Professional Skills
Managing complexity: a toolkit approach
On this page
Do you have to plan and manage small but tricky projects? This course is based on a toolkit, derived from working with the public and private sectors in the UK, specifically intended to help managers manage – rather than use over-proceduralised project approaches or just ‘muddling along’.
The jargon-free course takes you step-by-step from project outline through project proposal to monitoring and evaluating the project when it’s running. Logical Frameworks, the tried and tested method applied has a successful track record.
The approach includes user friendly risk analysis, stakeholder analysis, problem description and project measurement at impact level.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | GT045 |
| Credit points | This is a non-credit bearing course. |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
What you will study
The course provides those engaged with all forms of project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation with a means to scope new projects, allowing them to consider:
- the complexities of the context in which they are working
- wide-ranging but vital social, technical and economic factors
- alternative strategies and action plans.
Following this, they will be able to apply a planning matrix designed to enable them to consider:
- the hierarchical ‘story’ of a project as a logical response to an identified need
- risks and assumptions in the project context
- means for the project to be assessable and be seen as delivering value for money.
You will learn
Participants will learn to use project scoping and Logical Framework Analysis in an area of their own selection, allowing them to map out a short-hand overview of the key components of the project in a concise and open manner.
When completed, participants will be able to:
- engage collaboratively in problem- and opportunity-identification
- think around problem contexts
- identify alternatives to a given course of action
- analyse risks and potential threats
- prepare activity plans
- relate the chosen activity to the context as first understood
- engage in opportunity planning
- plan and monitor activity for complex problem contexts
- develop contingency plans for change contexts
- implement activity plans
- monitor and evaluate project outcomes in terms of performance, impact, sustainability and strategic delivery.
Further, the course will provide participants with a hands-on understanding and appreciation of systems concepts and will act as an introduction to other potentially useful tools and techniques.
The strong link between course learning and your work practice creates relevant, enduring and transferable outcomes. The course will take 30 hours to study and includes Web text, interviews, self-assessment questions and activities. The course contains a series of bite-size chunks, each devoted to both technical and managerial topics. Register online today and start tomorrow – no need to wait!
The course features the distinctive strengths of The Open University (OU) from its years of expertise in work-based learning:
- The convenience of accessing its clearly presented and sequenced materials, activities and support whenever suits you and wherever you have access to the dedicated website – if you prefer, you can print key materials to work on them offline.
- The support of an expert learning adviser who can clarify study materials, answer questions and help you relate the course to your specific needs.
- A work-based activity helping you to connect the course to your individual and organisational context and needs. This is built up from short activities during the course, leading to a Project Initiation Document. At the end of the course you send this to the learning adviser, who provides personal feedback.
- Certification of completion from the OU for those who complete the course. You can use this to demonstrate your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity to your employer and/or professional body. (N.B. The course does not carry academic credit points.)
Entry
Although there are no formal academic requirements to study any of our CPD courses, you are expected to have some experience in the field and the course assumes a familiarity with the subject.
For each course you can register and begin at any time during the life of the course. You can study at your own pace and submit your work-based activity at any date before the final submission date for the course. Information about the final submission date is available when you register for the course.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The study materials are delivered online. Learners who use screen readers or who cannot use a mouse will not be able to access some materials or some activities without assistance. Written transcripts of the audio interviews are available on the website. If you are a new learner with the OU, make sure that you have our publication Meeting Your Needs.
Study materials
What's included
All learning materials, exercises, study support and the work-based activity are delivered entirely online.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Learner support
Expert, confidential learner support is available when you need it from a learning adviser, who will respond to you direct within 24 hours. Other support is available via the GT045 forum, library, StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.
Work-based activity
The work-based activity for this course is a written report and has been designed as an integrated ongoing activity that you submit at the end of your study. It will allow you to reflect on your learning and how to use it in your professional work.
Professional recognition
Successful completion of the course enables us to recognise your achievement of the course learning by issuing an OU certificate that you can use to document your commitment to continuing professional development in your personal portfolio, or to provide evidence to employers or professional body.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | GT045 |
| Credit points | This is a non-credit bearing course. |
Study explained
- Special fee arrangements
- - the OU has relationships with many professional bodies, and as part of those relationships members may be entitled to special fee arrangements.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Your questions
We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.
Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
Browse the prospectus
Get a prospectus
Download ororder
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.