Planning

Introduction to IT Projects and Priorities

6h 30min

Basic concepts, features, and characteristics of IT projects, including lifecycle and phases. Introduction to priorities for the projects.

Plan competence development to support IT project management in the context of EU funds and programs. (10%)
Analyze the basic features of IT projects. (40%)
Analyze project success criteria and the importance of making valid and timely decisions in project cycle phases. (10%)

Understanding IT Projects

Introduction to the basic features of IT projects, focusing on essential components and lifecycle stages.

Acquisition

1 Lecture on IT Project Fundamentals

An instructor-led lecture covering the key concepts of IT projects, including basic definitions and specifities of IT projects.

45 min

Discussion

2 Group Discussion on IT Project Examples

Students will discuss various examples of IT projects in small groups, identifying the core components and challenges of each example.

15 min

Acquisition

3 Similarities and differences between IT projects and EU funded projects

Teacher will inform students about basic concepts of EU funded projects to provide a big picture on the entire course content.

20 min

Acquisition

4 Project Manager Profession

Teacher will inform students about the PM proffession and competences needed by project managers.

20 min

Discussion

5 Discussion on latest trends in IT project management

Teacher will present some of the latest research in IT project management and encourage a discussion with students.

20 min

Investigation

6 Independent learning

Students use the material and links in Moodle for further investigation and independent learning.

2h 0min

Seminar - creating a project charter

Students forms teams and develop the initial idea in a form of project charter.

Investigation

1 Analysis of IT projects financed from EU funds

Students search and analyse IT projects financed from EU funds, from Erasmus+ and Horizon project databases, prior to lecture.

60 min

Discussion

2 Presentation and discussion on project ideas

Students presents and discuss about the type of IT projects that can be financed from EU funds.

15 min

Practice

3 Competency-Based Grouping Activity

Students are divided into teams of 4 based on their competency assessment - it is important to cover students with different background (knowledge about project management, developer, specific knowledge in the field...).

Another important aspect is student interest for certain horizontal priority!

15 min

Practice

4 Project ideas brainstorming sprint

Plan for brainstorming session (generated with ChatGPT):

- Phase 1: Research (5 minutes): Each team reviews a list of EU funding priorities (e.g., digital transformation, sustainability, or social inclusion). Briefly discuss the goals.
- Phase 2: Idea Generation (15 minutes): Teams brainstorm IT project ideas, ensuring they align with at least one EU funding priority. Choose the top 1-2 ideas.
- Phase 3: Project Brief (10 minutes): Teams outline the chosen project idea, specifying:
  - Project Title
  - Target Problem/Need
  - Target Group/Users
  - Expected Impact
  - Alignment with EU Priorities
Outcome: Each group presents their project idea briefly (2 minutes per team) at the end, focusing on its potential impact and alignment with EU funds.

30 min

Practice

5 Project canvas

Based on the idea, students create project canvas, including:

Project Name & Description: Short summary of the project idea.
Stakeholders: Key individuals or organizations involved or impacted.
Objectives & Goals: Main outcomes and objectives of the project.
Value Proposition: The unique value the project delivers.
Key Activities: Critical actions or steps needed to achieve objectives.
Resources: Key resources (e.g., people, tools, finances).
Timeline & Milestones: Major phases and milestones.
Risks & Assumptions: Potential risks and assumptions.
Budget: High-level budget estimate.
Success Metrics: Criteria to measure project success.

30 min

Project Cycle Management in IT v.2.

Introduction to IT Projects and Priorities

6h 30min

Topic learning outcomes