The emphasis of this course is on introducing a notion of that there are no Information Technology (IT) projects, only business projects. It offers an exploration of project management within the business environment, equipping learners with both the theoretical foundations and the practical skills necessary for managing successful projects. This course provides learners with a structured and comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of IT Project Management, combining theory with real-world application across five progressive weeks.
This course Learners will develop a solid understanding of the core principles of IT project management, learning how these principles underpin the structure and flow of projects across different industries. Key topics include traditional methodologies such as Waterfall and contemporary approaches like Agile, including an examination of the 12 Agile principles and the role of Scrum in modern project delivery.
The course covers the project lifecycle, from initiation through execution to closure. Learners will explore critical stages such as defining scope, identifying stakeholders, managing resources, and reflecting on lessons learned. The importance of project constraints, which often referred to as the ’iron triangle’ of scope, time, and cost, is analysed alongside stakeholder satisfaction, which is increasingly recognised as a fourth essential dimension.
The course further develops learners’ ability to evaluate and manage risks, enhance team communication, and apply key planning tools. Practical skills are honed through tasks such as milestone vs. deadline planning and preparing presentations for team or managerial audiences. Emphasis is placed on the application of project management skills in information technology (IT) settings, introducing learners to the unique challenges and perspectives relevant to tech-based projects.
During the course, learners will be acquiring the skills to plan, manage, and evaluate projects effectively. They will become capable of making informed decisions, adapting to dynamic challenges, and leading project teams with insight and professionalism. The course fosters critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills which are essential for anyone aspiring to drive successful project outcomes in today’s complex business world.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to
Demonstrate a critical understanding of Information Technology (IT) project management principles, methodologies, and lifecycle stages.
Evaluate project constraints, risks, and success factors to enhance project performance.
Apply project planning, execution, and evaluation skills using appropriate tools and techniques.
Analyse the roles of stakeholders, governance, and organisational context in project success.
Week 1 focuses on the essential principles of IT project management. It highlights the common reasons for project failures, such as unclear objectives, poor communication, inadequate planning, resistance to change, and scope management issues.
Throughout the week, you will engage with key concepts such as the definition of success in IT projects, the impact of emerging technologies on project delivery, and the need for adaptive and informed decision-making in a fast-evolving business landscape. By the end of Week 1, you will have developed a foundational understanding of how project management practices contribute to strategic business outcomes and the unique role that technology plays in shaping project dynamics.
You will engage in reflective activities and study journal exercises to analyse personal experiences and understand the iron triangle (scope, time, cost), along with examples of successful projects that broke these constraints.
Das ist alles enthalten
4 Videos12 Lektüren2 Aufgaben1 Diskussionsthema
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4 Videos•Insgesamt 21 Minuten
Course introduction - Managing technology projects for business success•4 Minuten
Information Technology projects - successful, challenged, or failed•6 Minuten
Examples of projects that succeeded but broke the iron triangle •4 Minuten
The context of information technology projects – strategy and culture•7 Minuten
12 Lektüren•Insgesamt 420 Minuten
Course structure and navigation•20 Minuten
Learn effectively this course•15 Minuten
Week 1 introduction•5 Minuten
Activity - Definitions of the different types of projects•30 Minuten
Model answer - Definitions of the different types of projects•10 Minuten
Activity - Expectations and satisfaction•60 Minuten
Activity - Successful and unsuccessful projects •60 Minuten
Activity - The iron triangle•60 Minuten
Activity - Factors of success inside and outside the iron triangle •60 Minuten
Activity - Defining success and failure•60 Minuten
Week 1 summary•10 Minuten
Evaluation of study in Week 1•30 Minuten
2 Aufgaben•Insgesamt 60 Minuten
Week 1 summative quiz•30 Minuten
Factors affecting a project’s success•30 Minuten
1 Diskussionsthema•Insgesamt 20 Minuten
There are no IT projects, only business projects•20 Minuten
Methodologies in project management in business
Modul 2•8 Stunden abzuschließen
Moduldetails
Week 2 focuses on the IT project management methodology with a particular emphasis on understanding Agile. The week begins by discussing the importance of project life cycles and explaining various project management methods such as Waterfall, Agile and Scrum.
Das ist alles enthalten
4 Videos11 Lektüren2 Aufgaben
Infos zu Modulinhalt anzeigen
4 Videos•Insgesamt 22 Minuten
What are lifecycles? Why do they exist?•6 Minuten
The history of large-scale information technology failure•5 Minuten
The Agile Manifesto•8 Minuten
Why do we need Scrum framework (if we have Agile)?•3 Minuten
11 Lektüren•Insgesamt 395 Minuten
Week 2 introduction•10 Minuten
Activity - The project lifecycle: a basic four-stage lifecycle model•15 Minuten
Activity - Predictive and adaptive lifecycles•60 Minuten
Activity - What is Waterfall? Evaluating the Waterfall approach•60 Minuten
Activity - Definition of Agile•10 Minuten
Activity - Understanding the 12 Agile principles and implications of implementing the Agile Manifesto•120 Minuten
Model answer - Understanding the 12 Agile principles and implications of implementing the Agile Manifesto•10 Minuten
Activity - Reflective comparison of predictive and adaptive approaches in project management•60 Minuten
Model answer - Reflective comparison of predictive and adaptive approaches in project management•10 Minuten
Week 2 summary•10 Minuten
Evaluation of study in Week 2•30 Minuten
2 Aufgaben•Insgesamt 75 Minuten
Week 2 summative quiz•30 Minuten
Why do we need Scrum if the Agile Manifesto already exists?•45 Minuten
The project phases: Initiation, planning, execution and closure
Modul 3•8 Stunden abzuschließen
Moduldetails
In Week 3, you explore the four essential phases of the IT project lifecycle, i.e. initiation, planning, execution, and closure, to understand how each contributes to a project's success. The week highlights the value of a structured and strategic approach to project management. By the end of the week, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of all four phases and how to apply best practices to deliver successful, value-driven projects.
Das ist alles enthalten
1 Video11 Lektüren1 Aufgabe
Infos zu Modulinhalt anzeigen
1 Video•Insgesamt 5 Minuten
Communicating responsibilities in a RACI chart•5 Minuten
11 Lektüren•Insgesamt 460 Minuten
Week 3 introduction•10 Minuten
The project initiation phase•20 Minuten
Activity - Applying the Waterfall approach to the initiation phase •90 Minuten
Activity - Planning phase: Using milestones to help manage your project•30 Minuten
Activity - Creating a stakeholder communication plan•90 Minuten
Model answer - Creating a stakeholder communication plan•10 Minuten
Activity - What is risk management in projects?•40 Minuten
Activity - Project closure•90 Minuten
Week 3 summary•10 Minuten
Evaluation of study in Week 3•30 Minuten
1 Aufgabe•Insgesamt 20 Minuten
Week 3 summative quiz•20 Minuten
Strategic aspects of project management in business
Modul 4•6 Stunden abzuschließen
Moduldetails
In Week 4, the focus expands from hands-on IT project execution to the strategic dimensions of project management within information technology contexts. You will explore how project managers' function is not only as team leaders and delivery overseers but also as key actors within broader organisational systems that shape project outcomes. Another major theme in this week is the distinction between stakeholders and governance. The week concludes with an overview of five key perspectives on information technology, encouraging you to view IT projects through a wider strategic lens.
Das ist alles enthalten
3 Videos12 Lektüren1 Aufgabe
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3 Videos•Insgesamt 17 Minuten
How are decisions made? What power does the project manager have?•7 Minuten
The five perspectives on information technology systems•4 Minuten
The cloud in the context of historical approaches to information technology•6 Minuten
12 Lektüren•Insgesamt 335 Minuten
Week 4 introduction•10 Minuten
Activity - Skills for success•30 Minuten
Activity - Leadership and management•30 Minuten
Activity - Governance as the human and political elements of an organisation•30 Minuten
Model answer - Governance as the human and political elements of an organisation•10 Minuten
Activity - Why is governance critical to the success of a project?•60 Minuten
Model answer - Why is governance critical to the success of a project?•10 Minuten
Activity - ‘Information technology’ and ‘information systems’•45 Minuten
Activity - What does the cloud mean to information technology managers and project managers?•60 Minuten
Model answer•10 Minuten
Week 4 summary•10 Minuten
Evaluation of study in Week 4•30 Minuten
1 Aufgabe•Insgesamt 30 Minuten
Week 4 summative quiz•30 Minuten
Case study: Analysis of project failure
Modul 5•10 Stunden abzuschließen
Moduldetails
Week 5 focuses on integrating the concepts learned throughout the course by analysing a case study. This final week emphasises the key factors influencing the success of project management, such as strong leadership, clear goals, stakeholder engagement, effective communication, risk management, resource allocation and adaptability. It also includes comprehensive case study examples of IT project failures to illustrate the practical application of these concepts.
Das ist alles enthalten
11 Lektüren1 peer review2 Diskussionsthemen
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11 Lektüren•Insgesamt 390 Minuten
Week 5 introduction•10 Minuten
Revision activity - An explanation of the five characteristics of projects•40 Minuten
Ten key project management areas (Optional)•30 Minuten
Activity - Case studies•60 Minuten
Activity 1 - What went wrong?•30 Minuten
Activity - The planning stage: how was planning done in this project?•30 Minuten
Activity - Executing the project: how was execution approached?•40 Minuten
Activity - How were decisions made on the project?•60 Minuten
Activity -Project communications•60 Minuten
Week 5 summary•10 Minuten
Activity: Your goals after this course•20 Minuten
1 peer review•Insgesamt 90 Minuten
Final assignment: summary of a case study analysis •90 Minuten
2 Diskussionsthemen•Insgesamt 45 Minuten
Understanding the case study chosen for analysis•15 Minuten
Course summary and evaluation of learning journey•30 Minuten
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