Module manager: Dr Mohammed Abdelmegid
Email: M.Abdelmegid@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 May to 30 Jun (2mth)(adv yr), 1 May to 30 June View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Students are required to meet the programme entry requirements prior to studying the module.
N/A
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module examines the sophisticated nature of managing major engineering projects that involve significant investment, complexity, and strategic importance. It emphasises the crucial role of engineering managers in overcoming persistent challenges and achieving successful outcomes. Through the analysis of real-world scenarios and established best practices, this module is designed to equip students with essential management skills to understand the unique dynamics of large-scale projects across different engineering sectors and towards more sustainable project impacts.
The module aims to introduce students to the sophisticated nature of managing major engineering projects, with a focus on critically evaluating the contexts and stakeholders involved in their initiation and delivery. It facilitates the identification and analysis of current challenges facing project managers, including key risks and their implications for financing and contracting, while exposing students to a range of best practices for effective project planning and delivery.
Through practical exercises, the module develops students' skills in evaluating realistic project management situations and enhances their understanding of the project life cycle in the engineering sector. By utilising case studies of both successful and unsuccessful major engineering projects, the module helps students relate theory to practice to foster their ability to assess and apply effective management strategies in complex project environments.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically evaluate the contexts in which major projects are planned and delivered;
2. identify and explain current challenges facing project managers in major engineering projects;
3. appraise a range of realistic situations that a successful project manager would have to manage and control;
4. evaluate best practices for planning and delivering major projects.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes which cover all areas:
1. Strategic analysis and decision-making;
2. Leadership and stakeholder management;
3. Risk assessment and sustainable project planning;
4. Innovation and problem-solving in complex environments;
5. Professional communication and negotiation;
6. Research methodology and critical evaluation.
Indicative content for this module includes:
- Introduction to major engineering projects: characteristics, complexity, and strategic importance;
- Project, programme, and portfolio management in engineering contexts;
- Current challenges in managing major engineering projects;
- Critical evaluation of contexts and stakeholders in major engineering projects;
- Project management success (iron triangle) vs Project success (cost/benefit analysis for the different stakeholders and sustainable project outcomes);
- Scope definition and requirements management in complex engineering environments;
- Stakeholder analysis and relationship management in major projects;
- Strategic risk management in major engineering projects;
- Contractual frameworks and governance structures in major engineering projects;
- Leadership and people management in complex project environments;
- Improving the delivery of major engineering projects.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion forum | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| WEBINAR | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| WEBINAR | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 42 | ||
| Private study hours | 89.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to check their understanding (for example through formative MCQs with automated feedback). Regular Discussion Forums activity embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Project Report | 80 |
| Reflective log | Reflective Statement | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team