MSc (Project Management) 2009/2010

FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME PROGRAMME FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (PROJECT MANAGEMENT) COURSE INFORMATION
1.0 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The Master of Science (Project Management) [MSc(PM)] programme was established in 1986, making it one of the oldest project management programmes in the world. It aims to provide professionals with the sound management skills and techniques necessary for the successful completion of complex projects. The programme focuses on front-end general project management issues such as development, finance, contract, and dispute management. This is supplemented by allowing students to take elective modules from other faculties according to their professional specializations. The programme is taught by senior faculty members and industry experts. It attracts specialists from various sectors such as construction, engineering, and IT. Participants from overseas feature strongly on all intakes, and the wide mix of expertise allows for meaningful exchange and interaction at graduate level. The Department is a founding member of the International Project Management Education Union (IPMEU) of universities that offer strong project management programmes. The partner universities are Peking University, ESC-Lille, University of Quebec, University of California (Berkeley), University of Maryland, University of Texas (Dallas), University of Lancaster, and University of Manchester. The Programme Director, Assoc Professor Willie Tan, is the first rotating Chairman of IPMEU. The programme is accredited by the Singapore Institute of Architects and Professional Engineers Board Singapore for Continuing Professional Developments points.

2.0 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

At least a bachelors degree with honours in a relevant discipline. Candidates should have at least two years of relevant practical experience after their first degrees.

3.0 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE (Note: Semester 1: Aug-Dec; Semester 2: Jan-May)

Essential modules: PM5101 Project Management (Semester 2) PM5103 Contract Management (Semester 1) PM5112 Research Methods (Semester 1) Prescribed elective modules (choose any 4 modules) PM5104 Development Management (Semester 1) PM5105 Development Finance (Semester 1) PM5106 Design Management (Semester 1) PM5107 Time and Cost Management (Semester 2) PM5108 International Project Management (Semester 2) PM5109 Project Management Law (Semester 2) PM5110 Project Management Case Studies (Semester 2) PM5111 Special Topics in Project Management (Semesters 1 and 2) Unrestricted elective modules XXXXXX Any three approved graduate level modules PM5000 Dissertation (equivalent to two unrestricted elective modules) (Any semester)

4.0 DESCRIPTION OF MODULES

PM5101 Project Management The module offers an overview of project management. It covers the strategic use of projects as part of business strategy, the project cycle in terms of its conception, planning, and execution, and the factors that underpin the success of projects. The project manager as an effective leader in managing projects is emphasized at each stage of the cycle.

MSc (Project Management) 2009/2010

PM5103 Contract Management This module examines the management of contracts in a project. It covers contract strategy in terms of procurement and risk allocation, standard forms of contract, documentation, claims management, dispute management, and insolvency. PM5112 Research Methods This module examines research methodologies in terms of the general philosophies of science as well as detailed research methods. It covers the research process of problem formulation, hypothesis formulation, research design, data collection and analysis, developing the conclusion, and writing the research report. PM5104 Development Management This module covers the property development process (including statutory requirements) and the roles of the project manager during each stage of the development cycle. Case studies of various types of property developments will be used to illustrate the principles. PM5105 Development Finance This module introduces capital budgeting, project finance, and risk analysis. It covers the capital allocation framework, project cash flows, investment criteria, cost of capital, financial risk analysis, and how various types of projects are financed. PM5106 Design Management This module is designed to provide project managers with an appreciation of the role of design as well as the designer in projects. It covers the concept of design for value, integrated designs, the clients brief, design evaluation, and the impact of design on procurement and production. PM5107 Time and Cost Management This module focuses on project scheduling and control. It covers tendering and estimating, activity sequencing, duration and time planning, scheduling and control, materials management, equipment ownership and management, labor costing, subcontracting, quality management, and financial control of projects (incorporating cash flow analysis and financial reporting). PM5108 International Project Management This module focuses on the management of international projects. It covers issues that arise in managing international projects such as the use of international standard forms, procurement strategies (including joint ventures), cultural differences, risk allocation, and project finance. PM5109 Project Management Law This module provides an understanding of aspects of law and mechanisms for resolving disputes. It covers the law of contract, the duties and liabilities of different parties in a project, negligence, claims, procurement, risk allocation, and remedies. PM5110 Project Management Case Studies This module provides an opportunity for students to do an independent field study of how a major development project is managed. Students will select their own project, conduct the study under an appointed supervisor, present their findings in a seminar, and submit a 6,000-work written report. PM5111 Special Topics in Project Management This module is designed to allow students to conduct independent studies on special topics in project management under the guidance of a team of staff members. Students are required to submit a 6,000-word report. PM5000 Dissertation This graded module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of a supervisor. Students are required to submit a 10,000-word written dissertation.

5.0 GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

The programme can be completed in one year on a full-time basis, or in two years on a part-time basis. Successful completion of the programme requires a candidate to pass: (a) 3 essential modules; (b) 4 prescribed elective modules; and (c) 3 unrestricted elective modules (or a dissertation plus one unrestricted elective module). This is to be done with a Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of not less than 3.0 and within a maximum period of 4 semesters for full-time candidates, and 6 semesters for part-time candidates. For item c), students may select master-level modules from other faculties to suit their own professional backgrounds. For instance, construction professionals may wish to select project management modules, IT professionals may opt to do modules offered by School of Computing, and engineers may opt for engineering modules.

MSc (Project Management) 2009/2010

6.0 SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships: Full-time applicants for the August Intake from ASEAN (excluding Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents) with very good academic results may apply for the NUS Graduate Scholarship for ASEAN Nationals .

7.0 KEY INFORMATION

Number of intakes: two per academic year, in January and August. th th Application deadlines: 30 Sept for January intake, and 15 March for August intake. Online Application: https://inetapps.nus.edu.sg/pas/common/login.aspx Fees: Please check http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/edu/gd-fees.html Classes: Evening classes only (7-10pm). Part-time students attend 2 or 3 classes per week, and full-time students attend 4 or 5 classes per week. For further information on the Programme, please contact: Programme Director: Assoc Prof Willie Tan bdgtanw@nus.edu.sg Email: You may also join our student discussion group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pmstudentnetwork/ to ask the Programme Director on the programme and current students on accommodation, living expenses, and so on. Every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate and current. However, the University and the School reserve the right to make alterations without notice.