Project and Funds Management
6 Credits (ECTS)
Project and Funds Management
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€315 refund on this module
Module Description
This module will equip students with the essential skills and techniques required to plan and implement successful projects in public organizational settings, from project initiation to completion.
Students will learn how to effectively manage projects and staff, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the stipulated quality standards.
Additionally, the module covers EU-funded projects, preparing students for planning such projects, applying for funds, procurement, project management, monitoring, financial management, and project administration.
By mastering these skills, students will be well-prepared to handle complex projects and secure necessary funding, contributing to the success and efficiency of public sector initiatives.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess the following:
- a qualification at MQF Level 4 (one A-level or equivalent in any subject);
AND
- a pass in English Language and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (O-level or equivalent).
Peference will be given to prospective applicants having a year of work experience related to the study programme.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at:
- Professionals within the public sector aspiring for professional and academic advancement in public management and governance;
- Mid-career break professionals looking for opportunities to return to or change their career;
- Other individuals who would find this programme suitable for their academic and professional path.
Module / Unit Instructions
The proposed structure comprises a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning. The structure uses primarily two dimensions of teaching-learning modes:
- Face to Face sessions
Face-to-face sessions include lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities promoting peer-to-peer learning.
- Online Learning Activities
Online learning activities incorporate tutorials and asynchronous discussions. These may consist of active interaction, participation and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Summative Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
October 2024
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Identify Project Management tools and techniques to administer and manage a variety of projects in public service environment.
- Be able to refer to and apply principles and rules of public procurement.
- Create a project plan indicating milestone, objectives, resources applicable, persons responsible and time frames using appropriate planning tools.
- Examine potential challenges, obstacles and barriers which could hinder the project process.
- Understand the framework and context within which EU Funds and Schemes are set including ethical considerations.
- Gain comprehensive understanding of identification of available funds, application procedures, financial management and reporting requirements, and how to effectively prepare for audits of EU funded projects.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Introduction to Project Management.
- Multi-Project Environment – Public Services.
- Strategic Fit and Project Scope.
- Project Organisation and Project Teams.
- Project Planning and Control.
- The rules and principles of public procurement.
- Managing EU Funded Projects and Local Schemes.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Apply the steps in developing a project network & resultant project plan.
- Identify and apply appropriate project management tools and techniques to schedule, track and control various tasks and activities.
- Develop and present a project work breakdown structure to relevant stakeholders and team members to give them a clear description of what needs to be done.
- Apply project management tools e.g., Gantt Charts and PERT Charts to monitor project progress.
- Apply project management principles, processes, monitoring and control techniques and smart milestone planning to EU funded projects and local schemes management.
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Be aware how to manage project resources and budgets in a responsible, ethical and transparent manner.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to benefit from assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.