MSc Engineering Project Management - Research Project - ELE00186M

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Module summary

This module will involve an industry-focused project where students will conduct a comprehensive research study applying project management theory, practices, and applications. The main objective is to solve a real- world problem or address a specific challenge on behalf of an industry-related client. Students will develop a project plan for their client, implement project management methodologies, and analyze their research findings and project outcomes. This project will provide an excellent opportunity for students to apply their project management skills to real-world engineering projects and based on their extensive analysis, they can draw conclusions and make recommendations to their client.

Related modules

 Pre-requisites:  Should have completed of the two core project management modules ‘Managing Engineering Project’ and ‘Advanced Project Management - Agile, Scrum and Six Sigma’.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Summer Semester 2025-26

Module aims

Subject content aims:

• Develop a project proposal for an industry-focused client by outlining scope, objectives methodologies and deliverables.
• Conduct original research and develop technologically and commercially appropriate solutions by applying project management concepts, tools, and methodologies.
• Summarise and articulate the proposed solution in written form to meet stakeholders’ expectations.
• Summarise and articulate the proposed solution in oral form to meet stakeholders’ expectations.

Graduate skills aims:

• Planning and Time management – students will need to plan their own activities, individual and group, and manage their own time to achieve the required project deliverables for their client.
• Ability to interact with stakeholdersto understand their specific needs and develop a comprehensive project plan.
• Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
• Apply project management knowledge in practice.
• Public speaking – through a final presentation and in their individual viva.
• Report writing – through the progress reports and final report.
• Research skills – students will need to design an appropriate research methodology to undertake a comprehensive evidence-based investigation for their industry client.
• Define and implement a comprehensive project management plan.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Decision making – students will need to make choices and decisions throughout their research project.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes
At the successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

• Plan, create and manage a comprehensive project management plan (PMP) detailing project scope, main deliverables, schedule, budget, quality criteria, risk management approach, and resource allocation.
• Identify project risks and develop a risk management plan to mitigate risks effectively.
• Establish quality management processes to ensure project deliverables meet client needs.
• Generate, develop, and communicate updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare a professional client briefing document and a full business plan based on research.
• Monitor project progress using performance indicators such as cost, schedule, quality, and scope.
• Apply project management tools and techniques to track project performance, identify variances, and forecast future trends.
• Plan a research design to address project objectives and select relevant data collection and analysis techniques to derive meaningful insights for clients.

Graduate skills learning outcomes

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

• Apply project management tools, concepts and methodologies to design and develop technical and business solutions to real engineering problems.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.
• Carry out and articulate the output from literature reviews and evidence-based research activities.
• Demonstrate personal effectiveness including time and information management.
• Demonstrate reflective practice and personal development.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage a research project.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the strategic and operational implications of a real engineering problem.
• Break down project into manageable tasks and subtasks.
• Work in a team and delegate tasks effectively to achieve successful project outcomes.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	60.0
Essay/coursework	40.0

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Reassessment is via resubmission of original assessments as this is a capstone project module.

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	40.0

Module feedback

Formative Feedback

• Regular workshops allow you to engage with the course material and receive verbal help and feedback.
• Weekly supervision meetings will help you to gain feedback from project supervisors.
• 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