This Erasmus Mundus course, Masters in Strategic Project Management (European), is a unique programme in the field of Business Management which takes an international perspective to the strong and growing demand for strategic thinkers who can deliver core business activities and realise competitive strategies in public, private and voluntary sector organisations through the implementation of strategic projects.
Over a 16-month period, students will study at three internationally renowned institutions across three different countries.
Visit the MSPME website for further information on the programme.
Students study at all three universities, spending approximately 6 months in each country. The course content has been developed around three interconnected themes: strategy, control and integration, and the courses offered by each Consortium institution reflect their unique expertise. This ensures that the quality of teaching is at an exceptional level.
Students are also exposed to a European and international network of scholars, which is unmatched by other Master programmes.
Modules are arranged into three key themes that are studied in each institution:
Heriot-Watt University - September to February
Strategic Approach to Projects
Strategic Project Management - 7,5 ECTS Credits
Business models: themes and issues - 7,5 ECTS Credits
Competitive Strategy - 7,5 ECTS Credits
Strategic Change - 7,5 ECTS Credits
MIP Politecnico di Milano - March to July
Control and Management of Projects
Project Management I – 7 ECTS Credits
Project Risk Analysis and Management – 4 ECTS Credits
Project Procurement – 3 ECTS Credits
Project Management II – 6 ECTS Credits
Management Accounting and Control – 4 ECTS Credits
Finance – 3 ECTS Credits
Business Statistics – 3 ECTS Credits
Umeå University - August to January
An Integrate approach to Managing Projects
Research Methods – 7,5 ECTS Credits
Strategic Project Management Decision Making – 7,5 ECTS Credits
Master Thesis – 15 ECTS Credits
Objectives
Develop a systematic understanding of knowledge in the areas associated with strategic project management.
Acquire a critical awareness of contemporary and pervasive issues in strategic project management which may change over time, both in the academic discipline and professional practice.
Understand and evaluate a comprehensive range of research techniques used in the areas of strategic project management in order to create and interpret knowledge.
Evaluate critically academic research, professional research, published case studies and media pronouncements on the development and use of strategic project management in business and management.
Encourage the development of subject interests by enabling students to carry out original research at the forefront of knowledge on a relevant strategic project management topic through a Master level Thesis.
Assist the development of transferable skills (particularly teamwork, leadership, communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and presentation) for employment, particularly in middle-to-senior strategic and business related positions in a wide range of public and private organisations, or in academic research and in preparation for lifelong learning and personal development.
Learning outcomes of the master programme
Subject Mastery (understanding, knowledge and subject-specific skills)
Apply strategies appropriate to the prioritising of projects and managing a portfolio of projects with reference to the internal and external organisational environment, including risk assessment.
Make evaluative judgements on the development, governance and exploitation of IS for project management.
Select and apply project management processes throughout the project life cycle to deliver successful projects, particularly: strategic alignment, project appraisal and planning, human resource management, budgeting and control, quality and risk management, contract management and the management of change.
Be able to transfer techniques and solutions for managing projects from one project to another.
Personal Abilities (cognitive skills, core skills and professional awareness)
Skills to perform holistic judgement and abilities to make critical assessments on strategic solutions.
Skills enabling students to participate in strategic decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts.
Compile and synthesise business and project data from several sources.
Assess and solve a range of problems in the subjects studied on the Masters Course.
Abstract meaning from project case studies and share knowledge.
Ability to do guided research in project related business and management issues.
Work as an effective member of a team with the ability to recognise and utilise individuals’ contributions in group processes; and engage in team selection, delegation, development and management.
Apply leadership skills and techniques: selecting appropriate leadership style for situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring, continuous improvement.
Ability to work independently and to learn through reflection on practice and experience.
Communicate the results of their study and other work accurately and reliably:
- plan, conduct and report on an individual investigation;
- analyse and present material using a range of information and communication technologies;
- prepare and make a series of individual and group presentations on strategic project planning subjects;
- engage in two-way communications involving listening, negotiating and persuading or influencing others, oral and written communication, the use of a range of media to prepare business reports.
Systematically identify and address their own learning needs both in current and new areas, making use of research development and professional materials as appropriate.
Demonstrate international mobility, cultural understanding, personal initiative and ethical commitment.
Exams and assessment
The Course modules use a range of formative and summative assessment methods, ranging from 100% examination to 100% coursework (including continuous assessment, essays and group projects).
In recognizing that each Institution operates its own scheme for the allocation of marks, there is a common process for the calculation of equivalence of marks awarded by individual Institutions.
Degree awarded
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh (United Kingdom): Master of Science in Strategic Project Management (European).
