Doctor of Philosophy in Spatial Planning

Doctor of Philosophy in Spatial Planning

 

The Programme

Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management

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.

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. 

More About Us

 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

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. 

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 
  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;

Coursework, Examination and Thesis 

First Semester

Coursework 

5 Units

Second Semester

Course work

Research proposal
  1. units

3  unit

Third Semester

Research

  

3 units

Fourth semester

Thesis Submission 

Coursework, Examination and Project

First Semester

Coursework

5 Units

Second Semester

Course work

Research Proposal 

4 units

1 unit

Third Semester

Course work

4 units

Fourth semester

Research Project Submission

1 unit

 
  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. 

 

Programme Courses

Coursework, Examination and Thesis

Semester I

COURSE CODE                                                           

TITLE

UNITS

PME 811

Introduction to Project management Cycle

1E

PPM 812

Quantitative Techniques

1C

PPM 813

Planning Theory

1C

PPM 814

Research Methodology

1C

PPM 815

Project Implementation

1C

PPM 816

Rural Development and Project Management

1E

 

Semester II

COURSE CODE 

TITLE

UNITS

PPM 821             

Planning Principles and Techniques                        

1C

PPM 822

Management Techniques

1C

PPM 823

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

1C

PPM 824

Project Finance

1C

PPM 825

Urban Development and Project Management

1E

PME 822

Techniques and Tools of M &E

1E

PPM 899

Research Proposal

1C

 

Semester III

COURSE CODE

TITLE

UNITS

PPM 899

Research 

3C

 

Semester IV

COURSE CODE

TITLE

UNITS

PPM 899

Research/Thesis Submission

3C

 

Coursework, Examination, and Project

Semester I

COURSE CODE                                                           

TITLE

UNITS

PME 811

Introduction to Project management Cycle

1E

PPM 812

Quantitative Techniques

1C

PPM 813

Planning Theory

1C

PPM 814

Research Methodology

1C

PPM 815

Project Implementation

1C

PPM 816

Rural Development and Project Management

1E



Semester II

UNIT CODE

TITLE

UNITS

PPM 821             

Planning Principles and Techniques                        

1C

PPM 822

Management Techniques

1C

PPM 823

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

1C

PPM 824

Project Finance

1C

PPM 825

Urban Development and Project Management

1E

PME 822

Techniques and Tools of M &E

1E

PPM 899

Research Proposal

1C



Semester III

UNIT CODE

TITLE

UNITS

PPM 831

Participatory Learning and Action

1E

PPM 832

Planning and Environmental Law

1E

PPM 833

Geographic Information Systems

1E

PPM 834

Report Writing and Presentation Techniques

1E

PPM 835

Economics for Project Planning and Management

1E

PPM 836

Sociology for Project Planning and Management

1E

PME 832

Impact Assessment

1E

PPM 899

Research Proposal

1C

 

Semester IV

UNIT CODE

TITLE

UNITS

PPM 899

Research/Project Submission

3C

 

C – Core

R – Required

E – Elective