Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Project Planning and Leadership
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Shane Hill
Departments: Management & Financial Studies
Module Description: This module aims to introduce students to the core theories and applications of Project Planning & Leadership. Students will learn about effective project planning & leadership strategies, to enable them to contribute most effectively to a given project. Students will develop their own leadership style, while enhancing their skills in communication, collaboration and teamwork in order to achieve successful projects.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Critically assess the role of team dynamics in the context of project planning.
MLO2 Evaluate the critical aspects inherent in the planning and control of projects and be able to construct a project management plan
MLO3 Assess his/her own skills and development needs with regards to leadership, team-working, communication, collaboration, professionalism and project management.
MLO4 Interpret different leadership theories and practices relevant to leading self and others.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Working in Teams
Building and Leading Teams. Formation of groups and division of roles. Professionalism within project groups. Practical considerations – running and recording action-oriented meetings; Time management and record keeping. Group challenges.
Project Planning & Management
Research methods; Selecting appropriate project structure (i.e. Situation Analysis; Objectives; Strategy; Tactics; Tasks; Evaluation). Project Management. Project management software; setting and meeting milestones; Troubleshooting and flexibility; Ongoing communication with stakeholders; Monitoring progress. Project Presentation: Preparing Professional Reports; Advanced Presentation Skills and Tools.
Leadership
Contemporary Leadership Theories. Understanding Different Leadership Perspectives: Transformational, Servant, Authentic, Relational approach. Civic Leadership. Appraising leaders' styles/approaches. Leadership Skills: Influencing and Negotiating. Making connections. Managing ‘up, down and across’. Appraising and developing own leadership skills/style. Self-Leadership. Identifying and developing ‘signature strengths’; marketable transferable skills; lifelong learning, CPD
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Reflective report and personal development plan.
30% for an individual reflective log.
This assessment will require the student to follow a detailed grading rubric, available on MOODLE with the final submission being in the form of a 3-4 minute video at the end of the semester.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcome 1,2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
70% for team-based activity.
To lay the groundwork for the capstone project in semester 2, students will work in groups to conduct a comprehensive situation analysis for a live client identified by the lecturer. This assessment will include several milestone submissions including:
- Organisation background; product/service description
- Communication Channels & Capabilities
- Previous Coverage/Campaigns
- SWOT analysis
- Industry analysis/Market opportunity
- Strategic Communication Objectives

These milestone/interim submissions will be in the form of documentation and a VIVA where teams are required to present and defend the material submitted for grading. Extensive feedback is provide at each stage, culminating with a final presentation of work at semester end.
The VIVA format for presentation facilitates the allocation of individual grades within the context of the team effort. The Guidelines on group work ( Assessed Group-work: A Framework and Guideline) will be used to guide this activity.**

Students who choose Option 2 in the Applied Professional Project (Semester 2) will then build on this report to design and execute on a full marketing communication campaign for the client. Students taking Option 1 in the Applied Professional Project (Semester 2) will benefit greatly from having experienced this Semester 1 module when undertaking a commercially focused Strategic Marketing plan for a commercial enterprise.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Reflective report and personal development plan
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
This module is designed to prepare students for success in the second semester capstone project (Applied Professional Project). To lay the groundwork for the capstone project in semester 2, students will work in groups to conduct a comprehensive situation analysis for a live client identified by the lecturer. This assessment will include several milestone submissions including:
- Organisation background; product/service description;
- SWOT analysis
- Industry analysis;
- Objectives
- Strategy
(Those students who choose Option 2 in the Applied Professional Project (S2) will then build on this report to design and execute on a full marketing communication campaign for the client.)
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Each week students are presented with module content and encouraged to engage in class discussion. Exploring the module content, students are required to display a depth of understanding and an ability to evaluate the relevance of material. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact Students are required to acquaint themselves with all contemporary material relevant to their studies Every Week 4.00 4
Directed Reading Non Contact Students will be assigned specific reading/study material from relevant sources Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Each week students are presented with module content and encouraged to engage in class discussion. Exploring the module content, students are required to display a depth of understanding and an ability to evaluate the relevance of material. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact Students are required to acquaint themselves with all contemporary material relevant to their studies Every Week 4.00 4
Directed Reading Non Contact Students will be assigned specific reading/study material from relevant sources Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John McManus. (2006), Leadership: Project and Human Capital Management, Butterworth-Heinemann, Amsterdam, [ISBN: 9780750668965].
  • David Magellan Horth,Lynn B. Miller,Portia R. Mount. (2016), Leadership Brand, Center for Creative Leadership, p.34, [ISBN: 9781604916294].
  • Esther Cameron,Mike Green. (2017), Essential Leadership, Kogan Page, London, [ISBN: 9780749477400].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Rees, W. D. and Porter, C.. (2015), Skills of Management & Leadership.
  • Hanson, R. (2018), Resilient: Find Your Inner Strength,.
Other Resources
  • Website, DkIT Careers Portal for diagnostic assessments.
  • arvard Business School 2013, HBR's 10 Must Reads on Teams Harvard Business School Publishing Corpor, Harvard Business School 2013, HBR's 10 Must Reads on Teams Harvard Business School Publishing Corpor.