Master of Science in Project Management

Project Management is one of the fastest growing bodies of knowledge and its application in commerce and industry is equally seen. Indeed, the South African Government has decided to adopt a project management method of organisation and delivery in its Department of Public Works. It is also in the process of recognising it as a new profession.

As a result of the above there is great demand for education and training in the skills needed by existing, and would-be, project management practitioners. This programme is intended to satisfy this need at the academic level of Master of Science.

The first purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifiers with Masters level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in Project Management

The second purpose of this qualification is to demonstrate to qualifiers how the Governments National Development Objectives impact upon project environments and procurement, and how they can be integrated into project delivery.

The third purpose of this qualification is to produce graduates who will drive the body of knowledge further, through their research at this and as possible PhD level candidates.

The candidate must be a graduate of a four-year university first or Honours level degree. Alternatively have a three-year university or B.Tech degree with at least 10 years of work experience in a project environment.

In addition, persons who hold a Technikon National Diploma, Who have 5 years of appropriate experience and who are eligible for the (sister) Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management course and who achieve consistently good results throughout, may be admitted to courses leading to the qualification.

Senior certificate with Matriculation Exemption or Equivalent university admission qualification

First degree

BSc or equivalent

Honours degree

BSc (Hons)

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (e.g. Work or field experience (if Applicable)

An applicant of this programme must be capable of expressing themselves verbally, and in writing at a level that is acceptable in business, be numerate and able to read drawings and technical specifications and should poses demonstrable skills in terms of business administration, public administration or some aspects of commerce and industry.

(a) Critical cross-field outcomes

Computer literate and able to communicate effectively, graphically, orally and in writing with specialists and the general public.

A comprehensive understanding and ability to conduct research assignments using appropriate methodology, analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

Understand the need to maintain high ethical standards and demonstrate professionalism;

(b) General outcomes

Understand the importance of customer and stakeholder satisfaction through scope definition and project delivery.

Ability to identify and manage risks;

Able to relate to National Development needs and objectives and how they may be achieved through project delivery;

(c) Specific Outcomes

Able to conceptualise and implement all of the processes involved in planning and implementing a project.

Able to asses the potential impact of the project on the environment and the environment on the project and understand the need to achieve harmony;

Understand the theories of motivation, negotiation, conflict resolution, team building and the importance of HR skills;

Understand systems theory and able to design and implement project control systems for all resource types and all project objectives.

Able to schedule for resource needs and to select suitable procurement systems.

(a) Through group discussion, written assignments, plans and reports.

Production of a research report

By performance in discussions and reports

(b) Can the student prepare a project scope statement and understand the importance of customer satisfaction?

Can the student demonstrate this ability through assignments and examination?

Does the student understand these issues and the appropriate methodologies?

(c) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of each of the adjacent outcomes. This will be tested through assignments and examination for each module.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Each module requires the completion of assignments that are designed to combine several knowledge areas and require that the candidate draw upon theory and their own industrial practice and to compare them.