Objectives and competences
The course "Project-Oriented Strategic Management" equips students of the Data Science in Business specialization with an in-depth understanding of employing project management for strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. Students develop competencies in big data analysis, the application of machine learning in project design, and the integration of these approaches into the life cycle and sustainable strategies of organizations.
Content (Syllabus outline)
- Projects as tools for change management and shaping the future.
- The role of projects in the life cycle curve of organizations.
- Project-Oriented Strategic Management (POSM) – from design to realization of organizational strategies; including data-supported methods for strategic planning.
- Launching strategies and managing challenges in forming entry project strategies; data analysis to improve strategic decisions.
- Managing the portfolio of strategic projects and strategic project plans; integration of analytics for portfolio optimization.
- Ensuring and optimizing the use of resources in the execution of a portfolio of strategic projects; employing advanced tools for multi-criteria decision-making.
- Organizational solutions for project-oriented strategic management; adapting business processes through the implementation of information systems.
- The strategic role of projects in ensuring sustainable operations of organizations.
- Big data analysis for identifying innovation opportunities and project management in dynamic market environments.
- Developing project strategies using machine learning algorithms to enhance competitive advantage.
Learning and teaching methods
- Interactive lectures with digital tools.
- AV presentations with guest experts from the industry.
- Discussion on case studies and real-world examples.
- Practical work with tools for strategic analysis and portfolio management.
- Group projects with research assignments.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Students in this course:
1. Understand the role of projects in shaping the future of organizations and use data analytics for forecasting and strategic planning. (PILO 2a, 3a)
2. Integrate and apply theories, models, and tools of strategic and project management in specific situations. (PILO 2a, 3a)
3. Evaluate the strategic function of the economy and/or organizations using advanced research methodologies and data analysis techniques. (PILO 2c)
4. Utilize advanced data science methods and machine learning to solve complex problems within the context of a strategic project portfolio. (PILO 3a, 3c)
5. Identify and diagnose moral dilemmas and make ethically responsible decisions, considering data analysis and interpretation. (PILO 4a)
6. Analyze and develop sustainable practices in the management of strategic projects. (PILO 4b)
7. Use internationally relevant knowledge and data analytics to assess and implement strategic projects in various sectors. (PILO 2b)
8. Design strategic projects based on ethical and professional perspectives, integrating data insights for implementing responsible solutions. (PILO 4c)
9. Develop strategies for ensuring and optimizing the use of resources in executing a strategic project portfolio, using analytical tools to support decision-making. (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 shaping the future of organizations and use data analytics for forecasting and strategic planning. (PILO 2a, 3a)
2. Integrate and apply theories, models, and tools of strategic and project management in specific situations. (PILO 2a, 3a)
3. Evaluate the strategic function of the economy and/or organizations using advanced research methodologies and data analysis techniques. (PILO 2c)
4. Utilize advanced data science methods and machine learning to solve complex problems within the context of a strategic project portfolio. (PILO 3a, 3c)
5. Identify and diagnose moral dilemmas and make ethically responsible decisions, considering data analysis and interpretation. (PILO 4a)
6. Analyze and develop sustainable practices in the management of strategic projects. (PILO 4b)
7. Use internationally relevant knowledge and data analytics to assess and implement strategic projects in various sectors. (PILO 2b)
8. Design strategic projects based on ethical and professional perspectives, integrating data insights for implementing responsible solutions. (PILO 4c)
9. Develop strategies for ensuring and optimizing the use of resources in executing a strategic project portfolio, using analytical tools to support decision-making. (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 or continuous assessment with midterms (50%)
- seminar (20%)
- case study (30%)
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 - preparation for active participation in the seminar and proactive discussion with participating students.
Case study - team preparation of a case study of an established organizational solution.
