BB552: Project management for biologists

Comment

The course is partly taught together with BB904 Project management, economics and communication (7,5 ECTS)

Entry requirements

It is not possible for either MSc, BSc-students ot students taking a Master to enroll in BB552 as an elective course, if BB904 is already passed in this study program.

Academic preconditions

The course presupposes active participation and knowledge of dialogue-based lectures.

The course will include an extensive use of functions in SDU's e-learning system. Participation in the course therefore presupposes that the student masters these functions.

It is expected that the student

can collaborate in different learning situations
is familiar with SDU's digital learning platform and can use digital tools for subject-related production, knowledge sharing and subject-related presentation

Course introduction

The purpose of the course is that the student gains knowledge and skills in project management with a focus on projects within biology, environmental chemistry and management.

The course therefore provides knowledge and skills in the use of methods and techniques to plan and manage projects, including project communication targeted at different stakeholders as well as the project's finances.

The course provides an academic basis for the student's projects, which are placed later in the program.

In relation to the competence profile of the degree, it is the explicit focus of the course to:

give competences to take part in interdisciplinary project groups
give competences to plan and manage projects involving several disciplines
give knowledge of terms and methods within project management, project-related communication, and economics.

Expected learning outcome

To achieve the purpose of the course, the learning objective of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to correctly:

choose, account for, apply and discuss relevant theories, concepts, methods, and techniques within the subject area of the course, in relation to a specific project with an biology/environmental focus.
clearly and argued describe title, purpose, goals, success factors and criteria, assumptions and limitations, as well as an estimated budget, taking into account society's objectives concerning environmental issues.
appoint sponsor/project owner and relevant project manager
analyze uncertainties and propose solutions to handle these
carry out a stakeholder analysis and based on this, plan relevant communication actvities to manage/collaborate with primary stakeholders
develop a work breakdown structure for the project's necessary activities
using relevant software, plan the project's activities, and use of resources with a focus on human resources
make suggestions for the organization of the project; including selection of the project team and relevant management activities in relation to the project team based on the project's activities and other characteristics
prepare a budget for the project's activities and give suggestions for economic control and other follow-up on the project's progress
reflect on challenges to the implementation of the project
present the above-mentioned elements using presentation software and be able to discuss the presented solution using the subject area's concepts and theories

Content

The following main topics are contained in the course:

The foundation and characteristics of the project
Analysis and management of uncertainty
Analysis and management of stakeholders, including communication
Definition and planning of project activities
The project's economy, including follow-up on the project's economy and progress
Organization and management of projects

The topics in the course are generic, but the teaching will focus on examples related to climate adaptation and environmental chemistry and management.

Literature

Clegg, S. R., Skyttermoen, T., og Vaagaasar, A.L. (2021). Project management. A value creation approach. Sage. Kapitel 1-9 og 13.
Jepsen, A.L. og Eskerod, P. (2016). Projektets interessenter. Analyse og samspil. Jurist- og økonomforbundets forlag.

See itslearning for syllabus lists and additional literature references.

Examination regulations

Exam element a)

Timing

January

Tests

Oral exam

EKA

N100072102

Assessment

Second examiner: Internal

Grading

7-point grading scale

Identification

Student Identification Card - Name

Language

Normally, the same as teaching language

Duration

Duration of the test: preparation of case 72 hours. Oral test: 20 minutes. Of which a maximum of 10 minutes for presentation.

Examination aids

To be announced during the course

ECTS value

Additional information

Examination type: Individual oral presentation with subsequent examination in the syllabus based on the presentation of the project plan, prepared in groups.

Detailed description of examination element a): A case is handed out. In groups, a PowerPoint presentation is prepared which is presented individually.

Indicative number of lessons

30 hours per semester

Teaching Method

At the faculty of science, teaching is organized after the three-phase model, ie. intro, training and study phase.

Intro phase: 16 hours
Skills training phase: 14 hours

Activities during the study phase:

Solution of weekly assignments in preparation for discussion of these at the tutorials.
Solution of project assignments
Self-study of certain topics from the textbook
Independent summary of the intro and training phase

Teacher responsible

Name	E-mail	Department
Anna Lund Jepsen	alj@sam.sdu.dk	International Business & Entrepreneurship (IBE)
Sara Egemose	saege@biology.sdu.dk	Biologisk Institut

Timetable

Odense

Show full time table

Administrative Unit

Biologisk Institut

Team at Registration

NAT

Offered in

Odense

Recommended course of study

Profile	Education	Semester	Offer period

Transition rules

Transitional arrangements describe how a course replaces another course when changes are made to the course of study.

If a transitional arrangement has been made for a course, it will be stated in the list.

See transitional arrangements for all courses at the Faculty of Science.