Bachelor of Arts in Project Management

Introduction

The Bachelor of Arts in Project Management is designed to produce graduates with the relevant skills and knowledge in Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation. It contributes immensely to developing and promoting the profession of Project Management by imparting graduates with skills and knowledge relevant to ensuring the successful initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes. Through this programme, a cadre of specialists in the field of Project Management who will contribute to finding solutions to the challenges of initiating, planning and implementing projects in Zambia and the African continent is produced. The programme further lays the basis for scientific research and promotes the mission of the University to create new knowledge through teaching, research, and publications. In this regard, therefore, the programme is closely related to both the mission and vision of the University of Zambia and the Country respectively.

Rationale

The 21st century has seen an increase in the use of Project Management as a management tool to meet organisational goals and objectives. Increasingly, both public and private organisations are making use of project teams to not only achieve their goals and objectives but to also find solutions to complex problems/needs or take advantage of opportunities. In addition, citizens, customers/clients, shareholders, and many other stakeholders are increasingly demanding and expecting improved, efficient and effective management of projects so as to derive maximum benefits. This is due to the fact that failed or unsuccessful projects lead to losses for private and commercial organisations and waste of resources in the public and the NGO sectors. Therefore, the Bachelor of Arts in Project Management is designed to equip students with the relevant and updated knowledge, skills, tools, and methods that will enable them to effectively and competently manage projects across different sectors.

Aims of the programme

The aims of the programme are numerous. They include:

1. Training in the principles, techniques, methods, and applications of Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation.
2. Identifying and addressing challenges and issues in the management, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes in Zambia and the African continent.
3. Contributing to building national capacity in the management, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes.
4. Enhancing capacity in teaching, research and publications in the field of Project Management.

Objectives of the programme

At the end of the programme, graduates are expected to:

1. Identify and explain the different Knowledge Areas in Project Management.
2. Apply various Project Management tools, techniques, methods and approaches to the management of projects and programmes.
3. Apply various social science methods, principles and approaches in the management of projects and programmes.
4. Utilize Microsoft Project to plan, implement, control and monitor projects.
5. Evaluate and monitor projects and programmes.