement plan


• Co-creation, co-design,collaboration and polarization


• Oversights, Governance and Sponsorship


• Integration management techniques and tools (including estimating, scheduling, and risk management)


• Project Analysis and Evaluation - Commercial and financial practice


• Reporting, monitoring and control - Accountability and transparency


• Project case material

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Participation is replaced with an individual one page critical review (maximum 500 words) of concept discussed in-class for retaking students. Group project is replaced with an individual assignment (maximum 3000 words) for retaking students.

Assessment Strategy

There are no written exams. Students are required to demonstrate their ability to apply theory, frameworks, tools and techniques to a real world situation and to demonstrate an understanding of team dynamics, leadership and communication in a digital environment.

Module assessment strategy is designed to provide students the opportunity to:

• Contribute to the various forms of an exciting and constructive class discussion


• Contribute collaboratively on a group project (max 4,000 words)


• Work independently on a reflective essay to demonstrate reading, research and evaluation of concepts and principles (max 2,000 words)

All assessments are typically due by Monday of week 43 (FT) and by the fourth Monday after completion of the module (PT).

• Assessment A is a formative assessment based on class participation in discussion. This assessment will use a simple rubric focused on specific exercise(s) and it will include a combination of (but not limited to): attendance, peer interaction, preparation for class,offer of ideas/comments, building on ideas of peers, outcome of quiz and trivia. This sharing of ideas can be in-class, via use of interaction technology and/or on the university's VLE discussion boards.


• Assessment B is a collective project. It requires students to relate their theoretical understanding to practice by working together to plan a project or programme based on a case material.


• Assessment C is a paired assignment. It requires students to critically evaluate their understanding of theoretical concepts, reflect on their individual performance within the group project and their learning from the module

Feedback will be provided in the following forms:

• Formatively during discussions in seminars, case reviews and workshops


• Written feedback from the marker includes what the student does well, areas needing improvement and overall assessment of the assignment in the context of the marking grid


• Marks awarded on specific criteria using the university’s PG Marking Grid

Module aims

• To introduce a range of integrated theoretical concepts and sound methodologies for analysing the shift and impact of digital technology in a global marketplace, and evaluating the management and delivery of a successful implementation.
• To help identify key business digital transformations that will challenge today and tomorrow business models. Understand how these challenges can be managed through the use of project management tools and techniques.
• To understand the pros and cons of traditional approaches and raise awareness of new and emergent approaches, frameworks and techniques in the digital era.
• To understand the different programmes and project management methodologies, their purpose and principles in delivering successful business initiatives within public and private sector organisations (as well as SMEs).
• Understand the relationships between the stakeholders, and critically learn skills required to engage with stakeholders for successful delivery of a digital transformation initiatives, programme or project.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The teaching and learning strategy uses a blended approach for the development of learning and skills set out in the learning outcomes section above.

The teaching strategy aims to create a conducive space for experiential learning. About 30% of the module concentrates on the theories underpinning the subject including cognition of multi-disciplinary impact on project outcome. 70% takes an active learning approach, which includes project case materials-analysis on realistic scenarios and/or simulations, classroom ‘project board’ discussions, and group-work on the practical component of the course assignment.

The module learning and teaching approaches include:

• Lectures to introduce, illustrate and explain theoretical concepts


• Seminars/discussion groups to explore a range of cross management issues and develop practical insights


• Workshops


• Self-directed reading and learning on SurreyLearn

Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate. In-class presentations where one or more of these are an assessment are separately scheduled to the taught content and will be published on student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MANM473

Other information

N/A

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.