ME2018 Leading Temporary Organizations and Projects 6.0 credits

The course is focused on organisation and leadership issues in a variety of temporary organizations. Leadership in inter-organizational projects, transnational projects, strategic alliances and entrepreneurial/intra-preneurial ventures are discussed by means of contemporary research perspectives such as project psychology, critical management theories and the sociology of ‘the temporary society’. Project management and multi-project management are also re-visited from these perspectives. Included is also a module where the organizing of temporary operations facilities in the construction sector is discussed with reference to the ‘temporarization’ of the economy. The course prepares for managerial duties in projects including Human Resource Management responsibilities. Leading researchers and practitioners participate as teachers and guest teachers.

The aim of the course is to develop advanced in-depth knowledge on leading different forms of temporary organizations, departing from several contemporary perspectives in operations management and project management research. After passing the course, the student shall be able to analyse and handle managerial problems in several types of temporary organizations. In detail, this means that the student shall be able to:

• Describe the connections, similarities and differences between project management and general operations management.
• Describe, analyse and solve managerial problems in different forms of dispersed and/or network-based projects
• Use bibliographical databases for continuous learning and development within the fields of project management and operations management.
• Apply contemporary research perspectives for the practical solving of managerial problems in project-based operations.

Basic course in industrial management, 6,0 hp och a basic course in project management or production, 5,0 hp. Documented proficiency in English B or equivalent.

Will be presented at course start.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• SEM1 - Seminar, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Comprehensive written exam, written assignments and active participation in seminars.

Johann Packendorff

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Established Spring 2007 

Replaces 4D1404 and ME2406