Objectives and competences
The course provides students with an advanced understanding of project-oriented strategic management with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making. Students develop the ability to integrate strategic management, project management, data analytics and artificial intelligence in the design, evaluation and implementation of organizational strategies. Special emphasis is placed on the use of data insights in managing strategic project portfolios, optimizing resources, monitoring project performance, and addressing organizational transformations, sustainability challenges and crisis situations.
Content (Syllabus outline)
- the role of projects in the implementation of organizational strategies and the relationship between strategy, projects and long-term organizational competitiveness,
- the project-oriented approach as a mechanism for strategy execution and the role of projects in organizational transformations,
- data-driven strategic decision-making regarding projects, programmes and project portfolios,
- the use of data analytics, predictive models and artificial intelligence in the formulation of project input strategies,
- strategic management of project portfolios and the alignment of projects with the strategic priorities of the organization,
- the role of data insights in resource optimization, project prioritization and monitoring the performance of strategic projects,
- sustainability, ethical and ESG aspects of project-oriented management and the use of data in monitoring the sustainability effects of projects,
- strategic stakeholder management and the use of digital information systems to support project management,
- projects as tools for managing business and strategic crises and strengthening organizational resilience,
- analysis of project-oriented strategic management cases with data applications from practice and the preparation of a strategic project concept or project portfolio analysis based on a real-life example
Learning and teaching methods
- interactive lectures supported by digital learning tools,
- AV presentations and guest experts from practice,
- analysis of contemporary case studies and real-life business cases,
- problem-based and project-based learning,
- practical work with digital tools for data analysis, strategic decision-making and project portfolio management,
- group work on project and analytical assignments,
- presentations of solutions and discussions of analytical results.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Students in this course:
1. understand the role of projects in the implementation of organizational strategies and use data-based approaches to support strategic decision-making. (PILO 2a, 3a)
2. integrate and apply theories, models and tools of strategic and project management in connection with data analytics. (PILO 2a, 3a)
3. analyse strategic organizational problems using data sources, analytical methods and digital tools. (PILO 2c, 3a)
4. apply advanced data science methods and artificial intelligence to support the design and evaluation of strategic projects and portfolios. (PILO 3a, 3c)
5. critically evaluate the role of data, information systems and digitalization in the strategic management of projects. (PILO 2a, 3a)
6. identify moral dilemmas and make ethically responsible decisions in the use of data and the management of strategic projects. (PILO 4a)
7. analyse and develop sustainable practices in the management of strategic projects and use data to monitor sustainability effects. (PILO 4b)
8. use internationally relevant knowledge to assess and implement strategic projects across various sectors. (PILO 2b)
9. develop strategic project solutions by integrating data insights, professional argumentation and professional standards. (PILO 4c)
10. develop strategies for resource optimization and decision support in the management of strategic project portfolios. (PILO 3a, 4b)
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 role of projects in the implementation of organizational strategies and use data-based approaches to support strategic decision-making. (PILO 2a, 3a)
2. integrate and apply theories, models and tools of strategic and project management in connection with data analytics. (PILO 2a, 3a)
3. analyse strategic organizational problems using data sources, analytical methods and digital tools. (PILO 2c, 3a)
4. apply advanced data science methods and artificial intelligence to support the design and evaluation of strategic projects and portfolios. (PILO 3a, 3c)
5. critically evaluate the role of data, information systems and digitalization in the strategic management of projects. (PILO 2a, 3a)
6. identify moral dilemmas and make ethically responsible decisions in the use of data and the management of strategic projects. (PILO 4a)
7. analyse and develop sustainable practices in the management of strategic projects and use data to monitor sustainability effects. (PILO 4b)
8. use internationally relevant knowledge to assess and implement strategic projects across various sectors. (PILO 2b)
9. develop strategic project solutions by integrating data insights, professional argumentation and professional standards. (PILO 4c)
10. develop strategies for resource optimization and decision support in the management of strategic project portfolios. (PILO 3a, 4b)
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):
• Terry Schmidt (2021). Strategic Project Management Made Simple: Solution Tools for Leaders and Teams. Second Edition, Wiley.
• Gina Abudi (2017). Implementing Positive Organizational Change: A Strategic Project Management Approach. J. Ross Publishing
• Mihaly Görög (2013). Strategic-Oriented Implementation of Projects. 1st Edition, Project Management Institute.
• Harold Kerzner (2022). Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to measuring and monitoring project performance. John Wiley & Sons.
Additional information on implementation and assessment - Written exam 50 %
- Project 30 %
- Oral presentation 10 %
- In-class participation 20 %
