Master of Project Management*

Description 
This course introduces the foundational concepts of project management, covering its history, evolution, and key standards such as PMBOK and the ISO 21500 series. Students will explore various project management methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid approaches, and gain an understanding of project and product lifecycles. Emphasis is placed on effective stakeholder engagement, detailing methods for identifying, analysing, and managing stakeholders across government, private organisations, and non-profits. The course highlights culturally appropriate engagement, particularly with Māori and Pacific communities, incorporating values and guidelines for effective collaboration with iwi. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with advanced project management skills, ethical and professional responsibility, and the ability to engage stakeholders effectively, making them valuable assets in any work environment.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Critically evaluate the history and evolution of project management, including the development and application of key standards such as PMBOK and ISO 21500 series.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of different project management methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid approaches, in various project contexts.
3. Apply culturally appropriate stakeholder engagement strategies by incorporating Māori and Pacific knowledge and values.
4. Apply culturally appropriate stakeholder engagement strategies by incorporating Māori and Pacific knowledge and values.
5. Develop advanced strategies for identifying and analysing stakeholders, ensuring comprehensive stakeholder management across diverse project environments. 

Description 
The Leadership and Team Development course prepares students to lead high-performing, diverse teams by exploring advanced leadership theories, styles, and motivation techniques. It emphasises strategies for working with teams that are diverse in culture, gender, neurodiversity, and more, recognising and valuing the unique strengths each member brings. Students will develop skills in team-building, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, with a strong focus on inclusivity. Additionally, the course incorporates Māori and Pacific perspectives on leadership and team development, fostering cultural competency essential for New Zealand’s diverse work environments.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Critically evaluate and apply Māori and Pacific perspectives on leadership and team development to demonstrate cultural competency and effective team leadership in New Zealand’s workplaces.
2. Critically evaluate advanced leadership theories and styles.
3. Develop strategies for motivating and leading high-performance teams, including those that are diverse in culture, gender, and neurodiversity.
4. Develop and apply advanced team development skills, including emotional intelligence and conflict resolution techniques, to foster effective and inclusive team dynamics.

Description
The course provides students with comprehensive skills in defining project scope, creating detailed work breakdown structures, and assigning responsibilities. Students learn advanced estimation and scheduling techniques, including practical use of software tools to develop accurate project plans. The course also covers resource, procurement and quality management planning. Detailed risk management planning is addressed to ensure project success and alignment with stakeholder expectations. Through hands-on exercises and real-world applications, students are prepared to manage complex projects effectively in any industry.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Critically evaluate and develop comprehensive project scope statements, work breakdown structures (WBS), WBS dictionaries and responsibility allocation matrices to ensure clear project deliverables and responsibilities.
2. Critically evaluate and apply advanced project scheduling techniques and cost estimation methods, ensuring accurate and realistic project timelines and budgets.
3. Implement software tools for project scheduling and cost estimation to enhance project planning accuracy and efficiency.
4. Develop comprehensive resource, procurement, and quality management plans to ensure the availability and management of necessary project resources while maintaining project standards and stakeholder satisfaction.
5. Design risk management plans in alignment with ISO 31000 standards to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks effectively.

Description
This course equips students with advanced skills for effectively managing project execution and closeout. It covers resource and communication monitoring, risk management, and performance control to ensure projects stay on track. Students will learn earned value management for progress assessment and strategies for clear reporting to stakeholders. The course also focuses on project knowledge management, capturing lessons learned, and promoting organisational learning to enhance future projects.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Develop and implement advanced strategies for monitoring and controlling project resources, communications, performance, risks, opportunities, and quality to ensure project objectives are met.
2. Apply various project management techniques to assess project progress.
3. Develop effective communication strategies for reporting performance to stakeholders.
4. Design and execute comprehensive project knowledge management processes, including capturing lessons learned, promoting continuous improvement, and managing administrative closure and project handover.

Description
This course focuses on developing critical and systems thinking skills alongside understanding AI and digital ethics. Students will explore core principles, techniques, and applications of critical and systems thinking to enhance decision-making and problem-solving in complex project environments. They will also examine the ethical implications of AI in project management, learning to use AI responsibly and effectively. Practical exercises in prompt development for AI tools will prepare students to leverage AI with clarity, accountability, and ethical integrity.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Critically evaluate and apply core principles and techniques of critical thinking to enhance decision-making and problem-solving in complex project environments.
2. Utilise tools and techniques for defining problems and applying critical thinking methodologies effectively.
3. Analyse and apply core principles and methodologies of systems thinking to understand and address complex project challenges.
4. Implement tools and techniques for systems thinking to develop comprehensive solutions in project management.
5. Examine the ethical implications of AI in project management and develop strategies for the responsible use of AI.
6. Develop and refine prompts for AI tools to ensure clarity, accountability, and ethical responsibility in their application. 

Description
This course equips learners with highly specialised and advanced knowledge of strategic project management, with a critical focus on aligning projects with organisational goals and enterprise value creation. Students will critically evaluate and independently apply advanced portfolio and programme management frameworks to assess organisational project maturity and design governance systems such as Project Management Offices (PMOs), that enable enterprise-wide delivery. Learners will demonstrate mastery of financial principles, including revenue and margin recognition, financial forecasting, and performance measurement, and applying these within strategic decision-making contexts. Emphasis is placed on the development of robust, evidence-based business cases, benefits realisation plans, and project charters that reflect both organisational strategy and stakeholder expectations. Through independent inquiry and critical engagement with complex, real-world scenarios, students will lead the strategic design and oversight of project initiatives, demonstrating autonomy, ethical reasoning, and reflective practice. Learners will be expected to exercise leadership within their professional domain, applying strategic tools and frameworks to deliver sustainable and measurable organisational value.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Critically evaluate and implement strategies for aligning projects with organisational objectives through portfolio and programme management, the establishment of PMOs, and the application of project maturity models, including considerations for sustainability and the triple bottom line.
2. Develop financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, and evaluate financial performance using profitability, liquidity, and efficiency ratios.
3. Conduct cost-benefit analyses for technology investments and understand the implications of financial decisions on projects, including the integration of ESG criteria and the distinction between operational and capital expenditure.
4. Formulate comprehensive benefits management plans, develop robust business cases and project charters, and establish clear success and acceptance criteria to ensure project alignment with organisational goals.
5. Implement effective project governance practices within the context of the organisation to support project success.

Description
This course provides learners with highly specialised knowledge and advanced capabilities in strategic procurement and contract management within complex project environments. Students will critically evaluate and select appropriate contract types, manage solicitation processes, and conduct bid evaluations with an emphasis on fostering strong supplier relationships, including those governed by New Zealand-specific legislation and contracting practices. The course explores advanced contract administration techniques to ensure legal compliance and ethical integrity, while managing risk and liability on both local and global scales. Students will independently apply innovative approaches and emerging technologies to enhance procurement systems and improve commercial outcomes. Through the critical application of negotiation theory and practice, learners will develop and implement advanced negotiation strategies, along with effective conflict resolution and dispute management techniques. Students will demonstrate leadership in complex decision-making situations, contributing to the design and governance of procurement strategies that align with organisational and stakeholder priorities. Ethical, sustainable, and evidence-based practice underpins all learning in this course.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Critically evaluate and select appropriate contract types, manage solicitation processes, and conduct bid evaluations to foster strong supplier relationships, with a focus on NZ-specific contracts.
2. Develop and implement effective contract administration practices to ensure compliance, manage legal and ethical risks and liabilities on a global scale, and integrate technology and innovation to improve procurement processes.
3. Formulate and apply advanced negotiation techniques and strategies, and develop effective conflict resolution and dispute management skills to address challenges in contract and procurement management.

Description
Towards the end of their MPM, learners can choose an elective course — full options will be confirmed with enrolled learners. 

As part of your Master of Project Management (MPM), you’ll complete a capstone project. There are two pathways available: work-based or research-based. Your choice of preparatory course will depend on which capstone project you intend to complete. If you want to apply for a PhD after your MPM, you must take the research-based pathway. 

Option 1: Practical Inquiry (PMGT608) - recommended if you plan to complete the Work-based Capstone Project (PMGT679)

This course focuses on developing advanced inquiry skills for evidence-based decision-making. Students will learn to create comprehensive inquiry plans, handle data ethically, and critically reflect on their inquiry processes. The course covers both quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, equipping students with the skills to apply these techniques to real-world project scenarios. Through practical exercises and case studies, students will integrate inquiry findings into strategic project decisions, ensuring alignment with ethical standards and project goals.

On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Formulate research questions and objectives that align with project management challenges, incorporating various research philosophies and paradigms, including cultural perspectives.
2. Design research methodologies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, addressing sampling, research quality, and ethical considerations.
3. Identify key topics, establish inclusion/exclusion criteria, and effectively use databases to organise and analyse literature.
4. Evaluate recurring themes and critically evaluate sources for credibility, relevance, and biases, integrating diverse sources to develop a coherent narrative.
5. Apply quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, manage and organise data using analysis tools, and produce comprehensive research reports.
6. Apply effective communication strategies to present complex findings to diverse audiences, deliver impactful presentations, manage Q&A sessions, and connect research findings to project management challenges.

Option 2: Research Methods (PMGT609) - required if you plan to complete the Research-based Capstone Project (PMGT680). 

This course is designed to equip students with the advanced research skills necessary to address significant issues within the New Zealand project management industry. Through a focus on global, Māori and Pacific perspectives, students will learn to identify, evaluate, and synthesise relevant academic and industry literature, providing a robust foundation for their research. Emphasis is placed on developing and applying appropriate research methodologies that incorporate Māori cultural contexts, ensuring cultural sensitivity in data gathering and analysis. Students will engage with Māori stakeholders where relevant and develop innovative strategies that demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course also prepares students to effectively communicate their findings through both written reports and oral presentations, while upholding ethical principles in research, with particular attention to Māori ethical considerations such as informed consent and the protection of Māori knowledge.

On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Identify, evaluate, and synthesise relevant academic and industry literature to establish a foundation for their research, including cultural perspectives.
2. Develop and apply appropriate research methodologies to investigate significant issues in the New Zealand project management industry, with consideration for Māori and Pacific cultural contexts.
3. Gather data from industry professionals using various qualitative and/or quantitative techniques, incorporating Māori and Pacific stakeholders and cultural considerations where appropriate, and analyse the data to draw meaningful conclusions.
4. Formulate and propose innovative strategies to address the identified issues, demonstrating advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
5. Present research findings effectively through written reports and oral presentations, showcasing their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
6. Apply ethical principles in conducting research, ensuring integrity and respect for participants and data, with particular emphasis on Māori ethical considerations such as informed consent and the protection of Māori knowledge.

As part of your Master of Project Management (MPM), you’ll complete a capstone project. There are two pathways available: work-based or research-based. If you want to apply for a PhD after your MPM, you must take the research-based pathway. 

Option 1: Work-based Capstone Project (PMGT679)
In this course, students undertake an applied project to demonstrate mastery in project management. Projects may focus on areas such as stakeholder engagement, sustainability and strategic alignment, agile delivery, technology integration, risk management, or performance measurement. Students will apply advanced project management principles to solve real-world problems, with a focus on contemporary challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. The project provides an opportunity to integrate knowledge gained throughout the programme and develop professional capabilities through reflective practice, collaboration, and critical analysis.

On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Formulate research questions and objectives that align with project management challenges, incorporating various research philosophies and paradigms, including Māori and Pacific cultural perspectives.
2. Design research methodologies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, addressing sampling, research quality, and ethical considerations.
3. Identify key topics, establish inclusion/exclusion criteria, and effectively use databases to organise and analyse literature.
4. Highlight recurring themes and critically evaluate sources for credibility, relevance, and biases, integrating diverse sources to develop a coherent narrative.
5. Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis, organise and manage data using analysis tools, and write comprehensive research reports.
6. Communicate complex findings to different audiences, prepare effective presentations, handle Q&A sessions, and link research findings to project management challenges.

Option 2: Research-based Capstone Project (PMGT680)
This course is designed to equip students with the advanced research skills necessary to address significant issues within the New Zealand project management industry. Through a focus on global, Māori and Pacific perspectives, students will learn to identify, evaluate, and synthesise relevant academic and industry literature, providing a robust foundation for their research. Emphasis is placed on developing and applying appropriate research methodologies that incorporate Māori cultural contexts, ensuring cultural sensitivity in data gathering and analysis. Students will engage with Māori stakeholders where relevant and develop innovative strategies that demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course also prepares students to effectively communicate their findings through both written reports and oral presentations, while upholding ethical principles in research, with particular attention to Māori ethical considerations such as informed consent and the protection of Māori knowledge.

On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Identify, evaluate, and synthesise relevant academic and industry literature to establish a foundation for their research, including cultural perspectives.
2. Develop and apply appropriate research methodologies to investigate significant issues in the New Zealand project management industry, with consideration for Māori and Pacific cultural contexts.
3. Gather data from industry professionals using various qualitative and/or quantitative techniques, incorporating Māori and Pacific stakeholders and cultural considerations where appropriate, and analyse the data to draw meaningful conclusions.
4. Formulate and propose innovative strategies to address the identified issues, demonstrating advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
5. Present research findings effectively through written reports and oral presentations, showcasing their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
6. Apply ethical principles in conducting research, ensuring integrity and respect for participants and data, with particular emphasis on Māori ethical considerations such as informed consent and the protection of Māori knowledge.