KA7061 - Project Change, Risk and Opportunities Management

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the theories and practices that inform the steering of projects for the delivery of benefits and how they enable you to respond to the challenges of managing organisational change initiatives. The module integrates several topics under each of the competencies within relevant Project Management Bodies of Knowledge: Contextual, Behavioural and Technical. Themes that may be covered include ensuring that benefits are understood and pursued through reliable decision-making, promoting effective identification of risks and opportunities throughout the life-cycle of projects, enabling processes that capture and assess potential changes to project scope, and identifying and customising governance frameworks that successfully integrate stakeholders behaviours and expectation.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will allow you to develop the relevant subject knowledge. You will learn through a combination of engaging, interactive methodologies and teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars, academic staff-guided independent learning, independent student learning, and by engagement in technologically-enhanced learning (TEL). A directed study of textbooks will support formally scheduled teaching, PSRB reports and scholarly journal articles (hard copy or electronic), critical evaluation of case studies, problem-based learning, simulation and reflection exercises. Additional formally scheduled teaching approaches will include video presentations, peer group discussions and presentations. The module will also use an inter-disciplinary approach to the development of the syllabus and teaching resources.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Academic staff will provide guidance, 1-2-1 support (where possible), or use interactive asynchronous online peer support forums on the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) to support you in your studies. Academic staff will use guided independent learning activities, e.g., directed reading. You will supplement this structured support with independent learning activities.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Evaluate the impact of client requirements, scope and external stakeholders upon value and risk management decisions in the project process

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Analyse the overall facets of project value and evaluate approaches to value management that are applicable to project management.
3. Critically analyse and apply appropriate techniques to understand the key drivers for change.
4. Develop and evaluate governance frameworks and their ability to deliver strategic objectives within project orientated organisations

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Appreciate the complexity and diversity of behavioural dynamics

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally-scheduled teaching sessions or digitally using the University’s VLE. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.

Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by one piece of coursework. Academic staff on the module will use the coursework to evaluate your ability to satisfy all the module’s learning outcomes. You will use the University’s VLE to submit your coursework. Academic staff on the module will use digital feedback tools to issue your feedback.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The contemporary business environment needs project managers equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to be able to face any events that may impact on a project’s products, resources, stages or objectives. This module will enable you to manage the inevitable risks and uncertainty that projects deliver and the multi-faceted challenges that come about as a result of the change. As part of this module, you will study the practicalities of managing these issues. You will explore the strategies that you have learnt and see the complexities that develop from their implementation.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
3 other options available

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Project Management MSc

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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