STUDY

This module concerns the design and planning of projects and will introduce you to the ways in which projects can be designed, defined and managed. You will be introduced to strategies and techniques which allow for projects to be controlled and for them to meet financial, time and sustainability targets. In work-based time, you will assess how the principles apply to their own practice and their own workplace.

In completing this module, you will become familiar with techniques and tools for the control and management of projects. This starts with review of the project scoping documents and the identification of risks. You will be encouraged to consider how risks are reviewed and assessed within their own workplace as well as reviewing alternative strategies that might be employed within other businesses.

This module provides you with insight into the development of business cases, the financial planning and budget monitoring of projects. You will be introduced to the principles of business case development and its relationship to project planning (including KPIs and risks). You will become familiar with tools and techniques for reporting spend and variance against agreed budgets. In work-based time, you will be supported in applying these principles to their own practice and their own workplace systems.

This module is designed to build on the previous knowledge, gained from completing other modules on this programme. You will gain an understanding, using theories and frameworks, of operational project management. You will consider how projects fit in the wider business context and environment, the role of project governance, and effective communication plans. In addition, you will also will explore the importance of adaptive communication with stakeholders considering how they might tailor their communication to their audience, manage conflict and difficult conversations both internally and externally.

This module explores how projects operate within local, national and global business environments, examining key UK sectors and the constraints that shape project delivery. You will analyse how organisational context, size and industry influence project opportunities, challenges and approaches, including ethical, legal and regulatory considerations. The module also addresses the role of projects in supporting the green economy and achieving net zero ambitions. It develops the ability to justify projects through robust business cases, identifying tangible and intangible benefits. Finally, it examines how projects and programmes align with organisational strategy to deliver long-term goals.

An effective project manager must apply governance and financial control to their projects. These together with clear communication and strong stakeholder management skills and techniques are a necessity when delivering successful projects. This module builds on the principles introduced in the first year to further develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours in these areas.

This module equips you with the skills to apply effective project governance, manage budgets and engage stakeholders, while aligning projects with organisational strategy and operating environments.

This module further develops your ability to plan, schedule and manage projects while supporting effective organisational change. You will work with sponsors and programmes to prepare teams for change, moving from current to future states. The module builds skills in estimating, resourcing and maintaining project schedules, analysing dependencies and resolving scheduling issues. You will also learn to manage and negotiate resources to balance project and programme demands effectively.

This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to procure goods and services effectively and manage projects within commercial and contractual frameworks. You will explore procurement cycles, supply chain management and sustainable procurement, taking a lifecycle approach to cost and value. The module also develops the ability to select, manage and evaluate appropriate contract types to support successful project and programme outcomes.

On completing this module you will be able to manage quality and risk effectively within a project environment. You will apply quality management frameworks to assure, control and continuously improve project deliverables and processes. The module also builds competence in identifying, evaluating and mitigating risks using qualitative and quantitative methods, including sustainability and environmental risks, ensuring proactive risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

This module equips you with the skills to lead projects within appropriate governance frameworks, ensuring business cases remain viable and aligned with organisational objectives throughout the project lifecycle. You will develop the ability to control projects against time, cost and quality constraints using effective monitoring, reporting and performance measures. The module also builds competence in managing project change, applying structured change control processes to assess impacts, manage scope and make informed decisions in the interests of stakeholders.

This module develops your ability to plan, schedule and control projects effectively while managing change. You will apply structured change control processes to manage scope, requirements and impacts on project deliverables. The module builds strong competence in estimating, planning and maintaining resourced schedules, analysing dependencies and resolving scheduling issues. You will also learn to manage and negotiate resources to balance project and programme demands.

The Apprenticeship Assessment is a core requirement for the Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship. The module will comprise of a Work-based Project report, a presentation of key findings upon its conclusion and a structured interview based on your portfolio of evidence gained throughout the whole apprenticeship.