Objectives and competences
- to deepen the understanding of programme management as an approach to managing multiple interrelated projects,
- to develop an understanding of the role of programme management in coordinating complex project environments,
- to develop the ability to plan, coordinate and control multiple projects within a programme environment,
- to develop the ability to manage interdependencies between projects and align project activities within programmes,
- to develop the ability to manage resources, priorities and constraints in multiproject environments,
- to develop an understanding of programme governance and the role of the Project Management Office (PMO),
- to develop the ability to monitor programme and project performance and manage benefits realization,
- to develop the ability to apply modern digital tools, analytical approaches and artificial intelligence in programme and project management,
- to develop the ability for analytical and decision-making in complex and dynamic project environments.
Content (Syllabus outline)
- the concept of project programmes and the distinction between projects, programmes and project portfolios,
- programme management as an approach to managing complex organizational change and the simultaneous execution of multiple projects,
- the relationship between programmes, projects and organizational objectives, and the role of programmes in coordinating project activities,
- management of interdependencies between projects and coordination of projects within a programme environment,
- the role of the Project Management Office (PMO) in managing programmes and project portfolios,
- organizational models and governance approaches for managing programmes and multiple projects,
- resource management, project prioritization and project selection in a multiproject environment,
- management of risks, uncertainty and complexity in a programme environment,
- monitoring programme and project performance and benefits realization,
- digital support for programme and project management (information systems, analytical tools, AI support),
- contemporary approaches to programme management (Agile and hybrid approaches),
- organizational learning and knowledge transfer across projects,
- analysis of programme and project management cases from practice and the design of a project programme or analysis of a programme environment based on a real-life example.
Learning and teaching methods
- classical and interactive lectures,
- AV presentations and the use of digital learning tools,
- analysis of contemporary case studies (case-based learning) and real-life business cases,
- problem-based and project-based learning,
- work in a computer lab and the use of digital tools supporting project management,
- active group work and discussions on strategic project challenges,
- presentations of project or strategic solutions,
guest lectures by industry experts.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Students in this course:
1. Understand the principles of managing multiple projects and projectization within modern organizations, while recognizing the impact of the dynamic business environment. (PILO 2a, 2c)
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply theories, models, and tools of project management in real-world situations, integrating projects into business strategies. (PILO 2a)
3. Develop skills in using modern digital and AI technologies to support the management and optimization of projects and programs. (PILO 3a)
4. Show the capability for critical evaluation and optimization of project initiation and implementation processes using advanced research methodologies. (PILO 1a)
5. Develop ethical thinking and principles of sustainable development in project and program management decisions, considering social responsibility. (PILO 4b, 4c)
6. Effectively communicate project plans, outcomes, and solutions, and defend them when necessary in a professional context. (PILO 3b)
7. Develop teamwork skills in managing projects for collaborative problem-solving. (PILO 3c)
8. Critically assess the role of ICT technology in improving outcomes of project and program management. (PILO 2a, 3a)
9. Integrate and apply knowledge from various sectors (e.g., construction, engineering, healthcare, education) for effective management of projects and programs. (PILO 2b)
10. Develop the ability to integrate project and program management processes into annual business plans, in line with strategic objectives. (PILO 3a)
The PILO label (i.e., Programme Intended Learning Outcomes) defines the contribution of each listed intended learning outcome of a course towards achieving the general and/or subject-specific competencies or learning outcomes acquired through the programme.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Students in this course:
1. Understand the principles of managing multiple projects and projectization within modern organizations, while recognizing the impact of the dynamic business environment. (PILO 2a, 2c)
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply theories, models, and tools of project management in real-world situations, integrating projects into business strategies. (PILO 2a)
3. Develop skills in using modern digital and AI technologies to support the management and optimization of projects and programs. (PILO 3a)
4. Show the capability for critical evaluation and optimization of project initiation and implementation processes using advanced research methodologies. (PILO 1a)
5. Develop ethical thinking and principles of sustainable development in project and program management decisions, considering social responsibility. (PILO 4b, 4c)
6. Effectively communicate project plans, outcomes, and solutions, and defend them when necessary in a professional context. (PILO 3b)
7. Develop teamwork skills in managing projects for collaborative problem-solving. (PILO 3c)
8. Critically assess the role of ICT technology in improving outcomes of project and program management. (PILO 2a, 3a)
9. Integrate and apply knowledge from various sectors (e.g., construction, engineering, healthcare, education) for effective management of projects and programs. (PILO 2b)
10. Develop the ability to integrate project and program management processes into annual business plans, in line with strategic objectives. (PILO 3a)
The PILO label (i.e., Programme Intended Learning Outcomes) defines the contribution of each listed intended learning outcome of a course towards achieving the general and/or subject-specific competencies or learning outcomes acquired through the programme.
Readings
Obvezna študijska literature (Compulsory textbooks):
1. Hauc, Anton: Projektni management, Ljubljana, GV Založba, 2007.
2. Izbrani članki iz revij International Journal of Project Management, International Journal of Managing Projects in Business ter International Journal of Project Organization and Management
Dodatna študijska literature (Additonal textbooks):
• Lowell Dye (2019). Managing Multiple Projects: Planning, Scheduling, and Allocating Resources for Competitive Advantage, 1st edition, CRC Press, Center for Busines Practices.
• Panos Chatzipanos, Te Wu (2018). Implementing Project Portfolio Management, None Edition, Project Management Institute.
• Kong Vo (2023). Mastering Program Management: Essential Strategies for Successful Program Delivery, Resource Management, and Project Portfolio Excellence.
• Eugen Spivak (2019). PMO Governance: Practical Strategies to Govern Portfolio, Program, and Project.
Additional information on implementation and assessment - written exam or continuous assessment with midterms
- seminar paper
- case study
Written exam or continuous assessment with midterms - written exam or two midterms covering all main thematic areas. The student must achieve at least 40% of possible points on each midterm and at least 56% of all combined possible points on both midterms.
Seminar paper - writing a team seminar paper on a specified topic related to certain content of the course.
Case study - team preparation of a case study of an established organizational solution for managing a multiproject environment.
