Module Specification

Digital Delivery Management

Module Specification

Digital Delivery Management: Driving Success in Tech Projects



In an era of digital transformation, mastering the intricacies of digital delivery is crucial. This module provides a robust foundation in managing digital projects, focusing on the skills and frameworks essential for success. From understanding agile and lean methodologies to leveraging emerging technologies like AI and cloud platforms, it prepares you to excel in a rapidly evolving landscape.

You will delve into the entire digital product lifecycle, learn to align projects with business goals, and manage resources and budgets effectively. Comprehensive insights into change and risk management, as well as governance and compliance, ensure you can handle the complete scope of digital delivery. The inclusion of practical case studies bridges theory and real-world application, enhancing your learning experience.

By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage multi-disciplinary teams, drive innovation, and achieve strategic alignment. Whether you are looking to scale digital delivery across industries or ensure projects meet regulatory standards, this module will guide you every step of the way. Start your journey towards becoming an adept digital project manager today.


Mode(s) of Study Code CATS Credits ECTS Credits Framework HECoS code
Full-time Blended Learning
Part-time Blended Learning
DM71 30 15 FHEQ - L7 project management (100812)

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Learning Outcomes

Code Attributes developed Outcomes
LO1 Knowledge and Understanding Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of agile and lean methodologies within digital delivery contexts.
LO2 Intellectual Skills Analyse stakeholder engagement strategies to address governance and compliance in digital delivery management.
LO3 Intellectual Skills Critically evaluate digital project management methodologies in complex and rapidly changing technological landscapes.
LO4 Technical/Practical Skills Implement agile project management, including Scrum seremonies, for successful project lifecycle management.
LO5 Technical/Practical Skills Develop change management strategies, implement project planning, resource and risk management in digital transformation projects.
LO6 Professional/Transferable Skills Apply advanced interpersonal and networking skills to lead multi-disciplinary teams in digital project environments.
LO7 Professional/Transferable Skills Implement ethical and professional values in strategic decision-making within digital delivery management.

Content Structure

Week Topic
Week 1 Introductory lecture
Introduces the module, outlining its relevance to the field and connections to other topics. It provides an overview of the content structure, key references, and assessment details.
Week 2 Digital Product Lifecycle
Explore the complete digital product lifecycle from conception to retirement. Recognise the significance of each phase in delivering a successful product and aligning it with evolving customer and business needs.
Week 3 Agile and Scrum
Discover why agile and scrum methodologies are essential for digital projects. Dive into their core principles to understand how they foster flexibility, collaboration, and rapid delivery in a fast-changing tech landscape.
Week 4 Lean Methodologies
Learn the importance of lean principles in trimming waste and increasing efficiency. Understand how lean methodologies can help create streamlined, value-driven processes that align closely with business objectives.
Week 5 Alignment with Business Goals
Examine why aligning digital solutions with business goals is vital for project success. Learn strategies to ensure that digital delivery contributes to the overall vision, strategy, and objectives of the organisation.
Week 6 Stakeholder Management
Learn how to identify key stakeholders, engage them effectively, and manage their expectations. Explore conflict resolution techniques and develop communication strategies tailored to diverse audiences and contexts.
Week 7 Change Management
Study the critical role of change management in digital delivery. Grasp how effective change management practices help navigate the impact of digital transformation on people, processes, and technology.
Week 8 Resource and Budget Control
Grasp the importance of resource and budget control in managing digital projects. Learn how proper planning and monitoring ensure optimal allocation, usage, and sustainability of resources and finances.
Week 9 Risk Management
Learn why identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks is crucial in digital delivery. Understand how proactive risk management safeguards projects against unforeseen challenges and ensures steady progress.
Week 10 Governance and Compliance
Understand the importance of governance and compliance in digital delivery. Explore strategies to ensure projects meet regulatory requirements, adhere to standards, and maintain stakeholder trust.

References/Indicative Reading List

Importance ISBN Description
Core Textbook 9781780174846 Hughes, Bob. Project Management for IT-Related Projects:. BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, 2019
Core Textbook 9781612497907 Brewer, Jeffrey. Methods of IT Project Management. Purdue University Press, 2022
Supplementary Reading 9781491949887 Sussna, Jeff. Designing delivery: Rethinking IT in the digital service economy. O'Reilly Media, Inc., 2015.
Supplementary Reading 9781484234174 Shivakumar, Shailesh Kumar, Shivakumar, and Ramachandran. Complete guide to digital project management. Apress, 2018
Supplementary Reading 9781604270785 Chemuturi, Murali. Mastering IT project management. J. Ross Publishing, 2013
Supplementary Reading 9781783323548 Vasudevan, Shriram K., Sundaram, R. M. D.; Nair, Prashant R. Software Project Management. Alpha Science International Ltd, 2017
Supplementary Reading 9781952538353 Tolbert and Parente. Hybrid Project Management: Using Agile with Traditional PM Methodologies to Succeed on Modern Projects. Business Expert Press, 2020
Supplementary Reading 9781680506983 Dinwiddie, G. Software Estimation Without Guessing: Effective Planning in an Imperfect World. Pragmatic Bookshelf, 2019
Supplementary Reading 9781466559554 Villafiorita, A. Software Project Management. Taylor and Francis, 2014

Student Workload

The methods of teaching and learning for this module are based on the School's Professional 30 teaching system, consisting of the following activities.

Activity Total hours
Introductory lecture

This is the first weekly session, dedicated to providing a comprehensive introduction to the module. The module leader will present an overview of the subject, elucidating its importance within various digital engineering professions and its interrelation with other modules. Students will need no preparation ahead of attending this session.

The module leader will provide a structured breakdown of the content to be covered in the subsequent 9 sessions. Students will also receive an outline of the essential reference materials, alongside suggestions for supplementary reading. The format and criteria for the summative assessment will be delineated, followed by a dedicated period for questions and answers.

A recording of the session will be available to facilitate async engagement for any other student who missed the class, also offering an opportunity to review the content again.

1.50
Concept learning (knowledge graph)

Our institution's approach to teaching is primarily based on flipped learning. Ahead of each weekly session (Workshop/Lab), students will be required to study the essential concepts that are used in the coming session so they are familiar with the theories and ideas related to that session. The study material will be in the form of written content, illustrations, pre-recorded lectures and tutorials, and other forms of content provided through the AGS.

This content is self-navigated by the students, accommodating different learning styles and schedules, allowing students to watch or listen to them at their own pace and review them as needed.

36.00
AI formative assessment

Once each concept of the theory is studied, students will be prompted to engage in formative assessment with instant AI feedback. They include multiple-choice questions, socratic questions and answers, written questions, role-play and other AI-assisted practice scenarios.

The purpose of this automated formative assessment is to provide students with immediate feedback on their understanding of module material and highlight any areas that need support or further study. They are also used to track student progress, boost motivation and promote accountability.

18.00
Case Study Review

In this learning activity, students explore recent real-world case studies relevant to their course topic. The case studies will have been selected and curated by the module leader to represent up-to-date examples. They guide students through key details, contextual factors, and outcomes. This approach enhances students' understanding of current industry trends, challenges, and solutions, preparing them for real-world scenarios they may encounter in their future careers.

The learning experienced will be augmented by AI (virtual private tutor) allowing the students to critically engage with the content and discuss the case studies.

18.00
Workshop/Lab Sessions

Those studying in the blended learning mode will attend these 9 weekly classes (in person or remotely) during weeks 2 to 10. These sessions will complement the theory already studied during the preceding week (in our flipped-learning model), with discussions, analysis, practice or experience . They will be interactive and participatory, rather than one-way lectures. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A in every session. Depending on the nature of the content, challenges and learning activities will be pre-designed to apply flipped learning. They may include hands-on project work, group discussions or debates, roleplay, simulation, case studies, presentations, and other learning activities and opportunities. These workshops present an opportunity to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They also encourage collaboration and foster a sense of community among students.

13.50
Individual or group assignments

Each Workshop/Lab session will be followed by an assignment. Assignments are used to reinforce learning and encourage independent thinking and problem-solving. They help the students identify the gaps in their understanding of the subject and provide them with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a practical setting.

Assignments can be individual or group-based (teams of 2 to 4). They can take many forms, including essays, presentations, or projects. When they are group-based, teams will be randomly picked by AGS, in order to promote broader teamwork practice. Assignment files will be uploaded to AGS by the students ahead of the next weekly session. Feedback will be provided on each submitted assignment.

27.00
Independent reading, exploration and practice

This activity challenges students to engage with the reference material and independently explore and analyse academic literature related to the course topic. Students are expected to select relevant sources, practice critical reading skills, and where applicable technical skills, and synthesise information from multiple references. This is an opportunity to enhance research abilities, critical thinking, and self-directed learning skills while broadening and deepening subject knowledge.

146.00
Summative assessment

Summative assessments are used to evaluate student learning at the end of a module. These assessments can take many forms, including exams, papers, or presentations. Instructors can use summative assessments to measure whether students have achieved the learning outcomes for the module and provide them with a sense of their overall progress. Summative assessments can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching methods used in the module.

40.00
300.00

Assessment Patterns

Weighting Format Outcomes assessed
50% Individual Essay Coursework
This individual coursework requires students to produce an essay based on a specific topic in the module. Its purpose is to evaluate the student's ability to independently interpret a technical question and research, analyse, and articulate their understanding and opinions. It assesses the learning outcomes, in particular, through interpretation, research, critical thinking and writing skills, and also through the ability to form and express coherent arguments.

Students are set an essay title based on a discrete technical area in the module and have to research and write an answer that evaluates the question from competing perspectives, drawing upon appropriate sources. Students must be aware of the learning outcomes of the module in writing their essay as their marks will be based on the extent to which they demonstrate they have met the outcomes. Please see the marking calculation below for further information.

Students will have a workshop in the module on essay writing, in particular, how to analyse, research and structure their essay, and what markers are looking for. The module leader will also provide further support whilst students work on their essay. Students will be shown examples of successful and unsuccessful essays. They will have the opportunity to present their thoughts in class and receive peer and tutor feedback too.

Throughout the programme, students will regularly receive formative assessment tasks and feedback opportunities to gain actionable feedback (from self, peers and staff) on their own work to indicate how to improve future work and learn how to give constructive feedback to other people.
K LO1
I LO2
I LO3
T LO5
T LO4
P LO6
P LO7
50% Invigilated Exam
This is a time-limited and closed-book exam with a mix of multiple-choice and analytical written questions that students undertake during the summative assessment period as scheduled under the School’s remote invigilation conditions to ensure quality and academic integrity.

The exam enables the students to demonstrate their successful attainment of the module learning outcomes, primarily related to knowledge and understanding, and secondarily related to Professional/Transferable Skills.

The analytical written questions will consist of problem questions representing issues and dilemmas students are likely to encounter in professional life and students have to synthesise and apply what they have learnt on the module in order to produce sound and reasoned judgements with respect to the problem.

To enable the students to practice and prepare, various formative assessment activies, including quizzes and a AI-augmented assignments and mock exams are built into the module. Additionally, throughout the course, students will regularly receive feedback on their knowledge and assignments from AI as well as peers and staff to indicate how to improve future work and how to give constructive feedback to others.
K LO1
I LO2
I LO3
P LO6
P LO7

Programmes this module appears on

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
Module Spec: Digital Delivery Management: Driving Success in Tech Projects (DM71)