MSc by Research Management of Projects: The University of Manchester

Course description

The research of Management of Projects special interest group is is strongly aligned with the taught programmes in the fields of Commercial Management, Configuration Management, Engineering Management, Project Management, and Life Cycle Management in the School.

The Research Group is part of the Centre for Research in the Management of Projects (CRMP), with corresponding Research Groups at University College London and Manchester Business School.

The aim of the Group is to support research into diverse aspects of the management of projects.

The groups research relates to several major research themes in mechanical, aerospace, civil engineering and built environment fields. It predominantly falls within the disciplines of:

• Commercial Management
• Project, Program and Portfolio Management

Current research interests include:

• Conflict and dispute resolution
• Contract price prediction and cost estimating
• Knowledge management and organisational learning
• Procurement strategy and systems
• Project finance
• Risk management
• Supplier decision-making: decision to bid and bid price determination
• Value management
• Application of neural networks, fuzzy logic, regression analysis
• Application of problem structuring methods (PSMs) in project management (eg. soft systems methodology)
• Management of emergency and urgent projects

Course aims

The aims of the research project are to develop:

The ability to work independently and constructively within a research group in the laboratory or theory environment
Intellectual and communication skills necessary to present and articulate research findings in verbal and written formats Skill of numerical manipulation and statistical analysis of data using sophisticated software.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

Applicants for admission will normally hold a Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification. The level of attainment for the Bachelor's degree will normally be equivalent to that of a Second Class Honours UK Bachelor's degree.  Professional qualifications other than a Bachelor's Degree and/or relevant and appropriate experience may be taken into account for entry to an MSc by Research degree.

English language:

In addition, all applicants will need to demonstrate competency in the English language. Applicants who do not already posses a recognised English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test such as IELTS or TOEFL and attain a minimum of IELTS 6.5 ( with no sub test less than 5.5), TOEFL 570 with 5.0 in the TWE (Computer-based 230 or above or Internet-based 88-89 or above).