Managing Engineering Projects - ELE00183M

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Module summary

Managing engineering projects is essential for delivering successful outcomes and achieving organizational goals. Effective project management aligns projects with organizational objectives, mitigates risks, optimizes resources, maximizes return on investment, and contributes to long-term success. This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of different project management principles and techniques as applied to engineering projects. It will explore how to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close engineering projects effectively while managing resources, schedules, budgets, and risks. The module emphasizes the unique challenges and considerations involved in managing projects in the engineering sector, including technical complexity, sustainability considerations, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory requirements.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

Subject content aims:

• Discuss the fundamental concepts and principles of project management and its application in engineering projects.
• Explore techniques for developing comprehensive project plans, including project charter, work breakdown structures (WBS), GANTT chart, critical path, project schedules, budget and resource allocation, and risk management.
• Develop skills in project monitoring, milestone tracking, documentation, and reporting.
• Discuss how to manage project risks, quality, and procurement processes in engineering projects.
• Apply different quality management principles and practices in engineering projects.
• Discuss the potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing engineering projects.
• Discuss ethical considerations and societal implications of using AI in project management.

Graduate skills aims:

• Apply theoretical concepts of project management in practical project scenarios.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Report presentation and writing skills.
• Public speaking skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to different audiences.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

At the successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

• Explain fundamental project management tools, concepts, and frameworks.
• Define project goals, objectives, and scope to meet stakeholders’ expectations.
• Develop strategies for effectively executing engineering projects, including resource allocation, task assignment, progress tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Create project charter to monitor project progress, identify variances, and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track.
• Explain the importance of quality management and planning in project success.
• Explore quality standards in engineering projects, and perform quality assurance, and implement quality control processes to deliver high-quality project deliverables.
• Explore procurement processes and contract management principles relevant to engineering projects.
• Discuss techniques for estimating project costs, managing budgets, tracking cost performance, and monitoring project expenditures.
• Explain how AI can assist project managers in developing project plans, predictive analytics, and decision making, and for improving project efficiency and effectiveness.

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, you should be able to

• Apply project management skills in different professional settings.
• Design a robust project charter detailing a thorough project execution plan.
• Have an ability to manage and monitor projects of different levels.
• Develop skills in reflective thinking, problem-solving and decision making.
• Undertake research for a wide range of stakeholders.
• Have an ability to work under pressure.

Module content

• Introduction to Project Management Principles
• Project Initiation and Planning in Engineering Projects
• Project Scope Management and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
• Project Charter
• Project lifecycle and phases
• Project Schedule Development and Resource Management
• Project Cost Estimation and Budgeting
• Project Risk Management and Contingency Planning
• Project Quality Management and Assurance
• Project Procurement and Contract Management
• Project Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Monitoring, Control, and Performance Measurement
• Project Closure
• Introduction to PRINCE2 project management
• AI in project management
• Application of Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project)
• Case Studies in Engineering Project Management

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

Formative Feedback

• Regular workshops allow you to engage with the course material and receive verbal help and feedback.

• Weekly activities/homework will help you to gain feedback on your understanding of the key module material covered in the lectures.

• Emails to the Module Coordinator with Questions / Comments will be answered as soon as possible.

Summative Feedback

You will receive a customised feedback sheet, showing the marks breakdown for each of the key areas being assessed in this module along with a personalised feedback and suggestions for improvement. The School of PET will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

TBC