Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to Project Management
Course Code
SZF_138
Branch of Science
Sociology and social work
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Jekaterina Pankova
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
To develop students’ knowledge and practical skills in project initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring, and closure, preparing them to develop a feasible project plan, justify project-related decisions, and work effectively as part of a project team.
Preliminary Knowledge
No specific prior knowledge of project management is required. General knowledge and skills corresponding to the level of secondary education are sufficient, including the ability to analyse information logically, formulate and justify one’s opinion, perform basic calculations, use digital tools for searching and processing information, and collaborate effectively in a group. English language proficiency at a level sufficient to use study materials and professional information sources is recommended.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Explains the fundamental concepts, principles, roles, and stages of the project life cycle
Individual work and tests
Test • Independent Study of Course Materials and Professional Literature • Examination • Preparation of Group Presentations • Independent Preparation for Assessments
2.Explains the basic principles of project implementation monitoring, control, change management, quality assurance, and project closure
Individual work and tests
Independent Preparation for Assessments • Evaluation of Project Results and Lessons Learned • Examination • Practical Project Implementation and Documentation • Independent Study of Course Materials and Professional Literature • Development of Project Proposal
Skills
1.Formulates the project problem, objectives, expected results, scope, and success criteria
Individual work and tests
Development of Project Proposal • Project Idea and Problem Analysis • Test • Examination • Development of the Project Plan • Independent Preparation for Assessments
2.Analyses the project environment, stakeholders, alternatives, and risks, and justifies the selected project solution
Individual work and tests
Independent Preparation for Assessments • Development of Project Proposal • Evaluation of Project Results and Lessons Learned • Preparation of Group Presentations • Development of the Project Plan • Examination • Test • Independent Study of Course Materials and Professional Literature • Project Idea and Problem Analysis
3.Develops and submits an integrated project plan within the specified deadline, including activities, schedule, resources, budget, allocation of responsibilities, communication, and risk management measures
Individual work and tests
Development of the Project Plan • Development of Project Proposal • Practical Project Implementation and Documentation • Examination
4.Applies appropriate methods to assess the financial and non-financial viability of the project, its feasibility, and expected benefits
Individual work and tests
Examination • Practical Project Implementation and Documentation • Development of Project Proposal • Development of the Project Plan • Independent Study of Course Materials and Professional Literature • Project Idea and Problem Analysis • Test • Evaluation of Project Results and Lessons Learned • Preparation of Group Presentations • Independent Preparation for Assessments
Competences
1.Works effectively as part of a project team and, using evidence and professional communication, presents and defends project-related decisions within the specified deadline
Individual work and tests
Preparation of Group Presentations • Development of Project Proposal • Evaluation of Project Results and Lessons Learned • Practical Project Implementation and Documentation
2.Independently identifies, evaluates, and uses appropriate professional and academic information to support project management decisions
Individual work and tests
Examination • Practical Project Implementation and Documentation • Development of the Project Plan • Development of Project Proposal • Project Idea and Problem Analysis • Independent Study of Course Materials and Professional Literature • Preparation of Group Presentations • Evaluation of Project Results and Lessons Learned • Independent Preparation for Assessments
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Independent Study of Course Materials and Professional Literature |
-
|
-
|
|
The student independently studies the course materials and professional and academic literature indicated by the lecturer, explores project management concepts, principles, methods, and tools, and prepares to apply them during classes and assessments |
||
|
2.
Project Idea and Problem Analysis |
-
|
-
|
|
Individually and in a group, the student collects and analyses information about the selected project problem or need, identifies its causes, stakeholders, possible solutions, and data and information sources supporting the need for the project |
||
|
3.
Development of the Project Plan |
-
|
-
|
|
Working independently within a group, the student develops an integrated project plan by defining the project objective, results, scope, and success criteria and preparing the activity schedule, resource and budget plan, allocation of responsibilities, communication plan, and risk management measures |
||
|
4.
Practical Project Implementation and Documentation |
-
|
-
|
|
Working in a group, the student implements the developed project or a substantively justified and practically feasible part of it, performs assigned tasks, documents project implementation, monitors deadlines, resources, and achieved results, identifies deviations, and, where necessary, proposes and implements justified changes |
||
|
5.
Evaluation of Project Results and Lessons Learned |
-
|
-
|
|
Following project implementation, the student analyses the achieved results within the group, compares them with the planned results and success criteria, evaluates deviations and their causes, identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the project, and formulates lessons learned and proposals for future action |
||
|
6.
Preparation of Group Presentations |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Working in a group, the student independently explores the assigned project management topic, selects and evaluates relevant professional and academic information, and prepares a structured presentation linking theoretical concepts and project management tools to the project |
||
|
7.
Independent Preparation for Assessments |
-
|
-
|
|
The student independently reviews the concepts, principles, methods, and tools covered in the course, analyses examples, and completes self-assessment tasks in preparation for the test and examination |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
An individual assessment covering the project management concepts, principles, methods, and tools addressed in the first part of the course. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and true/false statements. Some questions may have more than one correct answer. The assessment is based on the proportion of correct answers out of the maximum possible score. For questions with multiple correct answers, an answer is considered correct only if all correct options and no incorrect options are selected |
||
|
2.
Development of Project Proposal |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Working in groups, students identify a specific problem or need, develop a project proposal, and plan. The work includes planning activities, deadlines, resources, budget, allocation of responsibilities, communication, and risk management |
||
|
3.
Examination |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
An individual final assessment covering the entire course content. The examination consists of multiple-choice questions and true/false statements. Some questions may have more than one correct answer. The assessment is based on the proportion of correct answers out of the maximum possible score. For questions with multiple correct answers, an answer is considered correct only if all correct options and no incorrect options are selected |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to Project Management
Description
Characteristics and key features of a project. Differences between projects and an organisation’s operational activities. Programmes and project portfolios. The role of the project manager |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Life Cycle and Project Management Approaches
Description
The project life cycle and its main stages. Traditional, agile, and hybrid project management approaches, their key principles and application |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Problem, Need and Objectives
Description
Analysis of the project problem and justification of the project need. Formulation of project objectives, results, and benefits. The SMART principle and logical relationships between the project problem, objectives, activities, and results |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Life Cycle and Project Management Approaches
Description
The project life cycle and its main stages. Traditional, agile, and hybrid project management approaches, their key principles and application |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Problem, Need and Objectives
Description
Analysis of the project problem and justification of the project need. Formulation of project objectives, results, and benefits. The SMART principle and logical relationships between the project problem, objectives, activities, and results |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Environment and Stakeholders
Description
The internal and external project environment. Identification of stakeholders. Assessment of their interests, influence, and need for engagement |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Problem, Need and Objectives
Description
Analysis of the project problem and justification of the project need. Formulation of project objectives, results, and benefits. The SMART principle and logical relationships between the project problem, objectives, activities, and results |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Alternatives and Feasibility
Description
Identification and comparison of project alternatives. Financial and non-financial viability of the project. Costs, benefits, feasibility, and justification of the selected solution |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Environment and Stakeholders
Description
The internal and external project environment. Identification of stakeholders. Assessment of their interests, influence, and need for engagement |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Alternatives and Feasibility
Description
Identification and comparison of project alternatives. Financial and non-financial viability of the project. Costs, benefits, feasibility, and justification of the selected solution |
|
Project Scope, Deliverables and Work Breakdown Structure
Description
Definition of project requirements and scope. Deliverables. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Project success criteria |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Activity, Schedule and Resource Planning
Description
Identification and sequencing of project activities. Deadlines and dependencies. Gantt chart and milestones. Planning of human and material resources |
|
Project Costs and Budget
Description
Identification and estimation of project costs. Basic principles of project budgeting. Linking costs and resources to project activities |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Risk Management
Description
Identification of project risks. Assessment of risk probability and impact. Risk register. Risk avoidance, mitigation, and response measures |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Organisation, Team, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
Description
Roles and responsibilities of project participants. Basic principles of the RACI matrix. Team collaboration. Project communication planning. Stakeholder engagement and professional communication |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Implementation, Monitoring, Quality and Closure
Description
Basic principles of project implementation and progress monitoring. Schedule and cost control. Deviations and change management. Evaluation of project quality and success. Project closure and lessons learned |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Proposal Presentations and Discussions
Description
Students present their developed project proposals in a structured manner, justify the selected solutions, methods used, and key project planning decisions. The presentations are followed by discussions, questions, and feedback on the justification, feasibility, and potential improvement of the project proposals |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Proposal Presentations and Discussions
Description
Students present their developed project proposals in a structured manner, justify the selected solutions, methods used, and key project planning decisions. The presentations are followed by discussions, questions, and feedback on the justification, feasibility, and potential improvement of the project proposals |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to Project Management
Description
Characteristics and key features of a project. Differences between projects and an organisation’s operational activities. Programmes and project portfolios. The role of the project manager |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to Project Management
Description
Characteristics and key features of a project. Differences between projects and an organisation’s operational activities. Programmes and project portfolios. The role of the project manager |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Life Cycle and Project Management Approaches
Description
The project life cycle and its main stages. Traditional, agile, and hybrid project management approaches, their key principles and application |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Problem, Need and Objectives
Description
Analysis of the project problem and justification of the project need. Formulation of project objectives, results, and benefits. The SMART principle and logical relationships between the project problem, objectives, activities, and results |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Problem, Need and Objectives
Description
Analysis of the project problem and justification of the project need. Formulation of project objectives, results, and benefits. The SMART principle and logical relationships between the project problem, objectives, activities, and results |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Problem, Need and Objectives
Description
Analysis of the project problem and justification of the project need. Formulation of project objectives, results, and benefits. The SMART principle and logical relationships between the project problem, objectives, activities, and results |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Environment and Stakeholders
Description
The internal and external project environment. Identification of stakeholders. Assessment of their interests, influence, and need for engagement |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Project Alternatives and Feasibility
Description
Identification and comparison of project alternatives. Financial and non-financial viability of the project. Costs, benefits, feasibility, and justification of the selected solution |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Project Management Institute. (2025). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) - Eighth Edition and The Standard for Project Management
2.
Project Management Institute & Agile Alliance. (2026). Agile Practice Guide. Second Edition. Project Management Institute
3.
Dienas Bizness HUB. Projektu vadīšanas rokasgrāmata
Additional Reading
1.
International Organization for Standardization. (2020). ISO 21502:2020 Project, programme and portfolio management - Guidance on project management. Geneva: ISO
2.
Latvijas Nacionālās projektu vadīšanas asociācijas vlogs