PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA - 2023/4

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 Management Methodologies 
  


• 
  Building a business case and scope management 
  


• 
  Managing Key Stakeholders - dynamics, communications and engagement plan 
  


• 
  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

Group project is replaced by an individual assignment to be agreed with module leader.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: 

• 
  Application of theory, frameworks, tools and techniques to a real project case 
  


• 
  Critical understanding of project methodology, team dynamics, leadership and communication in a digital environment  
  

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: 

• 
  Application of theory, frameworks, tools and techniques to a real project case 
  


• 
  Critical understanding of project methodology, team dynamics, leadership and communication in a digital environment  
  

The 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 
  


• 
  Work independently on a reflective essay to demonstrate reading, research and evaluation of concepts and principles 
  

  Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• 
  Assessment A 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 (addresses learning outcomes 1 and 4) 
  


• 
  Assessment B requires students to relate their theoretical understanding to practice by working in a group to plan a project or programme based on a case material (addresses learning outcomes 2,3 and 4) 
  

Formative assessment and feedback will be provided in the following forms: 

• 
  During discussions in seminars and case reviews 
  


• 
  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

• Explore trends in digital transformation projects that challenge today and tomorrow's business models and how to manage them using project and programme management best practice, tools and techniques
• Provide an understanding 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 its successful implementation at the project stage
• Develop theoretical concepts in a real-life project and critically understand the relationships between the stakeholders, and engagement strategies with stakeholders for the successful delivery of a digital transformation initiative, project, or programme

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The teaching and learning strategy use 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 with an emphasis on collaborative learning through team work to solve problems associated with a real-world project. The teaching/learning content includes discussions on how technology is changing project management methodology (PMM) and students will be expected to select, evaluate, and adapt (where necessary) existing PMM to suit a project case.  

The teaching/learning is primarily a group-based activities to help develop critical thinking skills required for handling incomplete information typical of Technology based projects in different context and the application of disciplinary knowledge of concepts, frameworks and techniques learnt from other modules in their programme of study. This also allows students to work towards the business school’s competency goals and assurance of learning of critical thinking, collaboration and digital capabilities by using project planning software (MS Project), engaging with project stakeholders remotely through WhatsApp, Teams, zoom (when required). 

About 30% of the module concentrates on the theories underpinning the subject including cognition of multi-disciplinary impact on project outcome. And 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 
  


• 
  Hands-on activities and use of project planning software 
  


• 
  Self-directed reading and learning on SurreyLearn 
  

 

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

Digital Skills: The module provides students with an opportunity to be proficient in communicating a detailed plan succinctly through an integrated use of software such as MS Project for planning, PowerPoint for presenting and MS Word for putting together the final proposed plan.  

Resourcefulness and resilience: Students will develop their collaboration skills through group work to recognise their agency, enhance reflection on experience of contribution and learn from others. These skills will be developed and refined through the student’ active participation in the group discussions and project team meetings either f2f or remotely via MS Teams, WhatsApp and Zoom when/if geographical dispersed whilst understanding the critical roles of information systems and technologies in project success. 

Employability: The group work provides an opportunity to build a support network, interpret theory to practice and it requires decision-making skills when selecting the project case ad dealing with project constraint tradeoffs. There is an application of critical thinking skills and the use of qualitative/quantitative information for analysing stakeholders, business case and risks that will affect the chosen project case. 

Programmes this module appears in

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 2023/4 academic year.