MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Introduction
The Master of Engineering in Project Management program is intended for professionals who wish to broaden and deepen their understanding of Engineering Project Management. The program provides a unique opportunity to develop leading-edge in-depth knowledge of specific project management disciplines. This program is specially designed to tackle the challenge faced not only in the Zambian Engineering industry but Africa as a whole and the world at large; the courses offered are there to equip students with skill that will be very valuable in solving challenges currently being faced. The Masters of Engineering in Project Management prepares students for a professional role in the management of engineering projects by providing students with an understanding of both the people-related and technical requirements necessary for the successful management of engineering projects, as well as the organisational and strategic aspects. The programme emphasises the processes used to produce, process and service engineering projects from planning, through monitoring and evaluation, control to project closure. The medium of instruction shall be English.
Rationale
Currently, the Project Management skills being delivered to Engineering professionals lack the foundations and practical skills required to practice them in the industry as they lack the research component. Experience has shown that projects are inherently at risk – through overrunning on time and cost and/or failing to deliver a successful outcome. Such failures are almost invariably caused by:
· poor project definition by the project’s owner, perhaps because of insufficient consultation with stakeholders or their failure to be specific about requirements and desired outcomes
· lack of ownership and personal accountability by senior management
· inadequately skilled and experienced project personnel
· inadequate reporting arrangements and decision-making
· inconsistent understanding of required project activities, roles and responsibilities.
Project management helps to reduce and manage risk. It puts in place an organisation where lines of accountability are short and the responsibilities of individuals are clearly defined. Its processes are clearly documented and repeatable so that those involved in the project can learn from the experiences of others. It is recommended best practice that a formal project management methodology such as PRINCE2 and PMI is adopted for all major projects. The principles of project management are equally valuable for smaller and/or less complex projects. The nature of the project will determine the project management approach to be adopted, which should be adapted as required. Therefore this course will help practitioners with the theoretical and practical approach to project management and increase the success rate for projects.
Aims of the programme
The main of this programme is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences required to take up leadership and professional role in the management of engineering projects by providing students with an understanding of both the people-related and technical requirements necessary for the successful management of engineering projects, as well as the organisational and strategic aspects.
At the end of the programme, graduates will be expected to:
a) To formulate and integrate engineering projects through the application of multidisciplinary knowledge.
b) To understand the theory and practice of project management, including project procurement, team leadership, risk management, communication, financial management and human resources
c) To develop students managerial and leadership capabilities and enhancing their breadth of understanding of the various functions present in an engineering project and organisations.
d) To enable students to analyse the impact of decisions and actions on stakeholders, including interpersonal, societal, environmental, and organizational considerations.
e) To develop skills to generate novel and value-creating products, processes, or organizational forms
f) To employ financial decision models to select appropriate projects in a business enterprise and manage projects.
Programme outline
