The Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management gives a unique opportunity that combine a broad knowledge of business, spatial, societal and management principles with a specific knowledge of successful project-based strategies. This degree is designed to deepen critical understanding of the strategies, processes, techniques and issues involved in taking ideas for development and turning them into practical realities with identifiable outcomes and benefits. It will provide students with knowledge and skills for successful project design, implementation and management. It will provide students with the knowledge base on which to develop their professional skills and recognition in the field of project planning and management. The focus of the course is on development projects in the public, private and community sectors. The underlying principles are applicable to all types of project, including those for social and commercial benefit. Those with a broad range of professional responsibilities will benefit from this programme through detailed training on project’s conception, planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and implementation.

Strategic Objective of the Programme

The strategic objective of the programme is  minimize chaos and barriers in the planning and implementation of projects to ensure that the outcome conforms to the goals of any project. 

 The Philosophy

The philosophy behind Project Planning and Management is the reduction of barriers that can develop within the project so that the implementers and beneficiaries achieve maximum benefits with minimal costs within the set time frame. The global trend toward promptness with emerging logistical complexities increases demand for skilled project planners and managers. The other change in project planning and Management Philosophy is that projects are no longer seen as standalone entities to deliver standalone products or services, but rather are parts of a larger whole or system fulfilling a clearly defined role, using clearly defined methodologies and governance structures.  This calls for well trained and skilled project managers that can apply a multidisciplinary approach to development. The Masters of Arts in Project Planning and Management is an interdisciplinary graduate program that uses problem-based learning to provide a thorough understanding of all aspects of Project planning and management both in theory and practice. 

Consistent with Maseno University’s vision to be a centre of excellence in training, research and development, the Department strives to engender into its students the awareness (through its curriculum) of sustainable management, as the philosophy of management of development interventions, environment, and services to comply with the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability. 

 Goal of the Programme 

Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management programme is designed to build the competencies of senior and middle level managers in the efficient and effective use of scarce resources for the success of the projects.

The programme prepares students to engage in interrelated skills and competencies in project planning and management of a wide array of development projects and programs. Upon completion of the programme, the students should be able to understand and examine critically: the discipline of project and programme management, within an overall Appreciation of the nature and purpose of projects; the principles and practice of project planning, design, preparation, and Appraisal techniques for projects in a development context; the theory and practice of management skills for project and programme management, focusing particularly on theoretical and practical skills for successful project implementation.The goal of the program is to make students familiar with and curious monitoring and evaluation of development interventions across all spatial scales through historical, critical reflection, technical, design and social dimensions. 

Further, the program will aim to:

• Equip students with a firm theoretical background and practical skills in monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes at different operational levels. 
• Train students on the principles, concepts and theories of monitoring and evaluation
• Enlighten students on different methods of systematic enquiry applicable to formulate and answer monitoring and evaluation questions in programmes
• Train students on the different types and methods of monitoring and evaluation
• Prepare students to undertake research and postgraduate studies

 

Programme Courses

Coursework, Examination and Thesis

Semester I

 

Semester II

 

Semester III

 

Semester IV

 

Coursework, Examination, and Project

Semester I

Semester II

Semester III

 

Semester IV

 

C – Core

R – Required

E – Elective

 

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS

Admission Requirements for the Proposed Programme

To qualify for admission to the Master of Arts in Project planning and management, applicants should have  at least

 The minimum admission requirements for Maseno University shall apply;

1. In addition, the candidate must have at least an upper second class honours degree of Maseno University or any other recognized university 
2. Holders of Lower second class honors degree of Maseno University or any other recognized university with evidence of extensive research experience as demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.
3. Holders of Pass degree and a post graduate diploma of Maseno University or any other recognized university 

 

            Duration of program 

1. The curriculum for the degree program shall normally be two academic years 
2. Each academic year shall normally be divided into two semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each. The fifteen weeks shall be divided into one (1) week for preparation, twelve (12) weeks of teaching, and two (2) weeks of examination. 

 

Course structure

1. The curriculum shall consist of an approved scheme of study
2. A candidate for the degree shall satisfactorily complete such studio work, coursework, continuous assessment tests, and practical assignment as may be prescribed for the scheme of study. Satisfactory completion of such requirements shall be a condition for admission to the examinations at the end of the respective semester of study.
3. A candidate for the degree shall be required to attend not less than two-thirds of the total lecture hours of all prescribed courses and this will be pegged on punctuality and attainment of the academic quarter. The fulfillment of the requirement shall be a condition for admission to the examinations at the end of each respective semester of study.

DETAILED COURSE STRUCTURE

The course outline is structured within a Two Year time frame that encompasses.

1. Core, Required and Elective Courses
2. Students will take units from School of Planning and Architecture plus any other approved University units.
3. Thesis/Project is compulsory for all students 

The programme shall consist of two stream options; Coursework, examination and thesis or Coursework, examination and project. The programme shall consist of units which shall be distributed over four semesters as follows;