Diploma in Project Management

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Program Overview

Program Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters) Qualification Level: Diploma

The Diploma in Project Management at Summit Heights Institute is a comprehensive and practical program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and tools required to successfully plan, execute, and close projects across diverse industries. This curriculum is meticulously crafted to be highly industry-relevant, focusing on current market demands and global trends such as agile methodologies, digital project management tools, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and strategic alignment. Graduates will be prepared for various project-related roles, including Project Coordinator, Assistant Project Manager, Project Administrator, and Team Lead, in sectors ranging from IT and construction to marketing and healthcare.

Key Program Pillars

  • Foundational Project Management: A strong understanding of project lifecycle, processes, and knowledge areas.
  • Agile & Adaptive Approaches: Proficiency in modern methodologies for dynamic project environments.
  • Digital Tools & Technologies: Hands-on experience with leading project management software and collaborative platforms.
  • Stakeholder & Communication Management: Mastering effective engagement and communication strategies.
  • Risk & Quality Assurance: Identifying, analyzing, and mitigating project risks while ensuring quality outcomes.
  • Strategic Alignment: Connecting project goals to organizational objectives and value creation.
  • Leadership & Team Dynamics: Developing essential soft skills for effective project leadership.
  • Practical & Case Study Driven: Application of theoretical knowledge through real-world scenarios and projects.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Diploma, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply the fundamental principles and processes of project management across all phases of the project lifecycle.
  • Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.
  • Utilize various project management methodologies, including traditional (Waterfall) and agile approaches.
  • Identify, analyze, and manage project risks, issues, and changes effectively.
  • Implement strategies for effective stakeholder engagement, communication, and team management.
  • Monitor and control project progress, ensuring quality deliverables and adherence to performance baselines.
  • Utilize industry-standard project management software and collaboration tools.
  • Understand the financial aspects of projects, including cost estimation and budget control.
  • Apply ethical considerations and professional conduct in project management practice.
  • Contribute to project success by demonstrating strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
  • Adapt project management approaches to suit different organizational contexts and industry demands.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundational Principles & Planning

Semester 1

  • PM101: Introduction to Project Management
    • Description: This module provides a foundational understanding of project management concepts, definitions, the project lifecycle, and the role of a project manager. It introduces the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) framework.
    • Learning Outcomes: Define a project and project management; explain the project lifecycle phases; identify key project management terms and concepts; understand the role of the project manager.
  • PM102: Project Scope & Stakeholder Management
    • Description: Focuses on defining project scope, creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and managing scope changes. It also covers identifying, analyzing, and engaging project stakeholders effectively.
    • Learning Outcomes: Define and manage project scope; create a WBS; identify and analyze project stakeholders; develop a stakeholder engagement plan.
  • PM103: Project Schedule Management
    • Description: Covers techniques for planning, developing, and controlling project schedules. Topics include activity definition, sequencing, duration estimating, critical path method (CPM), and Gantt charts.
    • Learning Outcomes: Develop a project schedule; apply critical path method; create Gantt charts; monitor schedule progress.
  • PM104: Business Communication for Project Managers
    • Description: Develops essential communication skills for project managers, including effective listening, clear written communication (reports, emails), presentation skills, and conflict resolution within project teams.
    • Learning Outcomes: Communicate project information effectively; prepare professional project documentation; deliver clear presentations; facilitate team discussions.
  • PM105: Introduction to Business Analysis & Requirements Gathering
    • Description: Introduces the role of business analysis in projects. Covers techniques for eliciting, analyzing, documenting, and validating project requirements from stakeholders.
    • Learning Outcomes: Identify and document project requirements; apply basic requirements gathering techniques; understand the role of business analysis in project success.

Semester 2

  • PM106: Project Cost Management & Budgeting
    • Description: Focuses on planning, estimating, budgeting, and controlling project costs. Topics include cost estimation techniques, earned value management (EVM) fundamentals, and financial reporting for projects.
    • Learning Outcomes: Estimate project costs; develop a project budget; apply earned value management concepts; monitor project financial performance.
  • PM107: Project Quality Management
    • Description: Covers principles and practices for ensuring project quality. Topics include quality planning, quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement processes within projects.
    • Learning Outcomes: Plan for project quality; implement quality assurance activities; perform quality control checks; understand continuous improvement.
  • PM108: Project Resource Management
    • Description: Focuses on planning, acquiring, developing, and managing project team members and physical resources. Includes team building, conflict management, and resource leveling techniques.
    • Learning Outcomes: Plan for project resources; manage project teams effectively; resolve team conflicts; optimize resource allocation.
  • PM109: Project Risk Management
    • Description: Introduces the process of identifying, analyzing, planning responses to, and monitoring project risks. Covers qualitative and quantitative risk analysis techniques.
    • Learning Outcomes: Identify project risks; perform qualitative risk analysis; develop risk response strategies; monitor and control risks.
  • PM110: Project Management Software & Collaboration Tools
    • Description: Hands-on training with industry-standard project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, Jira) and collaborative platforms for task tracking, scheduling, and team communication.
    • Learning Outcomes: Utilize project management software for planning and tracking; use collaboration tools effectively; create project dashboards and reports.
Year 2: Advanced Methodologies & Strategic Application

Semester 3

  • PM201: Agile Project Management Principles & Practices
    • Description: Introduces agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban. Covers agile values, principles, roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner), ceremonies (sprints, stand-ups), and artifacts.
    • Learning Outcomes: Understand agile principles and values; apply Scrum framework components; facilitate agile ceremonies; adapt to changing requirements in projects.
  • PM202: Project Procurement Management
    • Description: Focuses on the processes required to purchase or acquire products, services, or results needed from outside the project team. Covers contract types, vendor selection, and contract administration.
    • Learning Outcomes: Plan project procurements; select appropriate contract types; manage vendor relationships; administer project contracts.
  • PM203: Advanced Project Monitoring & Control
    • Description: Delves deeper into monitoring project performance, managing changes, and ensuring project completion. Topics include advanced earned value management, forecasting, and performance reporting.
    • Learning Outcomes: Monitor project performance using advanced metrics; manage project changes; forecast project outcomes; generate comprehensive performance reports.
  • PM204: Leadership & Team Dynamics in Projects
    • Description: Explores leadership styles, motivation theories, and strategies for building high-performing project teams. Focuses on emotional intelligence, negotiation, and resolving complex team issues.
    • Learning Outcomes: Apply effective leadership styles; motivate project team members; negotiate effectively; build cohesive project teams.
  • PM205: Digital Transformation & PMO Concepts
    • Description: Examines the impact of digital transformation on project management. Introduces the concept of a Project Management Office (PMO), its types, functions, and role in organizational project maturity.
    • Learning Outcomes: Understand digital transformation in project management; explain the role of a PMO; assess organizational project maturity.

Semester 4

  • PM206: Strategic Project Management & Portfolio Alignment
    • Description: Focuses on aligning projects with organizational strategy and business objectives. Introduces portfolio and program management concepts, and how to prioritize projects for maximum business value.
    • Learning Outcomes: Align projects with organizational strategy; understand portfolio and program management basics; prioritize projects based on strategic value.
  • PM207: Project Recovery & Troubleshooting
    • Description: Equips students with skills to identify troubled projects, diagnose root causes of failure, and implement recovery strategies. Focuses on problem-solving, decision-making under pressure, and stakeholder communication during crises.
    • Learning Outcomes: Identify signs of troubled projects; diagnose project issues; develop project recovery plans; manage project crises.
  • PM208: Industry-Specific Project Management Applications
    • Description: Explores the nuances of project management in different industries (e.g., IT/Software Development, Construction, Healthcare, Marketing, Event Management). Students will analyze case studies and apply PM principles to specific sector challenges.
    • Learning Outcomes: Adapt project management approaches to different industries; analyze industry-specific project challenges; propose tailored solutions.
  • PM209: Project Management Capstone Project
    • Description: A culminating, hands-on project where students will plan and manage a simulated or real-world project from initiation to closure. This involves developing a comprehensive project plan, executing key project processes, and presenting outcomes.
    • Learning Outcomes: Apply integrated project management knowledge to a practical project; develop a complete project plan; execute project processes; present project results effectively.
  • PM210: Professional Certification Preparation & Career Development
    • Description: Prepares students for entry-level project management certifications (e.g., CAPM, Scrum Master). Includes resume building, interview skills, networking strategies, and understanding career pathways in project management.
    • Learning Outcomes: Understand requirements for project management certifications; develop a professional resume and interview skills; create a career development plan.