MSc (Project Management)-2005/2006
FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME PROGRAMS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (PROJECT MANAGEMENT) COURSE INFORMATION
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The Master of Science (Project Management) [MSc(PM)] program aims to provide development and construction professionals with the sound management skills and techniques necessary for the successful completion of complex projects. The program is taught by senior faculty members and eminent practitioners. Both the art and science of successful project delivery are given due attention in a carefully structured arrangement of modules delivered in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops, and management exercises. It attracts specialists such as project managers, architects, engineers, construction managers, quantity surveyors, contract managers, and IT professionals. 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 Program Director, Assoc Professor Willie Tan, is the first and current rotating Chairman of IPMEU.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS For admission as a candidate for the degree of Master of Science (Project Management), a person must fulfil one of the basic qualifications indicated below: (a) (b) (c) (d) a bachelor's degree or equivalent in Architecture, Building, Engineering, Real Estate or IT and have had a period of relevant practical experience after obtaining the first degree; a bachelor's degree in a subject approved by the Board of Graduate Studies and possess the appropriate graduate qualification and relevant practical experience; an honours degree in a subject approved by the Board of Graduate Studies and submit evidence of adequate training and ability to undertake the proposed programme; such other cognate professional qualifications and relevant practical experience as the Senate may approve.
For applicants from universities whose academic standards are not known, additional requirements such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and/or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) may be stipulated. A good TOEFL or IELTS score is required of applicants whose native tongue or medium of undergraduate instruction is not in English. These must have been taken within three years of the proposed date of admission.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE The Master of Science (Project Management) program can be completed in one year on a full-time basis, or in two years on a part-time basis. Successful completion of the program requires a candidate to pass: a) 3 essential modules; b) 5 prescribed elective modules; and c) 2 unrestricted elective modules or a dissertation. This is to be done within a maximum period of four semesters for full-time candidates, and six semesters for part-time candidates. All classes are held in the evenings. A part-time student program will attend two or three evening classes per week while a full time student will attend four to five classes per week.
EXAMINATION Candidates will be examined at the end of each semester of study. A full-time candidate is allowed to fail in only one module in each semester of study while a part-time candidate is allowed to fail in only one module in any year of study.
MSc (Project Management)-2005/2006
SYLLABUS The proposed modules offered in the Master of Science (Project Management) program are listed below: Essential modules: PM5101 Project Management BS5102 Research Methodology & Statistical Analysis PM5103 Contract Management Prescribed elective modules (choose any 5 modules) PM5104 Development Management PM5105 Development Finance PM5106 Design Management PM5107 Construction Management PM5108 International Project Management PM5109 Construction Law PM5110 Project Management Case Studies PM5111 Special Topics in Project Management Unrestricted elective modules XXXXXX Any two approved graduate level modules or PM5000 Dissertation
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.
BS5102 Research Methodology & Statistical Analysis 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. 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. 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 client’s brief, design evaluation, and the impact of design on procurement and construction. PM5107 Construction Management
MSc (Project Management)-2005/2006
This module focuses on management of the construction project from the perspective of the contractor. It covers tendering and estimating, material and equipment procurement, subcontracting, and cost and financial control of projects incorporating cash flow analysis, financial reporting, and project scheduling. PM5108 International Project Management This module focuses on the management of international construction 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 Construction Law This module provides an understanding of aspects of construction 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-word 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.
Key information: Number of intakes: two per academic year, in January and July Application deadlines: End Sept for January intake, and mid-March for July intake. Application forms: Download from SDE website. Financial assistance: Full time students may apply for a tuition fee loan (covers up to 80% of fees). Scholarships: Full time applicants for the July intake from ASEAN (excluding Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents) with very good academic results may apply for the ASEAN Graduate Scholarship. Fees: Tuition fees are currently set as follows (in Singapore dollars) (subject to changes): Full time - Singaporeans/PR: $4650 per year; others $5120; Part-time – Singaporeans/PR: $2330 per year; others $2560. Classes: Evening classes only (6-9pm). 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 Program, please contact: Program Director: Email: Assoc Prof Willie Tan bdgtanw@nus.edu.sg
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.