Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- plan and report on the progress of a project, taking different elements of project management into consideration and using basic project management tools
- write text that is based on research results, using and referencing reliable sources of their field
- communicate in a goal-oriented way, taking the target audience and need into consideration
- utilise IT tools in project management and communication

Teaching methods

During the study unit students will familiarise themselves with the basic principles of project management and receive guidance on communication requirements and tools for carrying out academic and project-related work.
The study unit contains work on the following topic areas:
- Research and development in academic projects
- Project planning, scheduling and risk management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- ICT tools for project management and documentation
- Preparing project-related communications (project plan, project report and presentation)
- Academic writing (referencing, style and tone, structure and organisation)

Learning materials and recommended literature

Learning materials are provided in Canvas. Also the following works will be consulted:
Bailey, S. 2011. Academic writing: a handbook for international students. 3rd edition. London: Routledge.
Dawson, C. 2009. Projects in computing and information systems. 2nd edition. Harlow: Addison-Wesley.
Lock, D. 2013. Naked Project Management: the bare facts. Gower.
Ojasalo, K., Moilanen, T. & Ritalahti, J. 2009. Research-oriented approach. Partially translated from: Kehittämistyön menetelmät – Uudenlaista osaamista liiketoimintaan. Helsinki: WSOY.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

Contact the lecturer in charge if you feel you are entitled to get recognition for previously acquired competence in the areas outlined in the study objectives.

Important dates

The exam dates are offered during the contact sessions.
- Project management exam
- Office exam
See Canvas for more details.

Students workload

5 credits = 135 hours of student`s work.

Content and scheduling

A more detailed schedule is published in Canvas. The following areas are covered during online meetings with supplementary material provided in the workspace.
1. Project management overview. Research and development projects. PM methodologies.
2. Source referencing and academic style. The structure of project documentation and academic reports.
3. Using MS Office tools: Word and Excel
4. Project processes. Tools used in initiation and planning.
5. Collaboration and teamwork on projects.
6. Feedback sessions on the writing task.

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

The evaluation is based on the office and project management exam, related assignments and an academic essay. A detailed description of the assessment criteria is given in Canvas.

Evaluation criteria, approved/failed

The evaluation is based on the office and project management exam, related assignments and an academic essay. A detailed description of the assessment criteria is given in Canvas.

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

All the assignments and exams of the study unit are passed.
The student is able to produce academic and project-related communications which are understandable, though clarity and/or detail may be lacking. The style and formatting used in written documentation is correct in part. The content demonstrates a level of reflection and understanding, though some areas require more attention. Source materials are integrated into the text to some extent.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

All the assignments and exams of the study unit are passed.
The student is able to produce academic and project-related communications which are fairly structured and clear. The style and formatting used in written documentation is mostly correct. The content demonstrates a good level of reflection and understanding. Source materials are integrated into the text.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

All the assignments and exams of the study unit are passed.
The student is able to produce academic and project-related communications which are well-structured, clear and concise, and which uses the appropriate style and format. The content demonstrates an excellent level of reflection and understanding. Source materials are well integrated into the text.