Learning outcomes of the curricular unit (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students)
By attending this Course Unit, each student will complete the objectives if demonstrate that:
- Understand the specific concepts of Project Management activity, comparing them with the activity of Current Operation Management;
- Possess and apply skills related to Project Initiation;
- Master the typical work of planning, organizing, measuring, and controlling project execution;
- Is capable of conducting a retrospective of the project's major events and consolidating knowledge for future reference.
Syllabus
Basic concepts of project management
Project initiation process
Project planning, based on the definitions made in the initiation
Organization of resources to achieve project objectives
Measurement and Control of project work execution
Phase or project closure
Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit's learning objectives
The first learning objective will be achieved upon completion of the first point of the Syllabus.
The second learning objective will be achieved through the second point of the Syllabus.
The next three topics (third, fourth, and fifth) in the Syllabus will allow achieving the third learning objective.
The final learning objective will be accomplished with the completion of the last topic of the Syllabus of the Course Unit.
Teaching methodologies (including evaluation)
Initially, the expository method will introduce students to the topics and allow them to explore other resources autonomously.
Students will be asked to read and reflect on texts oriented towards fundamental themes to better understand the work in the project management cycle.
Practical cases of applying specific techniques and tools at each project stage will be analyzed, demonstrating their use/application, so that students can later replicate them in their projects.
Students will be organized into groups of 3 (exceptionally, 4) members to simulate a project to be carried out.
The assessment of students' achievement of the course unit objectives will be through a single element - group work (100% of the final grade).
Students will be asked to prepare a report synthesizing the simulation experience and also to present this report in class for joint analysis.
Demonstration of the coherence between the teaching methodologies and the learning outcomes
Considering that there is only one assessment element - the simulation work report - all teaching/learning activities converge towards acquiring knowledge that enables the execution of tasks associated with the simulated project, which will be the assessment target. It is expected that students acquire or consolidate skills in Project Management. According to many authors, some of them referenced in the bibliography, this activity is best learned through practical application and experimentation. The simulation is the most appropriate, but some preparatory work is also necessary to avoid learning being hindered by a lack of understanding of concepts and acquisition of skills. On one hand, expository classes and autonomous work ensure the assimilation of concepts and basic knowledge; on the other hand, participative classes, using and demonstrating techniques and tools, should create sufficient conditions for the student to feel comfortable with managing their project, without feeling lost in its management practice.
Students will be put in charge of the project and will have to carry out the proposed activities, which will allow assessing their real skills to manage project contexts. It is expected that grouping students will promote an increase in knowledge leveling, through intra and intergroup debates.
Bibliography (Mandatory resources)
Miguel, A. (2019). Gestão Moderna de Projetos (8ª Edição). Lisboa: FCA Editora.
Project Management Institute [PMI] (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) - Sixth Edition
Project Management Institute [PMI] (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) - Seventh Edition
Verzuh, E. (2021). The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management. Wiley
Observations
Given the mostly practical nature of this UC, in a simulation context, involving group work that takes place throughout the semester, assessment via a written test, in an Exam, in such a short period is not viable. Attendance at the exam requires that the student has actively participated in group work throughout the semester, and can only improve the work developed and defend it in an oral presentation.
