Structure and content
During this short course in construction project management you will learn
- to set up a project
- to cope with complexity
- to interpret and manage the client’s aspirations and expectation
- to establish and lead the project team
You will be introduced to a range of tools that you can use to optimise the way your project runs, and manage it through uncertainties and contingencies. Our method is very practical. You will work in teams and you will be exposed to simulated situations which will test your performance and correct your approach; this is so that when you go back to your real work, you will have valuable experience which can be applied and enable you to lead with confidence and authority.
The distance learning course is structured into learning ‘Blocks’. Each Block runs for four weeks, with weekly video conference calls, distance learning modules and 'virtual' team exercises. At the end of each Block there is a case study to be completed.
Tutor support is available throughout the course. Comprehensive feedback is given after the submission of the assignments following each Block, highlighting areas that might need more work or improvement.
The course material, including the Project Management Handbook and Course Workbook, is online. Before the course you are asked to start reading and working through the Handbook and Workbook. During the taught sessions you will be put into a team and carry out an exercise based on a case study. Following the taught session you are given an individual exercise to complete and submit. We allow four weeks for this and on satisfactory submission, you are awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
The APM exams are not included in the course. These are arranged directly by the student with the APM.
Course Content
Block 1: Project Management - the Fundamental Processes
Deals with the fundamental processes such as procuring building work, programming or scheduling work according to time requirements, roles and responsibilities, project structures. It is a basic ‘how to do it’ course, which tackles the nuts and bolts of basic project management tools and processes.
Take-away: knowledge of the basic processes.
Block 2: Project Management Theory and Practice
Takes the learning on a stage, and fleshes out the skeleton. For instance, it adds questions of resources to the techniques of programming or scheduling and shows you how to tune your project to a higher level of performance. It includes sessions on managing the supply chain. It creates an understanding of how the team might pull together to multiply its effectiveness. It increases the scope of project management study.
Take-away: Increased depth of knowledge and the foundations of competence laid.
Block 3: Project Management Competence
This Block takes the learning on to a higher level and focuses on the further development, integration and application of the principles and tools learned in Blocks 1 & 2. Blocks 1-3, taken together, cover the syllabus of the APM’s PMQ and PPQ exams and are accredited by the APM for this
Case study: final assessed assignment
Take away: considerably enhanced competence
Block 4: Exam Preparation
This is a one day exam revision and preparation session for those wishing to take the APM PPQ or PMQ exams. It also covers the application process for the Chartered Project Professional standard (ChPP). The tutors will be available to advise and support students throughout the revision period and help is given on how to compose the application to the APM.
This learning is accredited by the APM in relation to the PPQ exam level.
