Module Description

Companies are increasingly managed, changed and further developed by projects. Too often, projects fail, exceed costs or only partially achieve their goals. Project management must be a core competence of a business information scientist. In his working environment he will work in projects most of the time.

The lecture provides the basics in project management. It is about the knowledge transfer of methods and techniques as well as knowledge about the necessary social competences for project management. Through practice-oriented case studies, students learn to apply this knowledge and work out solutions independently. Particular emphasis is placed on teamwork, conflict resolution and problem solving.

These skills are tested in a computer-based project simulation. In it, students can experience the consequences of project planning, leadership activities or teamwork and receive measurable feedback.

At the end of the module, students can take the exam for the internationally recognized project management certificate of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) as Certified Project Management Associate (IPMA Level D).

Knowledge of investment calculation.

• Schriftliche Einzelarbeit

Written final module exam: 70%

Presentation 30%

In case of non-participation in the project simulation, the missing performance record must be provided as a substitute performance record in accordance with Art. 34 Study and Examination Regulations with a written seminar paper on a project management topic of 8 - 12 pages

Professional competences

Participants will be able to:

• Can define a project structure and organization that meets the requirements.
• Know the key factors for successful project implementation and can manage a project methodically and correctly.
• Are able to carry out a simpler project independently in the role of project manager.

Methodological competences

Participants:

• Know different project methods and can apply them according to the situation.
• Are able to differentiate conventional project management methods (waterfall model) from agile software development methods (SCRUM).
• Understand the ICB4 competence areas with People (10 competences), Practice (13 competences) an Perspective (5 comptences).

Self-competences

Participants can:

• transfer the findings to their own management activities.

Social competences

Participants:

• Know the importance of internal and external project communication and can apply it appropriately to conflict and problem resolution.

Topic area I: Project Management Basics

• Importance of project management in modern companies;
• Definition of projects and of project management;
• Case study "MOVE" and derivation of the essential topics in project management;
• Execution of a problem definition;
• Definition of work packages;
• Protocol technique and management of pending issues.

Topic area II: Project Structures and Project Leadership

• Overview of ways to structure projects;
• Importance of a project work breakdown structure;
• Procedure for project initialization;
• Definition of project phases and corresponding deliverables for each phase;
• Tools and methods for each phase;
• Leadership tools in project management;
• Definition of a management rhythm;
• Problem solving and decision making techniques;
• Planning and conducting project status meetings and decision meetings or workshops to find solutions;
• Organization and working techniques for the project management office;
• Stakeholder analysis;
• Internal and external project communication;
• Recognizing conflict situations and addressing them in a solution-oriented manner;
• Developing an information concept.

Topic area III: Project Simulation

• Create a work breakdown structure and, derived from it, create the staffing plans, budget as well as the management activities;
• Determine a competence order by means of a RACI table;
• Methods and techniques for project risk management;
• Practical project management;
• Preparation of controlling reports;
• Project completion report.

Topic area IV: Crisis Management

• Presentation Case study Pandemic - Procurement of Corona Protective Goods.
• Presentation and lessons learned Case study Vaccination project.
• Application of project management in crisis situations.
  
  

Topic area V: IPMA Certification Level D

• Overview of relevant project management certifications;
• Requirements for IPMA Level D certification;
• Preparation for the IPMA Level D certification.

Topic area VI: Project Contracts

• Contracts in project management and their legal basis;
• Contract drafting and contract negotiation;
• Case study legal application and enforcement.

Topic area VII: Project Portfolio Management

• Project management systems;
• Support Tools;
• Process of project control at the enterprise level;
• Project evaluations and investment appraisal;
• Project Portfolio Process.

Training will be based on theory, practical examples and small case studies. Computer-based project simulation "SimulTrain".Classes also include short presentations by students on individual topics.

Project management – Certification according to IPMA (ICB4) – Levels D and C. Principles and competence elements, methods and techniques with various examples. Gubelmann Josef, Sommer Claus J., Sedlmayer Martin. 4th revised Edition, Compendio Bildungsmedien, Zürich, 2022.

Individual competence Baseline for Project Management (ICB4), ohne Autor, IPMA, Zürich, 2015.

At the end of the module, students can take the exam for the internationally recognized project management certificate of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) as Certified Project Management Associate (IPMA Level D).